Equal Opportunities

General Framework

The London Forest Choir recognises that certain groups of people suffer discrimination and disadvantage, and acknowledges the following protected characteristics:

  • age
  • disability
  • gender reassignment
  • marriage and civil partnership
  • pregnancy and maternity
  • race
  • religion or belief
  • sex
  • sexual orientation

In carrying out its object to educate the public in the arts and sciences, and in particular the art and science of music, by the presentation of concerts and other activities, the London Forest Choir shall do so with regard to the need to provide equality of opportunity and work towards the elimination of inequality.

To implement this policy the LFC will:

  • identify and respond where practicable to the needs of people from disadvantaged groups.
  • ensure as far as reasonably practicable that people from disadvantaged groups have equality of access, equality of treatment and equality of outcomes.
  • deal with complaints.
  • monitor concerts and other activities on a regular basis.
  • respond to feedback.

Scope of the Policy

This policy applies to:

  • Membership – people from all sections of society shall be actively welcomed as members of the Choir.
  • Management – choir members from all sections of society shall be actively encouraged to join the executive committee. Imbalances in the composition of the executive committee shall be addressed where necessary through using co-options and other measures.
  • Empowerment – all members of the executive committee shall be empowered to enable them to contribute effectively to decision-making.
  • Premises – the Choir will endeavour to ensure that premises it uses for rehearsals and concerts are fully accessible.

This policy shall be implemented in accord with the law of England and Wales, in particular the Equalities Act 2010.

The London Forest Choir commits itself to deal with any form of harassment which is brought to its attention.

Training

The LFC accepts responsibility for ensuring that all its officers and committee fully understand and implement the policy enshrined within this document.

Monitoring and Review

The London Forest Choir will keep this policy under periodic review and will monitor its impact on disadvantaged groups.

This policy was originally adopted at the Committee meeting held on 21 January 1999. A revised text was adopted at the Committee meeting held on 30 September 2010. The text was further revised at the Committee meeting held on 21 September 2018.