Youth Theatre Arts Scotland Equality, diversity and inclusion policy

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policy and Action Plan Last reviewed: November 2016

YTAS Membership Values (Statement 4) Every young person in Scotland should have unrestricted access to a quality youth theatre experience and should not encounter barriers to access. Youth theatre’s must therefore not be exclusive in their attitude and should strive to remove all barriers to their activity to promote participation which reflects and celebrates the diversity of Scottish culture. Youth Theatre Arts Scotland will highlight the work of our community and help them find new and exciting ways to let people in and deepen their engagement.

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Contents

3-4

YTAS Vision, Mission, Values, Objectives and Activities

5

Introduction

6-11

Research and Consultation

12

Baseline EDI Figures

13

SWOT analysis

14

Policy Aims, Responsibility, Avoiding Pre-Conceptions

15

Recruitment, Training, Grievance and Victimisation,

16

Monitoring and Improvement, Culture

17- 20

Action Plan

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YTAS Vision That youth theatre in Scotland is the creative crucible where young people choose to come together and prepare for a positive future.

YTAS Mission To transform lives through youth theatre by providing inspiring participatory opportunities for young people in Scotland and by connecting, supporting and training the professionals who work with them.

YTAS Values

Intelligence and Support The young people and professionals we support are a connected and reflective community.

We advocate for their collective knowledge to assure the greatest impact in the work we do together.

Access and Participation We are passionate about sharing the work of our organisation and our community.

We strive to find new and exciting ways to let people in and deepen their engagement.

Collaboration for Development We support a multi-age, multi-arts network from across Scotland; made up of young people and professionals engaging in multiple levels of provision and development together. Our motivation and talents grow from working together and sharing our achievements.

Excellence and Experimentation We celebrate and encourage ambition, innovation and progression, taking responsibility for improving pathways through our sector and striving for quality in all that we do.

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YTAS Objectives and Activities Our objectives define the core areas of work we will focus on in our 3-year programme. They are: !! Through Information and Advocacy, we will support Scotland’s youth theatre arts sector by providing membership support, networking and information opportunities, targeted impact and capacity building services and a variety of research, resources and digital platforms. !! Through Youth Theatre Arts Projects and Services, we will deliver and develop our national partnership projects and establish new youth engagement and audience development initiatives for the sector. !! Through Training and Professional Development, we will support regional development, establish national progression and quality frameworks and evolve our national training projects. !! We will target Developmental Sustainability for the organisation and network by growing and improving our income streams and fundraising potential, assuring we have efficient resources and processes to achieve impact, and addressing the sector’s local, cultural, financial and ecological responsibilities.

The annual projects and services YTAS delivers include: !! ‘National Festival of Youth Theatre’, the largest annual gathering of youth theatre in the UK. !! A mini-festival ‘Chrysalis’ which showcases the most innovative work by young theatre-makers, delivered in partnership with the Traverse Theatre in Edinburgh. !! An annual skills development conference ‘Interchange’ for youth theatre professionals. !! A ‘Sector and Youth Symposium’ where young people and professionals come together to discuss the priorities for youth theatre development across the country. !! Numerous international partnership projects that develop skills and resources that benefit the sector. !! Continuous research, support and advocacy on behalf of Scotland’s young theatre makers.

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Introduction Youth Theatre Arts Scotland’s work involves developing relationships with people from a range of backgrounds and cultures. Working effectively with diversity, targeting equality of opportunity and promoting inclusion are therefore an essential part of our work. There is no equality of opportunity if diversity and inclusion are not recognised and valued.

Equality of opportunity is about treating people fairly, without bias, and creating conditions in the workplace and wider society that encourage and value diversity and promote dignity. It is about trying to redress past imbalances. It is about ensuring that YTAS dealings with our members, participants, partners and suppliers are conducted in a constructive way that supports appropriate inclusion and does not give rise to unjustified discrimination.

Diversity is concerned with creating an environment and practices that benefit the organisation and those who work in and with it. It takes account of the fact that people differ from one another in many ways.

Understanding, valuing and effectively managing these differences can result in greater participation that can be leveraged for success at an individual, team, organisational and even sector-wide level.

Inclusion completes the triangle of equality, diversity and inclusion; in so far as equality is about removing barriers and diversity is about recognition of people, inclusion aims to provide the conditions for people to be able to participate in the way that they want to, knowing they are welcome regardless of their background. Inclusive arts practice focuses on an approach of openness, participation, engagement and response to community cultural needs. Inclusion often involves a human rights approach, ensuring positive processes and outcomes, treating people with dignity and respect, and ensuring that barriers to involvement are removed.

