Equal Opportunities
1 VOIX DE VIVRE STATEMENT
1.1 Voix de Vivre (the choir) is committed to implementing and promoting equal opportunities in its activities, services and practice.
1.2 The choir will not tolerate discrimination on the basis of:
i race;
ii colour;
iii gender;
iv sexual orientation or identity;
v ethnic or national origin;
vi disability;
vii partnership status or home responsibility;
viii age;
ix political or religious belief;
x socio-economic background.
1.3 The choir accepts its responsibility to promote equal opportunities and to challenge discrimination wherever it occurs.
1.4 Every member of the choir should be made aware of this policy and if they have been or are being discriminated against in any way they are entitled to pursue the matter with the choir Trustees.
2 THE MANAGEMENT OF THE CHORUS
2.1 The choir will elect a board of trustees elected from its whole membership.
2.2 Board of trustee meeting reports will be made available to all members on request.
2.3 The choir will actively consult its members about major issues.
2.4 The choir will actively invite members’ suggestions and comments and act on them as appropriate.
3 CHARGING POLICY
On behalf of the choir the trustees will annually review and publicise its membership fees in line with choir policy and changing needs.
4 CHORUS MEMBERS WITH PHYSICAL DISABILITIES
4.1 The choir will endeavour to provide maximum access wherever practical for disabled choir members in all venues used for concert performance and rehearsals.
4.2 The choir will research and respond to the special needs of members.
4.3 Disabled Chorus members will be required to meet the same vocal standards as all other Choir members.
5 HARASSMENT
No member should be subject to harassment which is interpreted as:
i verbal abuse;
ii physical abuse;
iii repeated remarks which an individual finds offensive;
iv written abuse by social media or any other medium.
6 RECRUITMENT
6.1 Full membership of the choir is through audition conducted by the Musical Director.
6.2 The choir will make singing membership available to all people who have the required vocal ability. Any person over 18 will be eligible to audition for HC on their own behalf or any person under 18 with the permission of their parent or guardian.
7 COMPLAINTS AND ALLEGATIONS
7.1 All instances or complaints of discriminatory behaviour will be treated seriously.
7.2 Complaints or allegations of an unfounded or malicious nature will also be treated as serious.
7.3 If a member of the choir has a complaint or allegation this should be discussed with the Chair of the choir, or where not appropriate, a nominated trustee.
7.4 If the complaint or allegation cannot be resolved as described above, it should be presented in writing to the Chair of the choir, or where not appropriate, a trustee, clearly stating the areas of concern.
8 ROLE OF THE TRUSTEES IN RESPONDING TO COMPLAINTS AND ALLEGATIONS
8.1 In the event of a complaint or allegation being presented as in 7(iv), the Chair of the choir or, where not appropriate, a nominated trustee should discuss the matter further with the member concerned.
8.2 If discussions do not resolve the issues raised, the Chair or nominated trustee should bring the matter to a sub group made up of three trustees (none of whom is implicated in the allegation). The sub group should meet the member who can if they wish bring another adult to the meeting. This meeting must be held in private and all matters discussed should remain confidential.
8.3 The Chair or nominated trustee must ensure that an accurate and detailed record is maintained of all events, discussions and outcomes. Such records should be stored in a secure place as agreed by the trustees and access to such records should only be on a need to know basis.
8.4 After due consideration the conclusions of the sub group will be reported back to the member concerned in the form of a written report which should be provided within ten working days where feasible, or if this is not possible giving a date by which the final response can be expected.
8.5 If the member who has made the complaint or allegation is not satisfied with the outcome of the review they should be advised to contact the Equal Opportunities Commission.
9 POINT OF CONTACT
The Chair of Voix de Vivre is the designated point of contact info@voixdevivre.org
10 POLICY REVIEW
Date Policy reviewed: 23rd October 2023
Policy approved by the Trustees of Voix de Vivre