Published: 1 November 2021
Bullying, harassment and discrimination have no place in our industry. These principles aim to eradicate such abuse and all forms of discrimination. They can also help employers meet legal requirements and offer a shared vision to promote and maintain a safer, more inclusive workplace environment for everyone working within theatre and performing arts.
All employers, employees, workers, trainees, volunteers, trustees, directors and freelancers should adhere to the following principles.
Where we use the term ‘discrimination’, this is in reference to any of the protected characteristics as defined in the Equality Act 2010, which include age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation. Discrimination against any of these characteristics is unethical and illegal.
The 10 Principles
- Everyone is responsible for creating and maintaining an inclusive workplace that is positive and supportive.
- We recognise that harassment or discriminatory language or behaviour may be unlawful under the Equality Act 2010.
- We will explicitly address and seek to prevent racism and all other forms of discrimination and bias, their manifestations and effects.
- Those of us who are employers accept our responsibilities under the Equality Act 2010 and the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.
- We do not tolerate bullying, harassment or discrimination on any grounds, and will ensure that processes are in place for the reporting and investigation of these serious issues.
- We recognise that bullying, harassment and discrimination can have significant adverse impacts on the productivity, long-term physical and mental health and well-being of affected people and we will work to eradicate it. This will mean providing adequate protection for complainants and victims, and, where bullying, harassment or discrimination is found to have occurred, taking appropriate action against the perpetrators.
- We value inclusivity, appreciate difference, encourage self-education and consider people equal without prejudice or favour. We build relationships based on mutual respect. We will all work to give and receive feedback in a constructive way, which we know will improve creativity and productivity.
- We understand that reporting bullying, harassment or discrimination can be intimidating. If anyone comes forward to report any of this behaviour we will endeavour to make the process of reporting clear and straightforward, investigate objectively and respect confidentiality where possible. Individuals who have made complaints or participate in good faith in any investigation into bullying, harassment, or discrimination should not suffer any form of reprisal or victimisation as a result.
- We will respect each other’s dignity and differences, regardless of the seniority of our role in an organisation.
- As we continually work to better understand, develop and deliver this work, those of us who are employers commit to paying professionals with lived experience and/or specialist knowledge in these areas to advise us.
SOLT and UK Theatre expect all theatre organisations to abide by these principles, display them in their workplaces, communicate them to all staff and visitors, undertake training for all contracted staff to ensure everyone understands the meaning behind them and put in place robust procedures to deal with breaches of the principles.