When we talk about equal opportunity, diversity and inclusion, we focus on the protected characteristics identified in the Equality Act: •! Age •! Disability •! Gender reassignment •! Marriage and civil partnership •! Pregnancy and maternity •! Race / ethnicity •! Religion / belief and culture •! Sex / gender •! Sexual orientation To this list, Creative Scotland (YTAS principal funder) added its own characteristic; •! Socio-economic deprivation Page 5 of 21

This additional characteristic covers areas such as poverty, crime, rural isolation, low economic activity/unemployment and poor educational attainment.

YTAS will use a range of tools to monitor and evaluate progress in mainstreaming our policy and promoting equality, diversity and inclusion. We believe the best way to manage equal opportunity and diversity is to ensure these are built into all processes and functions, considered part of all policy decisions, and present in the planning of all programmes from start to finish. This is what we mean by mainstreaming equality, diversity and inclusion principles and practices.

Research and Consultation In developing its EDI Policy and Action Plan, YTAS drew from its existing sector research and experience.

We also reviewed Scottish Government Equalities research and guidance, Creative Scotland’s research behind the Youth Arts Strategy from 2013 and we carried out our own consultation sessions at our Sector Symposium in 2015. A summary of has information which guided this policy and plan is outlined below.

Research Summary: Scottish Government Evidence Reviews The Scottish Government published a series of Equality Evidence Reviews, to inform the development of the public sectors equality outcomes. The reviews explore available evidence about the scale and severity of issues faced by people with protected characteristics. Data in the links below provides useful context and statistics that will inform YTAS monitoring and development of its EDI Policy and Action Plan.

•! Age •! Disability •! Gender reassignment - Gender, LGBT •! Marriage and civil partnership – NRS stats •! Pregnancy and maternity •! Race / ethnicity •! Religion / belief and culture •! Sex / gender – Gender, LGBT •! Sexual orientation - LGBT •! Socio-economic deprivation – SIMD 2016 data and tools Population statistics from the Scottish Government, Scotland’s 2011 census and the 2009 Health Survey also suggest a baseline for some protected characteristics for consideration as part of YTAS EDI Policy and Action Plan: Page 6 of 21

•! There are over 1.6 million young people (0-25) in Scotland, almost 30% of the total population.

•! 12% of females and 9% of males aged 16-24 have a disability or long-term illness.

•! More than 20% of Scotland’s young people are recognised as living in poverty.

•! The Scottish population is 51% female, 49% male.

•! 92% of the population is White: Scottish / British, 4% are White: Polish / Irish / Other, 2.7% are Asian, 1.3% are either African / Caribbean / Black / Mixed / Multiple-Ethnicity / Other.

•! 5% of the population is estimated to be LGBT by the Scottish Government.

•! 54% of the population are Christian, 44% have No Religion / Not Stated, 1.4% are Islam.

Research Summary: Time to Shine: What’s Behind It? In 2013 Creative Scotland’s carried out extensive research and consultation to inform the development of their new Youth Arts Strategy ‘Time to Shine’. It identified the main factors influencing young people’s engagement with the arts: •! Two in five of the youth respondents highlighted cost as a barrier to trying out new arts activity •! Transport was an issue for both urban and rural communities •! Creating access for the hardest to reach and most vulnerable young people requires particular care and additional effort •! The influence of others was highlighted as key for introducing and maintaining participation •! Dedicated funding is needed to support strategic and long term development •! Links with formal education is important at a practical, strategic and political level •! The need for improved perceptions of engagement was highlighted; beyond it being seen as a ‘treat’ or lesser academic subject, assuring youth decision making input and supporting young people as both participants and consumers of the arts.

•! The diversity of technology, geographic barriers, and transitions experienced by 16+ young people also provide additional challenges (and opportunities) to maintaining engagement.

Research Summary: The Youth Theatre Sector in Scotland In 2015-16 Youth Theatre Arts Scotland (YTAS) undertook sector mapping research which confirmed that 28,500 young people engage in youth theatre across Scotland each year supported by 1,800 professionals and volunteers in 215 venues.

We estimate the actual figure to be more than 40,000 young people and 2,500 workers based on the additional 126 venues that were identified through the research but who didn’t respond to the data gathering survey.

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YTAS also noted in the confirmed data from 215 venues that 16,777 young people take part on a weekly basis and 50% of the staff involved are volunteers.

By mapping activity across the country in this way we have been able to identify regional gaps and opportunities that we will target over the next 3 years. We have secured funding from the Robertson Trust for a dedicated Regional Development role to help support grassroots improvements.

