THEATRE VERSUS OPPRESSION
Registered Charity SC039092
Using applied theatre to bring about positive change and development

EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES POLICY

The aim of this policy is to communicate the commitment of the Committee and members to the promotion of equality of opportunity in Theatre versus Oppression.

It is our policy to provide equality of membership to all, irrespective of:

• gender, including gender reassignment
• marital or civil partnership status
• having or not having dependents
• religious belief or political opinion
• race (including colour, nationality, ethnic or national origins)
• disability
• sexual orientation
• age

We are opposed to all forms of unlawful and unfair discrimination. All members of the organisation will be treated fairly and will not be discriminated against on any of the above grounds. Decisions on membership, selection for office, training or any other benefit will be made objectively, without unlawful discrimination, and based on aptitude and ability.

We recognise that the provision of equal opportunities in all our activities will benefit the organisation. Our equal opportunities policy will help members to develop their full potential and the talents and resources of the members will be utilised fully to maximise the effectiveness of the organisation.

Theatre versus Oppression recognises that there is a statutory duty under the NI Act 1998, to implement an equal opportunities policy. This policy applies to applicants for employment, volunteers and members of the group alike.

Theatre versus Oppression is committed to the principles and practice of Equality. Theatre versus Oppression values the diversity of the local population. We want our services, facilities and resources to be accessible and useful to every citizen regardless of gender, age, ethnic origin, religious belief, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or any other individual characteristic which may unfairly affect a person’s opportunities in life. 

Equality commitments
We are committed to:

• promoting equality of opportunity for all persons
• promoting a good and harmonious learning environment in which all men and women are treated with respect and dignity and in which no form of intimidation or harassment is tolerated
• preventing occurrences of unlawful direct discrimination, indirect discrimination, harassment and victimisation
• fulfilling all our legal obligations
• taking lawful affirmative or positive action, where appropriate
• breaches of our equal opportunities policy will be regarded as misconduct and could lead to termination of membership

 In order to implement this policy we shall:

• Communicate the policy to all existing, and new members
• Theatre versus Oppression will endeavour through appropriate training to ensure that it will not consciously, or unconsciously discriminate in the selection or recruitment of applicants for membership of the group
• Incorporate specific and appropriate duties in respect of implementing the equal opportunities policy into roles and responsibilities of committee members
• Incorporate equal opportunities notices into general communications practices (e.g. announcements, annual report at annual general meeting, notices and newsletters). This policy will be read out to all members at each annual general meeting
• Ensure that adequate resources are made available to fulfil the objectives of the policy

Monitoring and review
We will establish appropriate information and monitoring systems to assist the effective implementation of our equal opportunities policy. The effectiveness of the equal opportunities policy will be reviewed regularly (at least annually) and action taken as necessary.