Diverse Artists Network is a development agency for diversity in the arts, promoting cultural competency and representation in the sector. Our organisation brings together artists, creatives, and musicians across Bristol and the South West region with the aim of building national and international networks that encompass the broadest spectrum of diversity and representation.
Our Vision is for an equitable and just arts industry in which diverse experiences inform a rich cultural landscape of opportunities that are relevant for a larger proportion of our city and its communities.
Our Mission is to achieve this vision through building a strong network, programming relevant events and showcasing and raising the profile of diverse artists.
Diverse Artist Network strives for greater equality, diversity and inclusion in every aspect of what we do – the audiences we reach, the artistic programme we present, and in our team of staff and trustees.
CONTENTS
1. CONTEXT, PURPOSE AND LANGUAGE
1.3 Policy Purpose and Objectives
2. MISSION, DUTIES AND IMPROVEMENT
2.1 Diverse Artist Networks Commitment
2.4 Staff Training and Skills Development
3. APPENDICES
1. CONTEXT, PURPOSE AND LANGUAGE
1.1 LEGAL FRAMEWORK
The legal framework for this policy is the Equality Act 2010. Diverse Artists Network policy is built around the “protected characteristics” mentioned below.
The Equality Act 2010 protected characteristics are:
- Age
- Disability
- Gender reassignment
- Marriage and civil partnership
- Pregnancy and maternity
- Race
- Religion or belief
- Sex and sexual orientation
In valuing diversity Diverse Artists Network is committed to going beyond the legal minimum regarding equality.
The Equality Act 2010 harmonises, strengthens and replaces most previous equality legislation. The following legislation is still relevant:
- The Human Rights Act 1998
- The Work and Families Act 2006
For Diverse Artists Networks policy, in order to reflect the full diversity of Bristol and the Bristol regions, we have added the following characteristics:
- SOCIOECONOMIC BACKGROUND: This is an understanding that there is a link between the income, occupation, and education status of a person’s parents, and their own ability to access education or employment and achieve their full creative or professional potential.
- GENDER IDENTITY: This aims to include every gender identity within the gender spectrum, without it being linked to ‘legal gender’, gender assigned at birth, or dependent on any gender affirmation surgeries.
- CARE-GIVING / PARENTAL RESPONSIBILITIES: This new entry aims to include and recognise parenthood, guardianship, and care as a genderless responsibility. We understand the importance of the duty of care, and it is reflected throughout the policy.
- NEURODIVERSITY: Cognitive differences, for example: a different approach to thinking and/or learning, alternative ways of processing information, neurodiversity, and the diversity of identity.
1.2 CONTEXT:
As a funded Arts Organisation, Diverse Artists Network is subject to external regulation. We must meet the regulatory requirements set by the Arts Council England (ACE), WECA, and other Funders, as well as ensure that Diverse Artist Network provides a workplace and a public space that is open to all. We also work to meet the Creative Case for Diversity (specifically within the Programme, our partners and audiences) as well as offering access to art and cultural opportunities.
Diverse Artists Network wants to ensure our platforms are accessible to all, and fully representative of the communities which we serve, and the unique diversity of Bristol and the surrounding regions of the South West. As an arts and cultural organisation, we can do better.
We believe in a more equitable and just arts industry in which diverse experiences inform a rich cultural landscape of opportunities that are relevant for a larger proportion of our city and its communities.Diverse Artists Network has an ongoing commitment to ensuring that we are truly an anti-racist organisation, and as such we will not sustain or endorse oppressive behaviours with regards to this and other protected characteristics addressed by this policy.
1.3 POLICY PURPOSE AND OBJECTIVES
This policy has been developed by the Diverse Artists Network team to clarify and uphold the values of the organisation. It is designed to promote equality and diversity in our workplace and public spaces. This policy is intended for Diverse Artists Network staff, new and potential recruits, casual staff such as freelancers, project workers or volunteers, and participants in our projects.
We promote equality, diversity and inclusion in our workforce and programming. We oppose and will strive to eliminate unlawful discrimination of staff, colleagues, and collaborators. In order to provide a place that is safe and welcoming for all, independently from their identity, background and circumstances, this policy aims to:
• PROVIDE equality, fairness and respect for all in our employment, whether temporary, voluntary, part-time or full-time.
