Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policy
January 2023
This policy is read, agreed, and signed by all Get Changed Theatre Company (GC) and Inspiring Arts (IA) employees and trustees.
- Background
The Equality Act 2010 says that you must not be discriminated against because: you have a disability. someone thinks you have a disability (this is known as discrimination by perception) you are connected to someone with a disability (this is known as discrimination by association).
Get Changed Theatre Company acknowledges that certain groups and individuals in society are denied equal opportunity and experience discrimination.
Get Changed Theatre Company commits itself to developing an Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policy with associated training and good practice in all aspects of its activities including:
- service provision
- employer practices
- partnership and interagency working across the sectors
1.2 All individuals involved in the organisation must actively promote an equal opportunities approach.
2. Statement of intent
2.1 The purpose of this document is to establish Get Changed Theatre Company’s commitment to:
- preventing discrimination
- the promotion of equality of opportunity
- Get Changed Theatre Company’s legal responsibilities in this area.
3. Implementation
3.1 This policy applies to:
- all potential and actual committee members
- employees
- volunteers
- all parties who use our services
4. The Statement
4.1 Get Changed Theatre Company is committed to taking positive action to implement and adhere to, amongst its committees, employees, volunteers, organisations and individuals to whom it provides services, the various Acts of Parliament which legislate against discrimination; namely The Race Relations (Amendment) Act 2000, The Equality Act 2010, the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 2014, Offender Rehabilitation Act 2014, Disability Discrimination Acts 1995 and 2010.
4.2 Get Changed Theatre Company will seek to have equal opportunities issues at the forefront of, and underpinning, all dealings with other agencies.
4.3 Get Changed Theatre Company wishes to identify and challenge all types of discrimination, including:
4.3.1 Direct discrimination, that is, treating a person less favourably than another person in the same circumstances because of their:
- race, colour, nationality or ethnic origin
- gender, marital status, or caring responsibility
- sexuality
- age
- physical, sensory, or learning disability or mental health
- political or religious belief
- class
- HIV status
- employment status
- unrelated criminal conviction
4.3.2 Indirect discrimination, that is, applying a condition or requirement which disadvantages groups more than others.
4.3.3 Institutional discrimination, that is, when the routine policies, practices, procedures, or organisation in effect marginalise disadvantaged groups.
4.3.4 Sex discrimination, that is, discrimination on the grounds of an individual’s gender or sexual orientation.
4.3.5 Discrimination against people with disabilities, and failure to ignore a person’s disability except where the disability imposes a real limitation. In this context it is recognised that the nature and construction of the current premises may limit access for people with certain disabilities.
5. Employment, Recruitment & Selection
5.1 Employment
5.1.1 Get Changed Theatre Company is an Equal Opportunities employer. The aim of its policy is to ensure that no job applicant or employee receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of race, colour, nationality or ethnic origin; gender, marital status or caring responsibility; sexuality; age; physical, sensory or learning disability or mental health; political or religious belief; class; HIV status; employment status; unrelated criminal conviction.
5.2 Recruitment
5.2.1 Recruitment is intended to ensure a wide response to employment vacancies, reflecting the diversity of potential employees, within the requirements of performing the job.
5.2.2 Get Changed Theatre Company will, according to financial limits, make vacancies known through recognised recruitment sources including newspapers, job centres and internal advertisement.
5.3 Selection
5.3.1 Every job advertised will have a job description from which a person specification will be drafted. This will list all the essential requirements an individual will need to undertake the tasks detailed in the job description.
5.3.2 The selection process will be carried out according to specified job-related criteria detailed in the person specification. Individuals will be assessed against these criteria based on the application forms, interview performance or other practical tests designed to test the applicant.
6. Training
6.1 Get Changed Theatre Company is committed to providing training designed based on need, to allow employees and volunteers to gain and develop skills and knowledge, realise their full potential, and develop life and career opportunities.
6.2 Training in anti-discriminatory practice will be made available.
7. Conditions of Service
7.1 Conditions of service should not limit individuals or groups from positions within the organisation unless they are necessary requirements.
8. Grievance & Disciplinary Procedures
8.1 Get Changed Theatre Company will not ignore, or treat lightly, grievances or complaints concerning discrimination. Get Changed Theatre Company will initiate disciplinary proceedings against all those who commit acts of abuse or harassment or who show discrimination or prejudiced behaviour against employees, volunteers, or users of services.
9. Monitoring
9.1 The Executive Committee of Get Changed Theatre Company will establish a system that will evaluate the results of implementing the policy, enabling recommendations for change to be made and areas for development to be identified.
9.2 The Executive Committee of Get Changed Theatre Company will undertake to review this policy on a regular basis.
For more information/correspondence contact:
Email: info@getchanged.com
