CAMRA has launched a new drive to become more welcoming, following the publication of its Inclusion, Diversity and Equality Review.

The report is the culmination of two years’ research into identifying areas for improving inclusion, diversity and equality within the organisation, undertaken by a dedicated review group.

The review came in response to discussions of discrimination and harassment in the wider beer and pub industry that took place throughout 2021-22 and was set up to look at how CAMRA could become more inclusive and welcoming.

The group was tasked with analysing policies, regional and national festivals, communications with members and non-members, disciplinary and complaints processes and procedures, and training requirements. 

Thousands of CAMRA members and those in the wider industry gave their views, and the group has now set out a number of recommendations in response to its findings, all of which have been accepted by the Campaign’s National Executive.

Recommendations include:

– establishing a dedicated group to review CAMRA’s complaints and disciplinary processes, including introducing greater transparency and independence into the system

– increasing support for branches to recruit and activate new members

– expanding training opportunities for volunteers, including on creating welcoming and accessible events and festivals

– taking a collective approach to tackling discrimination, bullying and harassment, as everyone stands to benefit from increased inclusion within the Campaign

CAMRA has already begun to take action to create a more inclusive and welcoming experience for customers at festivals, this year launching a dedicated Festival Code of Conduct.

It ensures attendees, staff and volunteers at all CAMRA festivals know where they can raise feedback or get assistance if they need it. Alongside the code CAMRA has also improved its feedback and complaints procedures to make them more accessible. 

CAMRA vice-chair, people director and Review Group facilitator Abigail Newton said: “This report is a statement from CAMRA to say that all people are important, all of our members are important, all visitors to our events are important, so we need to ensure that everyone that interacts with the organisation is made to feel that way. 

“And, if something does go wrong, or if anything isn’t quite right or as they expected, we want people to feel that they can raise issues easily and know that we will deal with issues fairly and professionally. To put it simply, there’s no place for discrimination in the Campaign.”

CAMRA national chairman Nik Antona said the National Executive endorsed the report.

Nik said: “This report is the result of the biggest consultation exercise with members and the wider industry since 2017. The findings highlight the recognition of where we haven’t got things right, learning from mistakes and putting new systems in place to prevent things going wrong again. 

“Following the media coverage concerning the White Hart in Essex, it’s clear there was an issue with communication through different levels of our organisation, where policies have not been implemented properly.

“That’s something we all have to take responsibility for, and I’m pleased to be able to say, despite the sting that comes with the open press and social media discussion and criticism, we have responded robustly and will learn and emerge stronger as a result.”

Since Nik made his comment the White Hart in Essex has closed, and the pub is looking for a new tenant.

For more information on the group and to read the report, go to www.camra.org.uk/inclusivity-diversity-and-equality-review 

To visit CAMRA’s Feedback and Complaints page, go to https://camra.org.uk/about/about-us/feedback-and-complaints/