• OPPOSE and avoid all forms of unlawful discrimination. This is in line with the Equality Act 2010, and includes pay and benefits, terms and conditions of employment, dealing with grievances and discipline, dismissal, redundancy, leave for parents, requests for flexible working, and selection for employment, promotion, training or other developmental opportunities.
• RECOGNISE the value and diversity of lived experiences and similarly apply the principles of this policy to those who have historically been marginalised (as identified in the ‘protected characteristics’: see 1.1).
• SUPPORT staff in demonstrating inclusive values and behaviours, as well as inform new staff, contractors, volunteers, or any other person working with or for Diverse Artists Network of the support available and the behaviour expected in representing our organisation.
1.4 LANGUAGE
The language we use is essential in helping us to create a safe and inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome and included. Historically many people have been excluded by language that undermines and ignores them. We will agree on a shared language that is inclusive, reduces bias and demonstrates respect for people of all backgrounds.
This shared language will be the basis of our internal and external communications, included in style guides, induction packs for new staff etc. The development and revisions to this shared language will form a key part of our Action Plan. We aim for this shared language to enable staff and all those working with or for Diverse Artists Network to represent the following principles:
We will use language that puts people first:
- To avoid reducing people to a single trait, we will refer to the person first, prior to the descriptor. Instead of ‘disabled person’ we will use ‘person with a disability’.
We will use gender-neutral language:
- Many common phrases use gendered nouns that imply the position is inherently male. Instead of ‘mankind’ or ‘chairman’ we will use gender-neutral nouns, ‘humankind’ or ‘chair’.
We will use inclusive and preferred pronouns:
- When known, we will use a person’s preferred pronoun. Using inclusive pronouns such as ‘they’ and ‘their’ helps to identify someone without assuming their gender.
We will avoid the use of homogenising terms like ‘BAME’.
- This umbrella term’s origins reflect historical, collaborative, anti-racist organising in the UK. However, as our awareness and knowledge develops, they are rendered insufficient to reflect cultural change. In drawing an equivalence between skin colour, geographic origin and ethnicity, BAME does not provide a better understanding of the complexity of lived experience, as well as experiences of racism, discrimination or harassment and bullying. Whenever necessary, we will refer to individuals and groups by their specific preferred racial, national or ethnic identity.
We will respect intersectionality
- We aim to use terms that reflect the diversity of experiences of those who do not identify as white, neurotypical, gender-binary or within traditional gender roles.
Diverse Artists Network encourages the use of inclusive language in all communication, however, under our major funders’ current terms Diverse Artists Network is required to gather a predetermined set of data and use prescribed (sometimes homogenising) terms when reporting. We are committed to working with the Arts Council, and other arts organisations in the city towards an agreed, more meaningful set of data and inclusive terms.
Some current examples of these are listed below and will be regularly reviewed and updated by Diverse Artists Network team:
- Gender-inclusive language
- Workshop on Gender-inclusive language
- Guide to Inclusive Language
- Neurodiversity in the workplace
- Reasonable Adjustments in the workplace
1.5 GLOSSARY
Below this policy, as APPENDIX A, is a glossary of terms that may need more explanation in order to provide full understanding and clarity. This is not seen as exhaustive and will be reviewed and updated in line with the policy review.
2. COMMITMENT, DUTIES AND IMPROVEMENT
2.1 DIVERSE ARTISTS NETWORK COMMITMENT
In order to create an inclusive work environment, it is necessary for Diverse Artists Network to make commitments to those with whom we work, and regularly review and improve upon these. Both the Leadership of Diverse Artists Network and its wider staff agree to uphold the values of the organisation and its mission through the following:
- Strive for equality, diversity and inclusion in all areas.
- Prevent bullying, harassment, victimisation and unlawful discrimination. We promote dignity and respect for all. We will train all staff members about their rights and responsibilities under this policy.
- Encourage an understanding that all staff, as well as their employer, can be held liable for acts of bullying, harassment, victimisation and unlawful discrimination in the course of their employment, against fellow employees, customers, suppliers and the public.
- Take complaints of bullying, harassment, victimisation and unlawful discrimination by fellow employees, customers, suppliers, visitors, the public and any others in the course of our work seriously. Take appropriate action using our grievance and/or disciplinary procedures..
