Equal Opportunities, Diversity & Inclusion Policy

5th July 2024
Review date: 11th February 2024

Our Commitment

City of Stars are committed to promoting equal opportunities, diversity & inclusion both within our choirs and outside within the wider world. It is vital to us that we are providing a safe and inclusive space for people of all sexual orientations, race, age, abilities and gender identities; a place to express themselves freely through the universal language of music.

We also commit to celebrating such communities by amplifying the voices of under-represented authors and composers and selecting songs from plays that revolve around the themes of love, inclusion and acceptance.

The City of Stars choirs are founded on three core values: kindness, respect and mutual support. We actively oppose discrimination, harassment and bullying in all its forms, and our expectations for our members are written in our members agreement.

Who this policy applies to

  • Choir members

  • Employees

  • Paid performers e.g. band members

  • Future patrons

Statement of intent

City of Stars recognise that discrimination is present against certain groups & individuals, and as such opportunities within the arts and elsewhere are not always fairly available or distributed. Therefore we make it our mission to ensure every human who walks through our door will be treated with fairness, inclusion & respect. They will be welcomed into our organisation with open arms, and we intend to help each individual creatively thrive and therefore make a positive impact on their lives.

Standards

The following statements represent the key standards we are aiming to achieve, to improve equality of opportunities within our organisation.

  • The choirs individually and as a brand represent Brighton

  • The choir is a safe, inclusive environment both internally & externally

  • We rehearse in accessible places and at accessible times

  • We perform in accessible and diverse places

  • We ensure the learning materials provided are accessible for all, making adjustments if needed e.g. lyrics written in braille

  • We publicise opportunities to join the choir and within the choir themselves (e.g. auditions) in an inclusive way and encourage the members to foster encouragement within each other to promote further diversity

  • Our social events are accessible and our social captains are aware of the needs of our choir members

  • We encourage our social captains to look for diverse events, so we can support the arts in a diverse and inclusive way

  • For our digital platforms we offer on-hand help and alternative solutions for those who may need it

  • We perform music from a wide variety of identities and voices

  • We will continue to listen to our members, ensure we are meeting their needs and offering support on topics that may be affecting them externally

  • We will continue to learn about equality, diversity and inclusion, and ensure it remains a focus in everything that we do as a choir and as a brand as we grow

Monitoring and review process

City of Stars will continue to monitor our policies on equal opportunities, diversity & inclusion and will update them accordingly as we see fit; taking into consideration feedback from our members (in-person, messaged or through an anonymous form), issues within the wider world and our membership agreement.

It’s incredibly important to us that the space we create has a positive effect on our members, our community and the wider world so this will continue to be monitored as long as the brand exists.

If you have any questions about this policy please feel free to email Candi at hello@cityofstarschoir.co.uk.