GOC Inclusion and Diversity (I&D) Statement and Policy
Approved by the GOC Board – October 14, 2023

GOC Strategic Statement on Inclusion and Diversity (I&D)

GOC is for everyone in the LGBTQI+* community who wants to enjoy outdoor activities.

*LGBTQI+ refers to people that identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning, and intersex. The + refers to an inclusive term for people who do not feel that they fit into traditional categories of sexuality or gender such as asexual, aromatic, pansexual. See also this helpful explanation in the Evening Standard.

Policy

All GOC members commit to developing a culture that encourages and supports difference and recognises the value that comes from an inclusive and diverse LGBTQI+ community.

To help achieve our goals the GOC will:

• Provide ongoing training and support for all GOC Board members, Group Coordinators, and ordinary members on I&D topics.
• Support activities and initiatives that promote increased diversity and inclusion within our membership. 
• Take positive action to encourage and promote events that enable greater inclusion of underrepresented sections of the LGBTQI+ community.
• Appoint an I&D Officer within the board. The I&D Officer will ensure continued focus on the topic and advise and support members and future members.
• Monitor our progress with achieving greater I&D by six monthly reviews of membership data.
• The GOC board will review this policy every five years.

We recognise we have work to do to achieve greater I&D and this policy is the first step towards a more diverse and inclusive GOC.