Dunmow Theatre Company Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policy.
Purpose Dunmow Theatre Company is committed to promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion among all our members, volunteers, and participants. We aim to create a welcoming, supportive, and respectful environment where everyone feels valued and can contribute their best to our shared creative goals.
As a member-led organisation with no employees, our focus is on fostering inclusivity within our community of members and volunteers, ensuring that everyone has equal access to participate fully in all activities, performances, training, and decision-making.
Our Commitment
Dunmow Theatre Company will:
1. Encourage equality, diversity, and inclusion among all members and volunteers, reflecting the diversity of our local community and the wider society.
2. Ensure that no member or volunteer experiences unlawful discrimination, harassment, bullying, or victimisation based on any protected characteristic, including but not limited to:
Age Disability
Gender identity
Marriage and civil partnership
Pregnancy and maternity
Race, ethnicity, or nationality Religion or belief
Sex Sexual orientation
3. Promote an environment of respect and dignity where individual differences are celebrated and the contributions of all members are valued.
4. Provide opportunities for all members to develop their skills and talents, enabling them to participate fully in all aspects of theatre activities, including performances, workshops, and committee roles.
5. Make decisions related to participation, roles, and leadership based on fairness and merit.
Decisions will be made ensuring inclusivity in auditions, training, events and committee appointments. While we actively encourage and welcome performers from diverse backgrounds to audition for all roles, casting decisions will be made primarily based on the specific requirements of each role as determined by the production and any relevant licensing or copyright restrictions. These requirements may include considerations of age, gender, ethnicity, physical characteristics, or other attributes essential to the character or story.
Our aim is to balance artistic integrity, compliance with licensing requirements, and inclusivity, ensuring that every casting decision respects the creative vision of the production while fostering equal opportunity for all performers. Due to the nature of some of our productions, certain roles and participant numbers are determined by licensing agreements and specific production requirements. This can sometimes place limitations on how many individuals can be involved in each project. We carefully consider each production to ensure we are creating opportunities for participation while still adhering to the necessary guidelines and restrictions.
6. Take seriously any complaints of discrimination, harassment, or bullying and address them promptly and appropriately through our established grievance procedures.
7. Regularly review and update this policy to reflect best practices and changes in relevant laws, ensuring it continues to meet the needs of our members and volunteers.
Responsibilities
All members, volunteers, and committee members are expected to:
Uphold this policy by treating each other with respect and fairness.
Actively support an inclusive culture that welcomes diversity.
Report any concerns or incidents related to discrimination or harassment to the committee for timely resolution.
The committee is responsible for overseeing this policy’s implementation and ensuring Dunmow Theatre Company remains an inclusive and supportive space for all.
Agreement and Approval
This Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policy has been reviewed and agreed by the Dunmow Theatre Company committee and will be communicated to all current and future members and volunteers.
Date Approved by Committee: 15th July 2025 Next Review Date: 16th July 2026