Introduction

The Workshop is committed to promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion for all. It strives to maintain a welcoming and safe environment for everyone, including but not limited to: trustees, employees, volunteers, youth theatre members, suppliers, contractors, and members of the public.

Policy Purpose

This policy’s purpose is to:

  • Provide equality, fairness and respect for all trustees, youth theatre members, suppliers, contractors, members of the public and those in our employment, whether temporary, part-time or full-time, or volunteers;
  • Not unlawfully discriminate because of the Equality Act 2010 protected characteristics of 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;
  • Oppose and avoid all forms of unlawful discrimination. This includes in pay and benefits, terms and conditions of employment, dealing with grievances and discipline, dismissal, redundancy, leave for parents, requests for flexible working, and selection for employment, promotion, training or other developmental opportunities.

The Workshop recognises that its commitment to equal opportunities necessitates the identification of possible areas of discrimination and positive steps to eliminate any areas of possible disadvantage identified. 

Commitments

The Workshop commits to creating a working environment free of bullying, harassment, victimisation and unlawful discrimination, promoting dignity and respect for all, and where individual differences and the contributions of all are recognised and valued.

This commitment includes ensuring employees and volunteers are aware of their rights and responsibilities under the equality and diversity policy. Responsibilities include staff and volunteers conducting themselves in a manner which helps The Workshop provide equal opportunities in recruitment, the delivery of services, and any dealings with the public, to prevent bullying, harassment, victimisation and unlawful discrimination.

All staff and volunteers should understand that they, as well as The Workshop, can be held liable for acts of bullying, harassment, victimisation and unlawful discrimination, in the course of their employment and volunteering, against fellow employees or volunteers, trustees, customers, suppliers, youth theatre members, and the public.

In its employment of staff and volunteers, the Board of Trustees will make decisions based solely on an individual’s merits and abilities, and these decisions will not be biased through prejudice or discrimination towards any of the protected characteristics identified above.

Out of necessity the Actors’ Workshop Youth Theatre limits its membership to young people aged 11-19.  Membership is open to all young people within this age bracket who wish to attend and will never be affected by prejudice or discrimination.

Complaints:

The Workshop takes seriously complaints of bullying, harassment, victimisation and unlawful discrimination by employees, volunteers, youth theatre members, suppliers, contractors, members of the public, trustees, and any others.

Sexist, racist, homophobic, transphobic or otherwise offensive and inflammatory remarks will not be tolerated under any circumstances.

Further, sexual harassment may amount to both an employment rights matter and a criminal matter, such as in sexual assault allegations. In addition, harassment under the Protection from Harassment Act 1997 – which is not limited to circumstances where harassment relates to a protected characteristic – is a criminal offence.

Individuals who wish to make a complaint under this policy can do so informally to any member of the Board of Trustees. If an individual wishes to make a formal complaint this should be addressed to the Chairman of the Board of Trustees or, if this is inappropriate, another member of the Board.

Any and all accusations relating to discrimination and harassment formally complained of through this process will be discussed at a meeting of the Board of Trustees. When investigating a formal complaint, all involved parties will have the opportunity to express their point of view in a safe and confidential environment.

If a complaint is against a member of the Board, that individual will not be part of any investigation or decision relating to the complaint.

The Board will decide what action to take, up to and including exclusion or summary dismissal from the organization, based upon the continued inclusion and safety of any individual who has experienced discrimination or harassment.

No individual shall be subject to any form of reprisal for raising in good faith any allegation or complaint under this policy.

This Equality and Diversity Policy has been reviewed and agreed by the Trustees of the Actors’ Workshop Youth Theatre Company.

Signed (Chairman of The Board of Trustees)

Robert Lassey 19/04/2023
  • wp socializer sprite mask 32px Equality and Diversity
  • wp socializer sprite mask 32px Equality and Diversity
  • wp socializer sprite mask 32px Equality and Diversity
  • wp socializer sprite mask 32px Equality and Diversity
  • wp socializer sprite mask 32px Equality and Diversity
  • wp socializer sprite mask 32px Equality and Diversity
  • wp socializer sprite mask 32px Equality and Diversity
  • wp socializer sprite mask 32px Equality and Diversity