Equality and Diversity Policy

Equality and Diversity Policy

Overview

Aims

The Oxford Studio Orchestra (“the Orchestra”) is a music group open to all who have reached a certain standard of playing and subject to there being vacancies for their instrument in the Orchestra. We aim to treat our members, volunteers, contractors and supporters equally regardless of their age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, class and socio-economic background.

Why is this policy important?

The committee members acknowledge the importance of ensuring that the Orchestra operates in ways that give equal opportunities to all so that the Orchestra can benefit from their contributions.

Who does this policy apply to?

This policy applies to all committee members of the Orchestra. The Chair of the management committee of the Orchestra (“the Committee”) is responsible for providing advice and guidance on equality and diversity issues, and to ensure the Equality and Diversity Policy is kept up to date.

Statement of intent

The Orchestra is committed to ensuring its actions are consistent with this policy

Policy

Equality of opportunity

The Orchestra aims to:

  1. promote equality for its members and potential members in access to membership and musical activities and opportunities within the membership criteria;
  2. ensure that no member or potential member will receive less favourable treatment or is disadvantaged by the criteria and characteristics set out in the introduction;
  3. ensure that no individual wishing to volunteer or work for the Orchestra will receive less favourable treatment or be disadvantaged by the criteria and characteristics set out in the aims.

Inclusion and respect

The Orchestra values its members, staff, volunteers and supporters and will do all it can to:

  1. treat them in a respectful manner and ensure they are made to feel equally welcome and included in all activities;
  2. provide an environment in which the contribution and needs of everyone are fully valued and recognised.

Accordingly, all members, volunteers, contractors, supporters and those representing the Orchestra are expected to treat each other with respect and dignity and ensure activities are welcoming and inclusive for all. Inappropriate, violent or abusive behaviour or otherwise offensive and inflammatory remarks and behaviour are not acceptable. These constitute harassment, and have no place in the Orchestra. The Orchestra will support its members, volunteers, contractors and supporters in not tolerating any inappropriate, violent or abusive behaviour from other group members, volunteers, colleagues, contractors or others associated with the Orchestra.

Accessibility

The Orchestra aims to use so far as possible venues that are accessible to all for rehearsals, concerts and any other activities or events it undertakes.

Dealing with complaints

  1. If any member, volunteer, contractor or supporter feels they have been discriminated against or harassed they should raise it with the Committee.
  2. The Committee will take complaints of discrimination and harassment seriously.
  3. The Committee will investigate the complaint, listening to all parties involved.
  4. If the complaint is against a Committee member, that member will not be part of conducting the investigation.
  5. If the complaint is against an individual, that individual will have the opportunity to express their point of view in a safe environment and accompanied by a friend.
  6. The person making the complaint will have the same opportunity.
  7. If a complaint is found to be justified, the Committee must work to ensure that such discrimination is not repeated in the future, and must inform the members of how they propose to do this.

Policy availability and review

This policy will be made available to all the Orchestra’s members and reviewed from time to time by the Committee.

Version

  • This is version 1 of this policy, approved on 13/2/2022