The Equality Advisory Group (EAG) helps to shape, influence, support and guide the development and delivery of an Equality, Diversity and Inclusion strategy and action plan within Badminton Scotland. The Group serves as a consultative, influential and guidance body, and it includes representatives of diverse groups and organisations.
EAG members:
Rajani Tyagi
Treasurer and Trustee, SEMSA
Dr. Rajani Tyagi is the treasurer and trustee of charity organisation SEMSA. SEMSA is the largest ethnic minority sports organisation in Scotland, established 30 years ago and winner of the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service.
Rajani is also the badminton secretary at SEMSA as well as a Level 1+ trained coach with Badminton Scotland. She was awarded the Community Club Coach of the year by sportscotland in 2022.
Rajani is passionate about being actively associated with voluntary organisations working to bring diverse communities together through sport, especially badminton.
Dr. Tyagi joined the EAG to bring her own experience of difficulties faced and how to overcome them. She believes that it is important for people from minority communities to share their experience and be involved in shaping the policies that may directly influence and aid requirements of the communities.
James Wilson
Co-founder, Edinburgh Racqueteers
James co-organises Edinburgh Racqueteers, which is a predominantly LGBTQI+ badminton group. The club has been running for 19 years and are a very diverse group. James has been a member since 2006. He has played badminton since school and feels this is the key age for anyone to get into the sport.
In that time James has helped to organise several LGBTQI+ events that have been attended by UK wide LGBTQI+ clubs. He has built up a good network and has played in a couple of international LGBTQI+ events too.
James was keen to help Badminton Scotland be more open to supporting the LGBTQI+ community and by getting involved with the EAG this presented the best opportunity to influence this.
Gary Maguire
Community Learning and Development Manager, Glasgow Life
Gary Maguire MBE is a Community Learning and Development Manager based in Glasgow. He currently works for Glasgow Life managing the Youth and Community Development Team supporting communities to better access Glasgow Life experiences, build capacity and deliver local projects and services.
Gary serves as co-chair of Pride Glasgow, Chair of Govan Housing Association Group and the Pearce Institute.
Gary was named Scottish Youth Work Manager of the Year 2012 and received an MBE for services to the South West of Glasgow in the New Years Honours in 2015.