Up Close Theatre and Radio

Date Adopted: September 2025
Review Date: Septemeber 2027
Approved By: M Clark & trustees

1. Policy Statement

Up Close Theatre and Radio is committed to promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion in all areas of our work. We believe that creativity thrives when people from different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives are welcomed, respected, and valued.

We are committed to creating an environment in which all employees, volunteers, freelancers, performers, audiences, participants, partners, and members of the public are treated fairly and with dignity and respect.

We oppose all forms of unlawful discrimination, harassment, bullying, and victimisation. We aim to ensure that everyone associated with Up Close Theatre and Radio has equal opportunity to participate, contribute, and succeed.

2. Purpose of This Policy

The purpose of this policy is to:

• Promote equality of opportunity.
• Encourage diversity and representation across our organisation.
• Foster an inclusive and welcoming environment.
• Prevent discrimination, harassment, bullying, and victimisation.
• Ensure compliance with the Equality Act 2010 and other relevant legislation.
• Establish clear expectations for conduct and behaviour.
• Support fair recruitment, casting, participation, and progression.

3. Scope of the Policy

This policy applies to:

• Employees
• Freelancers and contractors
• Volunteers
• Trustees and committee members
• Performers and creatives
• Workshop leaders and facilitators
• Audience members and participants
• Partner organisations and collaborators

The policy applies across all Up Close Theatre and Radio activities, including:

• Theatre productions
• Radio broadcasts and podcasts
• Rehearsals
• Workshops and training sessions
• Auditions and casting
• Events and public performances
• Online platforms and social media
• Community engagement projects

4. Legal Framework

Up Close Theatre and Radio recognises its responsibilities under the following legislation:

• Equality Act 2010
• Human Rights Act 1998
• Health and Safety at Work Act 1974
• Protection from Harassment Act 1997
• Data Protection Act 2018

We will not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of protected characteristics including:

• Age
• Disability
• Gender reassignment
• Marriage and civil partnership
• Pregnancy and maternity
• Race
• Religion or belief
• Sex
• Sexual orientation

We also recognise the importance of inclusion relating to socio-economic background, caring responsibilities, mental health, neurodiversity, education, and other lived experiences.

5. Our Commitments

Up Close Theatre and Radio commits to:

5.1 Equality

We will:

• Provide equal access to opportunities and participation.
• Make decisions fairly and transparently.
• Ensure recruitment and casting are based on merit, suitability, and artistic requirements.
• Remove barriers that may disadvantage individuals or groups.

5.2 Diversity

We will:

• Encourage participation from underrepresented communities.
• Value different voices, identities, and experiences.
• Promote diverse stories, perspectives, and creative work.
• Seek to reflect the diversity of the communities we serve.

5.3 Inclusion

We will:

• Create safe, welcoming, and respectful spaces.
• Encourage collaboration and mutual respect.
• Listen to feedback and concerns.
• Make reasonable adjustments where possible.
• Promote accessibility in our venues, productions, and communications.

6. Recruitment, Casting, and Participation

We are committed to fair and inclusive recruitment and casting practices.

Up Close Theatre and Radio will:

• Advertise opportunities openly where possible.
• Use inclusive language in advertisements and communications.
• Avoid discriminatory selection practices.
• Encourage applications and participation from diverse backgrounds.
• Make reasonable adjustments during auditions, interviews, rehearsals, and performances.
• Consider access requirements whenever reasonably practicable.
• Ensure selection decisions are fair and documented where appropriate.

Casting decisions may occasionally require specific characteristics for artistic or dramatic purposes where legally permissible.

7. Accessibility

We recognise that accessibility is an essential part of inclusion.

Where reasonably practicable, we will:

• Provide accessible venues and rehearsal spaces.
• Consider physical access requirements.
• Provide information in accessible formats when requested.
• Consider sensory, communication, and neurodiverse needs.
• Encourage individuals to discuss access requirements without fear of judgement.
• Work with venues and partners to improve accessibility.

We acknowledge that some venues may have limitations beyond our direct control, but we will always seek to minimise barriers wherever possible.

8. Behaviour and Conduct

Everyone involved with Up Close Theatre and Radio is expected to:

• Treat others with dignity and respect.
• Use inclusive and appropriate language.
• Respect boundaries and differences.
• Contribute to a positive working environment.
• Challenge inappropriate behaviour where safe to do so.
• Follow safeguarding and conduct procedures.

The following behaviours will not be tolerated:

• Discrimination
• Harassment
• Bullying
• Victimisation
• Hate speech
• Intimidation
• Abuse, including online abuse
• Sexual harassment
• Retaliation against someone raising a concern

Any breaches of this policy may result in appropriate action, including removal from productions, projects, or activities.

9. Harassment and Bullying

Harassment is unwanted conduct related to a protected characteristic that violates a person's dignity or creates an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating, or offensive environment.

Bullying may include offensive, intimidating, malicious, or insulting behaviour, misuse of power, or actions intended to undermine or humiliate.

Examples may include:

• Offensive jokes or comments
• Exclusion from activities
• Derogatory language
• Mocking disabilities or identities
• Unwanted physical contact
• Repeated inappropriate behaviour
• Online abuse or harassment

Complaints will be taken seriously and handled appropriately, sensitively, and confidentially where possible.

10. Reporting Concerns

Anyone who experiences or witnesses discrimination, harassment, bullying, or exclusion is encouraged to report it.

Concerns may be raised with:

• A director or producer or company producer
• A designated safeguarding or welfare contact
• A trustee or committee member

Reports will:

• Be taken seriously
• Be handled fairly and sensitively
• Be investigated appropriately
• Remain confidential where possible
• Not result in victimisation for the person reporting

Where appropriate, mediation, informal resolution, or formal disciplinary action may be considered.

11. Training and Awareness

Up Close Theatre and Radio will seek to:

• Promote awareness of equality, diversity, and inclusion.
• Encourage inclusive working practices.
• Provide guidance and support to staff and volunteers.
• Review organisational practices regularly.

We recognise that inclusion is an ongoing process and are committed to learning and improvement.

12. Content and Creative Expression

As a theatre and radio organisation, creative expression is central to our work. We recognise that some productions or broadcasts may explore challenging themes or historical attitudes.

Where potentially sensitive content is included, we will:

• Consider context and audience impact.
• Aim to avoid unnecessary harm or stereotyping.
• Encourage respectful discussion and creative responsibility.
• Use content warnings where appropriate.

We support artistic freedom while maintaining our commitment to respect, inclusion, and dignity.

13. Monitoring and Review

We will periodically review this policy and related practices to ensure effectiveness and compliance with current legislation and best practice.

Feedback from participants, audiences, volunteers, and staff will help inform future improvements.

14. Responsibility

Responsibility for implementing this policy rests with everyone involved in Up Close Theatre and Radio.

Leadership and management are responsible for:

• Promoting awareness of this policy.
• Addressing concerns appropriately.
• Encouraging inclusive practice.
• Leading by example.

All individuals associated with Up Close Theatre and Radio are responsible for:

• Following this policy.
• Treating others respectfully.
• Reporting concerns where appropriate.
• Contributing to an inclusive environment.

15. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if required due to changes in legislation, organisational structure, or operational needs.

Contact Information

For questions, concerns, or feedback regarding this policy, please contact:

Up Close Theatre and Radio
Mark Clark

07480 934643

Up Close Theatre and Radio is committed to ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to participate in, contribute to, and enjoy the arts in an environment that is safe, welcoming, respectful, and inclusive.