1. Policy Statement
East of Scotland Jazz Education is fully committed to eliminating discrimination and promoting equality of opportunity for all. We believe the Scottish jazz music is enriched by diversity. We aim to create a safe, inclusive, and welcoming environment for our staff, volunteers, trustees, musicians, participants, and audiences.
We will ensure that no job applicant, employee, volunteer, or service user receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation (the nine protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010).
Furthermore, in recognition of the specific barriers within Scotland, we explicitly extend this policy to protect against discrimination based on socio-economic background, geographic location (including rural and island communities), and language (including Gaelic and Scots).
2. Scope of the Policy
This policy applies to all aspects of our operations, including:
- Recruitment, selection, and remuneration of staff and freelancers.
- Selection and recruitment of Board Trustees and volunteers.
- Programming, artist booking, and commissioning.
- Participant outreach, workshops, and educational programs.
- Marketing, audience development, and community engagement.
3. Core Commitments
Recruitment and Employment
Accessible Hiring: We will advertise vacancies widely across diverse networks in Scotland. We will use accessible formats and clear, non-discriminatory job descriptions.
Fair Selection: Assessment and interview processes will be objective and based solely on merit and the ability to do the job.
Living Wage: We commit to paying the Real Living Wage to all eligible staff and fair rates to freelance musicians and practitioners, ensuring socio-economic background is not a barrier to working with us.
Artistic Programming & Participation
Diverse Representation: We will actively seek to recruit and support students from underrepresented backgrounds, including disabled, ethnically diverse, neurodiverse, and LGBTQ+.
Geographic Inclusion: We will strive to make our music programs accessible to communities outside the Central Belt, including rural, highland, and island areas.
Accessibility
Physical & Digital Access: We will choose venues for performances and workshops that are physically accessible wherever possible. Our digital content and communications will aim to meet modern accessibility standards.
Financial Access: We will offer subsidised, tiered, or cost free attendance options for the course to ensure financial hardship does not prevent participation.
4. Code of Conduct & Safe Spaces
We operate a zero-tolerance policy toward any form of bullying, harassment, victimisation, or discrimination. Every individual engaging with our charity has the right to be treated with dignity and respect. Any breach of this policy by staff, volunteers, or participants will be dealt with under our disciplinary or safeguarding procedures.
5. Implementation, Monitoring, and Review
Responsibility: The Board of Trustees holds ultimate responsibility for this policy. The Trustees are responsible for its day-to-day implementation.
Training: We will provide equality and diversity awareness training for staff and trustees where appropriate.
Monitoring: We will regularly review the demographic data of our workforce, students, and participants to identify areas where we need to improve diversity.
Review: This policy will be reviewed every two years to ensure it remains compliant with Scottish and UK legislation and reflects best practices in the charity sector.
Date Approved: 7th September 2026
Next Review Date: 7th September 2028
Signed: James Holland – Secretary East of Scotland Jazz Education