- Serious behaviour that amounts to gross misconduct could lead to dismissal without notice. Harassment or assault allegations may amount to both an employment rights matter and a criminal matter. Harassment, not limited to protected characteristics, may be a criminal offence (Protection from Harassment Act 1997).
- Make training, development and any opportunities for promotion available to all staff.
- Ensure that decisions about staff are based on merit.
- Review employment practices to ensure fairness. We commit to timely review and updates of processes and policies to take into account both changes in the law and best practice guidance.
- Monitor the make-up of the workforce in terms of age, sex, race, national or ethnic background, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion or belief, socio-economic background, caregiving responsibilities and disability including neurodiversity.
- Monitor and assess how this policy and plan are working. We will formally review and update them yearly, through our internal working groups and support from external skills and expertise.
- Share this policy, and any updates within the review periods, with external colleagues and participants, making sure they are aware of its contents and have the opportunity to ask questions.
2.2 CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT
As an inclusive organisation, we will always aim to improve our diversity and inclusion. Our Board, Company Manager and Co-founders are responsible for overseeing this. They will hold themselves, and all colleagues, accountable for putting this into practice.
- We will take proactive steps to build an inclusive workplace that is more representative of Bristol’s diverse communities.
- We will promote best practice and ensure legal compliance.
- We will equip our teams with the required skills, knowledge and language so that everything we do is inclusive.
2.3 DIVERSE ARTISTS NETWORKS ORGANISATIONAL DUTIES
Diverse Artists Network Our Board, Company Manager and Co-founders create and sustain an equal and inclusive workplace by doing the following:
- Communicate and promote the equal opportunities policy to employees and the community on a regular basis.
- Safeguard employees and potential employees against discrimination because of protected characteristics.
DIVERSE ARTISTS NETWORKS EMPLOYEE DUTIES
DIVERSE ARTISTS NETWORKS Employees and those with whom we work create and sustain an equal and inclusive workplace by the following:
- Promote equality and diversity in the workplace, and speak out against disrespectful or discriminatory behaviours.
- Employees have a duty not to discriminate against any of their colleagues because of their protected characteristics.
- Employees must uphold this policy and ensure that colleagues are treated with respect and dignity.
- All employees are under a duty not to engage in any behaviour that could be interpreted as harassment, irrespective of motive.
2.4 STAFF TRAINING AND SKILLS DEVELOPMENT
To be as accessible as possible, training will be flexible in terms of timing, location and venue, length of sessions and materials (such as large print). We will ensure that any external trainers understand legislation.
Decisions about training and development will not be made based on gender, gender-identity, neurodiversity, socio-economic background, family or career status, race, religion or beliefs, sexual orientation, age or disability.
Training is given to ensure that our equality and diversity policy, and linked procedures, are delivered well. Key training includes:
- Our approach to equality and diversity and why it is important.
- The law on equality and discrimination.
- Staff roles and responsibilities in relation to policies and procedures.
- The business case for equality and diversity
2.5 INCLUSIVE BEHAVIOURS
To assist us in behaving inclusively and respecting our colleagues, the following behaviours and approaches should be adopted :
- Use the name someone asks them to use.
- Not make assumptions based on a person’s identity, background, home life, lifestyle, occupation, appearance.
- Highlight any non-diversity friendly policies or practices within the organisation or that of its partners.
- Learn about the lived experiences of underrepresented groups, particularly within our own communities.
- Remain in constant conversation with underrepresented groups within our communities, ensuring we can suggest ways we can welcome and support those groups.
- Be prepared to make reasonable adjustments for a variety of working methods when working with other Diverse Artists Network staff, or external colleagues
In addition to these EDI-related behaviours, there is a wider, general Manifesto for all Diverse Artists Network staff that was developed collaboratively.
3. APPENDICES
1. GLOSSARY:
- ABLEISM: Practices and dominant attitudes in society that assume there is an ideal body and mind that is better than all others.
- AGEISM: A system of beliefs, attitudes, and actions that stereotype and discriminate against individuals or groups on the basis of their age.
- AGENDER: Individuals who identify as not having a specific gender, or any gender at all. This may include individuals who identify as having a gender but do not feel it can be defined in terms of a male/female spectrum, or at all.
