Montgomery Hall Theatre Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policy

Policy Version: 1.0

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1. Policy Statement

Montgomery Hall Theatre is committed to creating a welcoming, inclusive and respectful environment where everyone is treated fairly and with dignity.

We believe that theatre should be accessible to all and celebrate the diversity of our audiences, performers, staff, volunteers, contractors and visiting companies.

We are committed to promoting equality of opportunity, valuing diversity and preventing unlawful discrimination in all aspects of our operations.

This policy supports our obligations under the Equality Act 2010 and reflects our commitment to providing an inclusive venue for everyone.

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2. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to:

• Promote equality of opportunity.

• Foster an inclusive and welcoming environment.

• Prevent discrimination, harassment and victimisation.

• Ensure fair treatment for all visitors and those working with the theatre.

• Encourage diversity within our audiences, productions and workforce.

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3. Scope

This policy applies to:

• Visitors and audience members.

• Staff and employees.

• Volunteers.

• Contractors.

• Freelancers.

• Visiting production companies.

• Performers.

• Schools and community groups using the venue.

• Anyone representing Montgomery Hall Theatre.

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4. Our Commitment

Montgomery Hall Theatre is committed to ensuring that no person is treated less favourably because of a protected characteristic.

We aim to provide an environment where everyone feels safe, respected and valued.

We will:

• Treat everyone with fairness and respect.

• Promote equal opportunities wherever possible.

• Challenge discrimination and inappropriate behaviour.

• Consider accessibility when planning our services.

• Encourage participation from all sections of the community.

• Continually review our practices to improve inclusion.

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5. Protected Characteristics

In accordance with the Equality Act 2010, we will not discriminate on the grounds of:

• Age

• Disability

• Gender reassignment

• Marriage or civil partnership

• Pregnancy and maternity

• Race

• Religion or belief

• Sex

• Sexual orientation

We are committed to treating everyone equally regardless of these or any other personal characteristics.

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6. Equality in Our Venue

We aim to ensure that everyone visiting Montgomery Hall Theatre can enjoy a positive experience.

We will:

• Provide accessible facilities wherever reasonably practicable.

• Make reasonable adjustments for disabled visitors where possible.

• Promote respectful behaviour throughout the venue.

• Ensure visitors are treated with courtesy and professionalism.

We ask all visitors to contribute to creating a welcoming atmosphere for everyone.

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7. Diversity

We recognise that diversity enriches our theatre and the wider community.

We welcome people from all backgrounds and value the different experiences, perspectives and talents they bring.

We aim to encourage participation from people of different:

• Cultures

• Ethnic backgrounds

• Faiths

• Abilities

• Ages

• Genders

• Sexual orientations

• Socio-economic backgrounds

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8. Inclusion

Inclusion means ensuring that everyone feels welcome and able to participate.

We aim to:

• Remove unnecessary barriers to participation.

• Promote accessible communication where possible.

• Consider the needs of visitors with disabilities.

• Support an environment where everyone is treated with respect.

We recognise that inclusion is an ongoing process and are committed to continually improving our services.

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9. Accessibility

Montgomery Hall Theatre is committed to improving accessibility wherever reasonably practicable.

Our current accessible facilities include:

• Step-free access via the main entrance.

• Ground floor Stalls seating.

• Accessible toilet facilities.

• Free designated Blue Badge parking.

Further information is available in our Accessibility Statement.

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10. Standards of Behaviour

Everyone attending or working at Montgomery Hall Theatre is expected to:

• Treat others with dignity and respect.

• Value different backgrounds and opinions.

• Behave courteously.

• Follow theatre policies.

• Respect personal boundaries.

We expect everyone to contribute to a safe and welcoming environment.

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11. Unacceptable Behaviour

The following behaviour is not acceptable:

• Harassment.

• Bullying.

• Intimidation.

• Hate speech.

• Discrimination.

• Offensive language.

• Racist behaviour.

• Sexist behaviour.

• Homophobic, biphobic or transphobic behaviour.

• Religious intolerance.

• Disability discrimination.

• Any conduct that causes another person to feel threatened or unsafe.

Such behaviour may result in removal from the venue without refund.

Where appropriate, incidents may also be reported to the police.

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12. Recruitment and Employment

Where Montgomery Hall Theatre recruits staff or volunteers, we are committed to:

• Fair recruitment practices.

• Equal opportunities.

• Selection based on merit and suitability.

• Compliance with employment legislation.

• Providing a respectful working environment.

We will not tolerate discrimination during recruitment or employment.

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13. Visiting Companies and Contractors

We expect visiting performers, production companies, contractors and suppliers to share our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.

Anyone working within our venue should conduct themselves in accordance with this policy.

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14. Reporting Concerns

Anyone who experiences or witnesses discrimination, harassment or inappropriate behaviour is encouraged to report it to a member of theatre staff as soon as possible.

All reports will be taken seriously and considered appropriately.

Where necessary, appropriate action will be taken to protect those affected.

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15. Monitoring and Review

Montgomery Hall Theatre is committed to continually reviewing its policies, procedures and practices to improve equality, diversity and inclusion.

We welcome feedback from visitors, performers and staff on how we can make our theatre more accessible and inclusive.