Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Policy

1. Introduction

1.1 Purpose

1.1.1 This policy establishes the Australian Youth Orchestra’s (AYO) approach to matters of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.

1.1.2 At the AYO we are dedicated to fostering an inclusive and diverse environment in which all individuals are valued, respected, and provided equal opportunities. Our commitment to diversity and inclusion is fundamental to achieving our vision of that all young Australians are empowered with musical knowledge, imagination and a love of music.

1.1.3 This policy outlines our commitment to:

• providing equality, fairness and respect for every member of the AYO community and not discriminate on any grounds;
• ensuring a working, training, rehearsal and performance environment where individual differences and the contributions of the whole AYO community are recognised and valued;
• promoting a culture of dignity and respect for all members of the AYO community, free of discrimination and victimisation.

1.2 Scope and Governance

1.2.1 This policy applies to all AYO board members, committee members, employees, tutors, guest artists and program participants.

1.2.2 This policy and its obligations extends to any persons who visit our premises, programs or activities within Australia and overseas.

1.4 Legislation References

1.4.1 This policy supports AYO’s compliance with the following:

• Age Discrimination Act 2004
• Disability Discrimination Act 1992
• Racial Discrimination Act 1975
• Sex discrimination Act 1984
• Australian Human Rights Commission Act 1986
• Fair Work Act 2009
• Policy and Guidelines

1.5 Definitions

2. Our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion

2.1 We believe that music is for everyone. We support inclusion for all, and are committed to celebrating our differences, honouring the unique perspectives and contributions of varied music communities by offering culturally diverse and varied music experiences.

2.2 Respect for all is at the core of who we are. We believe the arts thrive in an atmosphere of inclusivity, support and respect.

2.3 We are committed to a diverse, equitable, and inclusive working, training, rehearsal and performance environment where all board members, staff, volunteers, musicians, guest artists, audience and community members feel respected and valued regardless of race; age; disability; sexual orientation; transgender status; political/religious beliefs; marital status; pregnancy; parental/family responsibilities or trade union activity/inactivity.

2.4 At AYO we strive to foster a flexible working environment that encourages individual differences and promotes collaboration and creativity.

2.5 We uphold a zero-tolerance to, and take all reasonable and proportionate action to eliminate, any forms of violence, discrimination, harassment, abuse or victimisation.

2.6 We recognise the importance that we make full use of people’s talents and skills by creating an open and inclusive workplace culture where people from all backgrounds can work together with dignity and respect.

2.7 We are committed to creating a culturally safe workplace and offering career development and leadership opportunities to First Nations staff and program participants.

2.8 We are committed to implementing gender equality in all our activities.

2.9 We are committed to providing an accessible and inclusive workplace and programs which allows people with disability to fully participate.

2.10 We are dedicated to fostering a safe and inclusive environment that is free for bullying and discrimination, and one that understands, values and welcomes sexual and gender diversity.

2.11 We aspire to enrich our musical landscape by committing to the promotion, creation, performance, and education of music that embraces and celebrates the diversity of cultures and styles.

2.12 AYO is an equal opportunities employer and we ensure all human resource policies, guidelines, procedures and practices promote diversity, equity and inclusion, including:

• equitable and inclusive recruitment practices that promote a diverse workforce;
• identifying and removing unlawful barriers to participation and progression in employment;
• not discriminating on the basis of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, age, physical abilities, religious beliefs, political beliefs, or other ideologies in line with Australia’s federal anti-discrimination laws.

2.13 We will continually strive to increase equity and access to our programs and apply inclusive practices and considerations to the development and delivery of artistic programs and educational projects.

2.14 We ensure an inclusive, accessible and safe work environment for all our people. We will provide reasonable accommodations to ensure workplace accessibility and equal opportunity to our premises, equipment or facilities, and perform the requirements of the assigned job or task.

3. Conduct Which Discourages Fairness, Respect and Diversity

3.1 AYO board members, employees, tutors, guest artists and program participants must not engage in conduct which discourages fairness, respect and diversity in the workplace. This includes bullying, vilification or victimisation, harassment, unlawful discrimination or stalking, whether in relation to their treatment of other employees, external parties, or any other person (including members of the public).

3.2 In addition, some conduct which occurs outside the workplace may also affect the work, training, rehearsal and performance environment (e.g. conduct at social functions colleagues, unwelcome contact with colleagues outside of work, public vilification of particular groups, etc).

3.3 Conduct which breaches this policy is unacceptable and depending on the severity and circumstances, may lead to disciplinary action.

4. Roles and Responsibilities

5. Failure to comply with this Policy

5.1 We treat seriously all reported incidents of alleged unlawful discrimination or victimisation.
5.2 Proven allegations of improper conduct and non-compliance of this Policy by board members, employees, tutors, guest artists or program participants may result in disciplinary action, including termination of employment, contract or engagement and/or legal action.

6. Policy Distribution

6.1 We will ensure that all AYO board members, employees, tutors, guest artists, volunteers and program participants are notified of and made aware that they are required to follow this policy.

Review

7.1 We are committed to continuous improvement to our policy, procedures and practices. This policy will be reviewed at least every three years by the CEO and approved by the AYO Board of Directors to ensure it is working in practice and updated as required.