- ALLY: Someone who supports a group of people who do not share the same characteristics as their own. Allies acknowledge disadvantage and oppression of other groups; take action on the behalf of others; and invest in strengthening their own knowledge and awareness of oppression.
- BIGENDER: Individuals who identify as bigender experience exactly two distinct genders, either simultaneously or varying between the two. These two could be male and female but could also include any non-binary gender identity as well.
- BULLYING: Bullying is repeated behaviour intended to harm, intimidate, humiliate or coerce a person or persons perceived to have less social or physical power. It may be inflicted in many forms such as physically, emotionally, psychologically or even indirectly.
- CISGENDER: Individuals whose gender identity and expression line up with their birth-assigned sex.
- CODE OF CONDUCT: A set of rules issued by an organisation outlining the acceptable and unacceptable behaviour of staff members.
- DISCRIMINATION: The practice of treating individuals differently based on prejudices about perceived characteristics (e.g. age, gender identity, sexual orientation, socio-economic class).
- DIVERSITY: The practice of including individuals from a wide variety of different backgrounds and identities, such as gender, ethnicity, age, religious beliefs, nationality etc.
- DOMINANT CULTURE: The cultural beliefs, values, and traditions that are centred and dominant in society’s structures and practices. Dominant cultural practices are thought of as “normal” and, therefore, preferred and right. As a result, diverse ways of life are often devalued, marginalised, and associated with low cultural capital. Conversely, in a multicultural society, various cultures are celebrated and respected equally.
- EQUALITY: When individuals are not experiencing discrimination or unfair treatment due to their individual characteristics.
- GENDER IDENTITY: A person’s perception of their gender, which may or may not correspond with their birth sex.
- GENDERQUEER: A general term, similar to non-binary, for people who experience a gender identity or expression other than the conventional male and female binary.
- GRIEVANCE: A formal complaint raised by an employee with their employer about their work, the workplace or colleagues.
- HARASSMENT: Humiliating, offensive, or threatening behaviour directed at an individual or group. Can include, but is not limited to, discriminatory behaviour covered by law.
- HOMOGENISING: The opposite of diversity, this term refers to when something is all the same. An example in the workplace would be if all members of staff were of a single religion or ethnic group with no diversity present.
- INCLUSION: A dynamic state of operating in which diversity is leveraged to create a fair, healthy, and high-performing organisation or community. An inclusive environment ensures equitable access to resources and opportunities for all. It also enables individuals and groups to feel safe, respected, engaged, motivated, and valued, for who they are and for their contributions toward organisational and societal goals.
- INCLUSIVITY: The practice of providing equal access to resources or opportunities to people who might otherwise be excluded, disadvantaged or marginalised from a group.
- INTERSECTIONALITY: The interconnected nature of social categorizations such as race, class, and gender that can create overlapping and interdependent systems of discrimination or disadvantage. The term was coined by Kimberlé Crenshaw, who used it to describe the experiences of black women – who experience both sexism and racism.
- LGBTQIA+: Acronym encompassing the diverse groups of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, transsexual, queer, intersex and asexual populations and allies/alliances/associations.
- MISCONDUCT: Inappropriate behaviour that breaks the law or workplace rules
- NEURODIVERSITY: The idea that neurological differences like autism and ADHD are the result of normal, natural variation in the human genome.
- NONBINARY: Any gender identity that does not fit the male and female binary.
- PRIVILEGE: A right or advantage that only some people have access or availability to because of their social group membership.
- PRONOUNS: A preferred gender pronoun is a consciously chosen set of pronouns that allow a person to accurately represent their gender identity. A trans person may begin using a gender-neutral pronoun prior to transitioning, or a non-binary person may choose to use a neutral pronoun.
- RACE: Race is a protected characteristic under the Equality Act 2010. Within the Act, race means colour, nationality, citizenship, ethnic origin and national origin.
- SOCIAL CLASS: A division in society based on social and financial status and power.
- UNCONSCIOUS BIAS: The attitudes or stereotypes that affect our understanding, actions, and decisions in an unconscious manner. These biases are activated involuntarily and without an individual’s awareness or intentional control.
- VICTIMISATION: Focusing unjust or cruel treatment onto an individual or particular group.
Date created: 8th March 2024.
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