Livingston Football Club is committed to a policy of equal treatment of all members of staff of whatever level or authority - whether voluntary, part or full time - to abide and adhere to this general principle, and the requirements of the Codes of Practice issued by the Equal Opportunities Commission and Commission for Racial Equality.

All members of staff - whether voluntary, part or full time - are expected to abide by the requirements of the Race Relations Act 1976, Sex Discrimination Act 1986, and the Disability Discrimination Act 1995. Specifically, discrimination is prohibited by:

* Treating any individual on grounds of gender, colour, marital status, race, nationality or ethnic or national origin, religion, sexual orientation or disability less favourably than others.

* Expecting an individual solely on the grounds stated above to comply with requirements for any reason whatsoever related to their membership, which are different from the requirements for others.

* Imposing on an individual requirements which are, in effect, more onerous on that individual than they are on others. For example, this would include applying a condition which makes it more difficult for members of a particular race or sex to comply than others not of that race or sex.

* Victimisation of an individual.

* Harassment of an individual, by virtue of discrimination.

* Any other act - or omission of an act - which has as its effect the disadvantaging of a member against another, or others, purely on the above grounds. Thus, in all the Clubs recruitment, selection, promotion and training processes, as well as disciplinary matters, it is essential that merit, experience, skills and temperament are considered as objectively as possible.

Livingston Football Club commits itself to the immediate investigation of any claims of discrimination on the above grounds and, where such is found to be the case, a requirement that the practice cease forthwith, restitution of damage or loss (if necessary) and to the investigation of any member accuse of discrimination.

Any member found guilty of discrimination will be instructed to desist forthwith. Since discrimination in its many forms is against Livingston Football Clubs stated policy, and members offending will be dealt with under the disciplinary procedure.

Livingston Football Club commits itself to the disabled person whenever possible, and will treat such members - in aspects of their recruitment and membership - in exactly the same manner as other members. The difficulties of their disablement permitting, assistance will be given wherever possible to ensure that disabled members are helped in gaining access. Appropriate training will be offered to members who request it.

Equal Opportunities (Disability) Policy

Livingston Football Club (The Club) regards the implementation of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 (the DDA) as a positive endorsement of the rights of disabled people to enjoy equal access to - and participation in - the facilities, the provision of goods and the services provided to the public by the Club.

In pursuit of this policy, the Club will endeavour to:

* Change a practice, policy or procedure which denies or limits the potential for disabled people to make full use of the Club¡¦s facilities, goods and services.

* Provide an auxiliary aid or similar service which will enable disabled persons to enjoy and appreciate the fullest provision of the Clubs facilities, goods and services.

* Where physical barriers or features of the Club's facilities either hinder or deny access to goods or services, the Club will consider removing or altering physical barriers, or will attempt to provide a reasonable alternative.

The Club has had an audit of its facilities carried out by the RNIB. However, in order to ensure that the process of compliance with the requirements of the DDA - and the needs of our clients (in both football and commercial terms) are addressed to the highest levels, we would ask all persons who visit our premises to identify areas which might offer physical barriers, and to offer insights into how we might best improve and enhance our facilities, goods and services in respect of disabled persons.

The Club's Disabled Provisions consultant is: Paul Mitchell.

He has been charged with devising this policy and to ensure that it is developed in tandem with both DDA legislative requirements and the input of Disabled Organisations and individuals.

The staff of Livingston FC have been advised of their responsibilities with regard to DDA procedures and, where they are unable to satisfactorily offer goods, services or facility provisions, will consult with the Club's Disabled Liaison Officer to procure further advice.

The staff are aware that they are duty bound to comply with this provisions of this policy, and that any instance of discrimination will be dealt with under the Club's Disciplinary Procedures.

In those instances where the Club is unable to provide equal services to disabled patrons, the Club will endeavour to provide alternative facilities, goods or services to the satisfaction of the individual. A concessionary pricing policy may be adopted in certain circumstances and, following consultation with the patron in respect of their individual needs, will be offered to them.

Services the Club Provides

* Senior League & Cup Football as defined by the Scottish Football Association, played within the Almondvale Stadium.

* Seated enclosures maintained to the standards required of current National and Local Government statutes and regulations.

* Hospitality and refreshment facilities (these vary in appointment - in respect of the different packages which may be purchased).

* Toilet facilities

* Car-parking facilities

In terms of Livingston FC's responsibilities in respect of the DDA, the impact of a person's disability should be measured against their ability to take advantage of the aforementioned services. If you cannot, then we will do our utmost to adapt these facilities to suit your particular needs, or attempt to procure a reasonable alternative.

In the case of wheelchair users, the Club will provide designated areas which are situated within easy access to refreshment and toilet facilities while, at the same time, ensuring that they are located close to evacuation points should an emergency situation arise within the stadium. As we are unable to provide a full service to wheelchair users (in respect of fully adapted seating at higher levels) we will offer a discounted ticket price. (The terms of this discount will be reviewed annually).

In the case of ambulant disabled people - or people who have some difficulty in climbing the steps to their seats - we will (where availability exists) endeavour to secure seating provision at the lower declivities of the seating areas.

Where a disabled person is unable to take full advantage of the service we provide without physical help (nominally - but not exclusively - wheelchair users or registered blind people) we are delighted to offer free entry to the ground in respect of the carer, and will do our utmost to ensure that the disabled person and their carer are afforded conjoined seating, or seating which offers close proximity between both parties; subject to current safety regulations.

In terms of the Disability Rights Commission, disability is defined as: "a disability or a long-term health condition that has an impact on their day to day lives."

This is nominally a condition that has lasted - or is expected to last - for a period of over 12 months.

Where that disability adversely affects a patron of Livingston FC's ability to reasonably enjoy our services, we will attempt to alter those services to accommodate that persons needs, or to offer the best alternative we can reasonably provide. If you feel that you are unable to fully enjoy the services provided by Livingston FC, we would be delighted to hear from you. We may be able to procure a reasonable alternative or make some structural or policy change which will benefit both you and others, and we would very much welcome the opportunity to consider your input.

Please contact:
Paul Mitchell
Disabled Persons Liaison Officer
Almondvale Stadium
Livingston
EH54 7DN

We would be obliged if you could also provide documentary evidence of your condition. e.g. A letter from your GP stating the extent of your disability and a brief outline of how that might best be accommodated. This will help us in determining what actions and/or alterations to take in improving our facilities, policies or access to goods on your behalf.