Policy Statement

YSBD Workshops Ltd is committed to promoting equality, diversity and inclusion in all areas of our organisation. We believe that performing arts should be accessible, inclusive and representative of all communities.

We value diversity and recognise that people from different backgrounds, experiences and identities contribute to a richer and more creative environment. Our aim is to create a welcoming space where all participants, staff, volunteers and partners feel respected, supported and able to thrive.

YSBD Workshops Ltd will actively work to eliminate discrimination, harassment and victimisation while promoting equality of opportunity for everyone involved in our work.

This policy is guided by the principles outlined in the Equality Act 2010, which protects individuals from discrimination based on specific characteristics.

 

Scope of the Policy

This policy applies to:

• Employees of YSBD Workshops Ltd
• Freelance staff, facilitators and teaching artists
• Volunteers and assistants
• Students and participants
• Parents and guardians
• Visiting artists and collaborators
• Audience members and event attendees
• Any organisation or partner working with YSBD Workshops Ltd

 

The policy applies across all organisational activities including:

• Classes and workshops
• Rehearsals and performances
• Recruitment and employment practices
• Outreach programmes
• Community engagement projects
• Partnerships and collaborations

 

Legal Framework

YSBD Workshops Ltd is committed to complying with relevant equality legislation including:

• Equality Act 2010
• Human Rights Act 1998
• Data Protection Act 2018

 

Under the Equality Act 2010, individuals are protected from discrimination based on the following protected characteristics:

• Age
• Disability
• Gender reassignment
• Marriage and civil partnership
• Pregnancy and maternity
• Race (including colour, nationality, and ethnic origin)
• Religion or belief
• Sex
• Sexual orientation

 

YSBD Workshops Ltd will ensure that these protections are upheld across all areas of our work.

 

Our Commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

YSBD Workshops Ltd commits to:

1. Equal Access

Ensuring that classes, workshops, programmes and performances are accessible to people from diverse backgrounds and communities.

2. Fair Treatment

Treating all individuals with dignity, respect and fairness regardless of background or identity.

3. Inclusive Participation

Creating an environment where everyone feels welcome and encouraged to participate in performing arts.

4. Representation

Promoting diverse voices, stories and perspectives within our creative programmes.

5. Continuous Improvement

Regularly reviewing our practices to identify and remove barriers to participation.

 

Definitions

1.Equality

Ensuring individuals have equal access to opportunities and are not treated unfairly or discriminated against.

2.Diversity

Recognising and valuing differences between individuals including background, identity, culture and experience.

3.Inclusion

Creating an environment where everyone feels respected, valued and able to fully participate.

 

Types of Discrimination

YSBD Workshops Ltd recognises several forms of discrimination defined by the Equality Act 2010.

 

1.Direct Discrimination

Treating someone less favourably because of a protected characteristic.

2.Indirect Discrimination

Applying policies or practices that disadvantage certain groups.

3.Harassment

Unwanted behaviour related to a protected characteristic that violates dignity or creates an intimidating or hostile environment.

4.Victimisation

Treating someone unfairly because they have made or supported a complaint about discrimination.

 

These behaviours will not be tolerated within YSBD Workshops Ltd.

 

Inclusive Practices in Performing Arts Activities

YSBD Workshops Ltd recognises the importance of creating inclusive spaces within creative environments.

We will:

• Encourage participation from underrepresented communities.
• Ensure teaching practices are inclusive and adaptable.
• Promote respectful language and behaviour in workshops.
• Challenge stereotypes and discriminatory attitudes.
• Represent diverse identities and experiences in creative work.

Staff and facilitators will be encouraged to create supportive and respectful learning environments for all participants.

 

Accessibility

YSBD Workshops Ltd will take reasonable steps to improve accessibility wherever possible.

 

This may include:

• Choosing accessible venues.
• Providing clear information about physical access.
• Making reasonable adjustments for disabled participants.
• Adapting activities where possible to accommodate different needs.
• Providing alternative learning approaches when necessary.

We recognise that accessibility is an ongoing process and will continue working to improve access across our programmes.

 

Recruitment and Employment

YSBD Workshops Ltd is committed to fair and transparent recruitment practices.

 

We will:

• Advertise opportunities openly where possible.
• Select candidates based on merit, experience and suitability.
• Avoid discriminatory recruitment practices.
• Provide equal opportunities for staff development and training.

Freelancers and volunteers will be treated with fairness and respect.

 

Creating a Respectful Environment

YSBD Workshops Ltd aims to maintain an environment free from:

• Bullying
• Harassment
• Discrimination
• Offensive or inappropriate language

 

All staff, students and participants are expected to:

• Treat others with respect.
• Value diversity and inclusion.
• Avoid behaviour that could make others feel unsafe or excluded.

 

Failure to follow these expectations may result in disciplinary action or removal from activities.

 

Reporting Concerns or Complaints

YSBD Workshops Ltd takes discrimination and harassment seriously.

Any individual who experiences or witnesses behaviour that breaches this policy is encouraged to report it to management or a designated safeguarding lead.

Reports will be:

• Taken seriously
• Treated confidentially where possible
• Investigated appropriately
• Addressed in a fair and timely manner

No individual will be penalised for raising a genuine concern.

 

Training and Awareness

YSBD Workshops Ltd recognises the importance of ongoing education.

Where possible, we will:

• Provide equality and diversity guidance to staff and facilitators.
• Encourage inclusive teaching practices.
• Promote awareness of unconscious bias.
• Support continued learning around inclusive arts practice.

 

Monitoring and Evaluation

YSBD Workshops Ltd will monitor the effectiveness of this policy by:

• Reviewing participation and access across classes and workshops.
• Listening to feedback from participants and staff.
• Identifying barriers to inclusion.
• Updating policies and procedures where necessary.

 

Monitoring and Review

This policy will be reviewed annually, or earlier if there are changes in legislation or organisational practice and after incidents relating to equality or discrimination.

 

Policy Approval

Approved by:
Hannah Curran
Director, YSBD Workshops Ltd

Effective Date: January 2026
Next Review Date: January 2027