Edi Policy

Theatre Forum Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Policy

Introduction
Theatre Forum is committed to promoting the values of equality, diversity, and inclusion and integrating them into its structures, actions and culture. The goal of our policy and action plan is to embed EDI values and actions at all levels of our organisation and in the programmes we develop and support.

We believe that the performing arts thrive through a plurality of experiences, viewpoints and approaches.

We are fully committed to our legal obligations under the Equality Acts (1998-2015), the Equal Status Acts (2000-2018) and Section 42 of the Irish Human Rights and Equality Act 2014 (Public Sector Equality and Human Rights Duty). In line with the Arts Council’s Equality, Human Rights & Diversity (EHRD) Policy and Strategy, we commit to positive policy measures to promote equality of opportunity, access and outcomes for all those living in Ireland regardless of their gender, sexual orientation, civil or family status, religion, age, disability, race or membership of the Traveller Community. In accord with the Arts Council’s EHRD Policy and Strategy, we also note the ground of socio-economic status as a further basis for which equality of opportunity, access and outcomes must be guaranteed.

We believe that everyone should develop to their full potential and should not be treated less favourably due to any personal characteristic. We are aware that barriers to participation have prevented artists, audiences and participants from fully enjoying opportunities in the performing arts; we therefore have established procedures to address and remove discrimination and maintain an ongoing commitment to tackle existing and perceived barriers. Our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion aims to recognise, respect and value differences in order to promote an inclusive culture for members and all the people who work with Theatre Forum and who avail of our services and opportunities.

Theatre Forum’s EDI policy and action plan have been developed after a period of consultation with the Theatre Forum staff, Board of Directors and members representing the voices of freelance artists and arts workers, organisations, Theatres and Arts Centres as well as community members.

Our consultations have led us to identifying three key strategic goals, and nine objectives, as described below:

Strategic Goal 1
To be a leader for the performing arts community on EDI matters by increasing the knowledge, skills and awareness of members and stakeholders.
Under Strategic Goal 1, we commit to identifying the needs of our members in relation to EDI matters, securing and sharing the resources to build knowledge and awareness in the sector. Among the actions planned, we intend to provide a safe space for members of the performing arts community to voice their concerns and challenges, share good practice and recommendations around EDI matters. We also plan to develop a calendar of events that support the sector and to create a dedicated space focused on EDI matters on our website.

Strategic Goal 2
To remove barriers for artists to enjoy full participation in development opportunities led by Theatre Forum.
Under Strategic Goal 2, we commit to developing mechanisms to enhance communication around the accessibility of artist development programmes and to providing clarity in relation to the accessibility of online and live events and of residencies. We will introduce mechanisms to ensure increased representation of voices that have not been included across various strands of our work, including in the selection processes for our developmental programmes.

Strategic Goal 3
To be an equitable, diverse and inclusive organisation.
Under Strategic Goal 3, we have developed a plan aimed at eliminating discrimination in the workplace, removing barriers to participation in our governance and continually developing and enhancing our EDI Action Plan. Through continuous consultations with our Board and our members, we will review and update our action plan on a yearly basis. Equality, Diversity and Inclusion priorities will form part of our regular agendas across all strands of our organisational strategies and plans for the future.