The Equality Bill received the Royal Assent on 13th April 2010 and is now entered onto the statute book as the Equality Act 2010. This new Act of Parliament will apply to all golf clubs in England, Scotland and Wales.
The provisions of the Act will be introduced in stages by Statutory Instrument throughout 2010 and it is understood that the Act will be fully implemented by October 2010.
However the result of the impending general election which could lead to a change in government may affect the timescale, thus there is still some uncertainty as to when the provisions will be fully effective. Nevertheless the provisions contained in the Act which affect golf clubs will come into force; it is just a question of when.
Clubs should commence their preparation to manage the changes introduced by the legislation now! The National Golf Clubs’ Advisory Association has been closely monitoring the situation for some time and has recently spoken to a number of clubs outlining their views on the changes as they affect the overall position.
As in all legislation the “devil is always in the detail” and, now the uncertainty of the outcome of the Bill is over, instructions have been prepared and sent to Barristers Chambers in London for Counsel’s opinion on the various complex areas of the Act which will affect golf clubs in England, Scotland and Wales.
It is anticipated that Counsel’s opinion will be forthcoming in the next few weeks and it is likely that all golf clubs will desire some form of consultation on how the Act affects them.
The Association proposes to deliver seminars on this new Act in a number of ways. Any club which is interested should email the National Secretary, Jacqueline Howe on jackie.ngcaa@idealnet.co.uk registering their interest and the type of consultation they would prefer.
Jacqueline will then collate all the information received and educational seminars will be tailored to the members needs and any cost implications will be calculated and kept to a minimum.
- Education Seminars can be held in the following formats:
- Individual Club consultation (attendance at committee meetings)
- Individual Club consultation (attendance at an open forum for club members).
- Regional Seminars
- Telephone Conference with individual clubs
- Seminars via the internet (Webinars – webcams)
If your club is interested then please email Jacqueline as quickly as possible to register your interest and indicate which of the above 5 options would suit your club best.
The National Golf Clubs’ Advisory Association was formed in 1922 and since that date has regularly provided qualified and indemnified advice to golf clubs and organisations throughout the UK.
It is the only organisation of which the golf club/organisation is itself the sole member and the only organisation which is qualified and indemnified to advise golf clubs on all legal matters.
National Golf Clubs’ Advisory Association www.ngcaa.org.uk