Diversity and Equality Policy
General
We have a management committee which is elected at the Annual General Meeting.
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The management committee is responsible for ensuring that the group is well managed and that our Diversity and Equality policies are upheld in all our activities.
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Our primary purpose is to promote interest and participation in bluegrass and old-time music through organising and running an annual festival in Hexham.
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We aim to grow a diverse range of audiences and participants in bluegrass and old-time music in Hexham and the surrounding area by making the festival and associated activities accessible to all.
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Membership of Hexham Bluegrass Festival is open to all persons over the age of 16. We aim to treat every member equally, regardless of their age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.
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Sexist, racist, homophobic, transphobic or otherwise offensive and inflammatory remarks and behaviour are not acceptable. These constitute harassment and have no place in the Association.
Dealing with discrimination and harassment
If any person feels they have been discriminated against by the Association or harassed at an Association event they should raise this with the committee.
The committee will investigate the complaint, listening to all members involved. (If the complaint is against a committee member, that member will not be part of conducting the investigation).
If the complaint is against a particular individual, this person will have the opportunity to express their point of view, accompanied by a friend. The person making the complaint will also have this opportunity.
If the complaint is against the Association as a whole, the Committee must work to ensure that such discrimination is not repeated in the future and must inform the members of how they propose to do this.
Any decision to exclude a person from the organisation due to discriminatory or harassing behaviour will be made with reference to the Association’s constitution. The Association will support people who feel they have been harassed or discriminated against and will not victimise or treat them less well because they have raised this.
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This document approved by the management committee on: 17th May 2023
Next Review Date: 17th May 2025