Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) Policy

December 2025

1. Purpose

Pups in the Park (PITP) is committed to encouraging equality, diversity, and inclusion among our volunteers and attendees, and eliminating unlawful discrimination. The aim is for our community to be truly representative of all sections of society and for each volunteer and attendee to feel respected and able to give their best.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all volunteers, organisers, contractors, and attendees at PITP events and online spaces.

3. Definitions

Term	Definition
Protected Characteristics	Age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race (including colour, nationality, and ethnic or national origin), religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation.
Direct Discrimination	Treating someone less favourably because of a protected characteristic.
Positive Action	Steps taken to encourage participation from under-represented groups or to meet specific needs of a group.

4. Guiding Principles

Intersectionality: We recognise that our beneficiaries often hold multiple intersecting identities (e.g., neurodiversity and LGBTQ+ status) and our support must reflect this.
Accessibility: We actively choose venues and platforms that minimise barriers to entry for disabled people.
Respect: We foster a culture where differences are celebrated, specifically regarding the diverse expression of identity found in the Kemonomimi/Furry community.

5. Policy Statements

5.1. General Non-Discrimination

PITP is an anti-racist, LGBTQ+ inclusive, and neurodiverse-affirming organisation. We have zero tolerance for:

Homophobia, biphobia, transphobia, or intersex discrimination.
Racism, colourism, or xenophobia.
Ableism or discrimination based on mental health status.

5.2. Age Restrictions and Legitimate Aim

PITP restricts attendance at its main events to individuals aged under 30 (with exceptions for parents/carers/staff). Under the Equality Act 2010 (Charities Exception), this restriction is a proportionate means of achieving a legitimate aim:
- To provide a safe, peer-led environment for young people to socialise, free from the power imbalances and safeguarding risks associated with mixed-age environments involving older adults.
Adults (30+) are not excluded from the organisation entirely; they may serve as vetted volunteers or attend specific "18+" designated events (e.g., Pups in the Dark) where the safeguarding risk profile is different.

5.3. Neurodiversity and Disability

All major events will aim to provide a designated "Quiet Zone" for de-escalation and sensory regulation.
Volunteers will use clear, direct language and will not penalise attendees for lack of eye contact or non-typical social cues.
Assistance Dogs and Service Animals are always welcome.

6. Roles and Responsibilities

Management Team: Is responsible for ensuring complaints are investigated.
Volunteers: Are responsible for modelling inclusive behaviour and intervening if they witness discrimination.
All Attendees: Are responsible for understanding and adhering to this policy.

7. Procedures

7.1. Reporting

Incidents of discrimination should be reported to the Event Lead.
The Management Team will investigate the complaint and take appropriate action.

7.2. Breaches

Volunteers
Discrimination is considered "Gross Misconduct" under the Volunteer Code of Conduct and will result in immediate removal from the team.
Attendees
Discriminatory behaviour by attendees will result in immediate ejection from the event and a potential ban from future Pups in the Park events and online spaces, in line with the Attendee Code of Conduct.

8. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually, or after any major incident, by the Management Team to ensure it remains effective and fit for purpose. The next scheduled review date is December 2026.

9. Contact

For any questions regarding this policy, please contact the Management Team via management@pupsinthepark.uk.