KIRKBY STEPHEN SILVER BAND INCLUSION POLICY
Name of Policy: Band Inclusion Policy
Version number 02
Created by: Julie Maxwell
Date created: November 2023
Date reviewed: August 2026
Date of next review: August 2029
Approved by Committee
Policy owner Committee
1. Purpose
We believe that making music should be open to everyone.
Our band is a community music organisation, and we want our rehearsals, performances, events
and other activities to be welcoming, respectful and accessible to people from all backgrounds
and with a wide range of abilities and experience.
We recognise that people can experience barriers to participation because of disability, age, race,
sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, religion or belief, pregnancy or maternity, marriage
or civil partnership. These are the protected characteristics recognised under the Equality Act
2010.
We are committed to treating people fairly, challenging discrimination and making reasonable
adjustments where these are needed to enable people to take part.
This policy applies to everyone involved with the band, including members, children and young
people, parents and carers, volunteers, tutors, musical staff, committee members and visitors.
2. Our commitment
We will:
● welcome people who want to learn, play and enjoy music, regardless of their starting
point or level of experience;
● treat people fairly, with dignity and respect;
● not discriminate unlawfully against anyone because of a protected characteristic under
the Equality Act 2010;
● make reasonable adjustments where practical to remove barriers to participation;
● take people’s individual needs into account when planning activities, rehearsals and
events;
● challenge discriminatory, intimidating or disrespectful behaviour;
● listen to concerns about inclusion and take them seriously;
● make our information and activities as accessible as reasonably possible;
● encourage a culture in which people feel able to ask for help or explain what would make
participation easier for them.
● When appointing people to roles within the band, the Committee will consider suitability,
relevant skills, experience and the requirements of the role, alongside our commitment to
equality and inclusion.
We recognise that treating everyone fairly does not always mean treating everyone identically.
Some people may need additional support or reasonable adjustments in order to participate on
an equal basis.
3. Behaviour and respect
Everyone involved with the band is expected to contribute to a positive and inclusive
environment.
We do not accept:
● bullying, harassment or intimidation;
● jokes, comments or behaviour intended to demean or exclude another person;
● discriminatory language or behaviour;
● behaviour that makes another person feel unsafe or unwelcome.
This applies in rehearsals, performances, meetings, trips, social activities, online spaces and when
representing the band elsewhere.
Our Code of Conduct provides further guidance on expected behaviour.
4. Accessibility and reasonable adjustments
We will make reasonable efforts to identify and remove barriers that prevent people from
participating.
Depending on the circumstances, this may include adjustments to:
● the physical environment;
● communication and information;
● rehearsal arrangements;
● teaching or musical activities;
● participation in performances or events;
● the way people are supported to join and settle into the band.
Members, parents/carers and volunteers are encouraged to tell us about anything that would
help them participate.
We will consider requests sensitively and realistically, taking account of the person’s needs, the
activity, available resources and our responsibilities to the wider group.
5. Children and young people
Children and young people are an important part of our musical community.
We will seek to provide an environment in which young people are welcomed, listened to and
able to participate safely and confidently.
Our work with children and young people is governed by our Safeguarding Policy and relevant
safeguarding procedures. Where an inclusion concern also raises a safeguarding concern, the
safeguarding procedure will take priority.
6. Raising a concern
Anyone who experiences or witnesses behaviour that they believe is discriminatory, exclusionary,
bullying or otherwise inconsistent with this policy is encouraged to speak to a Committee
member.
The two parties will then agree on the appropriate next steps. Depending on the circumstances,
this may include:
● resolving the matter informally;
● agreeing an adjustment or practical solution;
● monitoring the situation;
● speaking separately with those involved;
● considering the matter as a formal complaint for referral to the committee
Concerns will be handled as sensitively and confidentially as possible. Information will only be
shared where necessary to deal with the concern, protect someone from harm, or meet a legal or
safeguarding responsibility.
Where there is an immediate risk of harm, the appropriate emergency or safeguarding procedure
will be followed.
7. Responsibility
The Committee is responsible for overseeing this policy and ensuring that inclusion is considered
in the way the organisation is managed.
Committee members, volunteers and other people acting on behalf of the band are expected to
support and uphold this policy.
All members are expected to behave in accordance with this policy and the band’s Code of
Conduct.
The Committee will review this policy regularly and will consider any relevant changes in
legislation, guidance or the needs of the band.
8. Related policies
This policy should be read alongside:
● Safeguarding Policy