We also know from YTAS Sector Reviews that many of Scotland’s youth theatres take care over their responsibility towards accessibility: •! 31% of groups provide their activities for free.

(77% charge less than £5 and 42% of all groups offer financial assistance).

•! 30% of participants come from areas of multiple deprivation.

•! 15% of participants are either deaf, hard of hearing, visually or physically impaired.

•! 15% of participants have additional learning requirements.

YTAS sector mapping identified the most common source of income for youth theatre venues was ‘self-generated’ through participation fees, box office and fundraising events. Less than a third receive funding from grants and trust funds, from sponsorship and donations or from local authorities.

However, local authority support was listed as a core income for a quarter of groups.

During consultation with our member youth theatre groups and practitioners they defined the different roles YTAS carries out which are essential to their broad and vibrant network: •! A Trusted friend always available for advice.

•! An Informer helping youth groups and professionals stay up to date.

•! A Link between different and sometimes distant youth theatres.

•! The Umbrella - an ‘organising’ organisation for the sector.

•! A Thought Leader for contemporary practice and future developments.

•! A Curator of the central places to support and develop practice.

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•! A Promoter for work both across and beyond the sector.

•! A Resource Provider targeting the best experience for children and young people.

•! An Expeditor when not everyone has time to seek support and information alone.

This consultation provided a useful framework for how YTAS will carry out its umbrella role and deliver development activities: !! Offering support and guidance – Umbrella, Link, Trusted friend, Informer !! Providing resources and opportunities – Curator, Resource Provider, Expeditor !! Developing sector leadership (as ‘core’ to YTAS approach) - Link, Thought Leader !! Identifying priorities, targeting development and helping shape activities and exit plans – Informer, Thought Leader, Promoter

An early indication of YTAS approach to this work has been establishing a new set of ‘Membership Values’ that YTAS will utilise to help members develop their own activities. Through endorsement of the Values it is YTAS belief that any group or organisation involving young people in youth performing arts will be able to assure their stakeholders that they are committed to the best interests of the young people involved with them. They will be able to assert the 6 statements below. (N.B. We have included the expanded information below for Statements 1 and 4 which are particularly relevant to this EDI Policy and Action Plan).

!! Statement 1: We engage children and young people as active participants in our creative process As active participants, young people’s involvement should imprint heavily on the culture of an organisation and they should therefore be involved in key decision making to progress a youth theatres creative process. Indeed, the culture of an organisation is the creative process and this encompasses the administrative, developmental and artistic sides of activity. Youth theatres should therefore have clear mechanisms and the appropriate resources to empower young people to genuinely effect change. Youth Theatre Arts Scotland will advocate for members’ collective knowledge to assure the greatest impact in the work we do together. !! Statement 2: We understand that process and product are equally and mutually beneficial

!! Statement 3: We strive to broaden our understanding of technique and approach to enrich the delivery of our activity

!! Statement 4: We work to broaden access for those who want to participate in our youth theatre activity as creators and audience Every young person in Scotland should have unrestricted access to a quality youth theatre experience and should not encounter barriers to access. Youth theatre’s must therefore not be exclusive in their attitude and should strive to remove all barriers to their activity to promote participation which reflects Page 9 of 21

and celebrates the diversity of Scottish culture. Youth Theatre Arts Scotland will highlight the work of our community and help you find new and exciting ways to let people in and deepen their engagement.

Youth Theatre Arts Scotland will highlight the work of our community and help you find new and exciting ways to let people in and deepen their engagement. !! Statement 5: We have effective evaluation systems to assess our creative and operational output

!! Statement 6: We have an understanding of current policy and protocol in relation to safe and appropriate youth theatre practice

Consultation Summary: ‘How do we continue to drive diversity and accessibility in youth theatre?’

A series of discussion sessions were held at YTAS Youth and Sector Symposium in Edinburgh, November 2015. The theme for the discussions was ‘How do we continue to drive diversity and accessibility in youth theatre?’

Key Points: !! More regular training and awareness raising is needed. This should be done with leaders, young people and the buildings in which we operate. !! We should get better at establishing partnerships and collaborations with other access and diversity stakeholders. !! We don’t see and support each other's work enough to assess the sector’s representation. A broader, honest discussion is needed around how the young people that we engage represent the communities in which we work. We could also use existing research on our communities better to inform this. !! Access and diversity is not just about participation but also about audience development.

Notes from discussions: •! Diversity and accessibility should always be on the agenda. We need to maintain conversations / ask questions about this topic.

•! Diversity Policy = Audience Development Policy.

•! Progression – specific demographic groups progressing into other groups.

•! More support needed to have support workers that we can work with.

•! Create confidence within the support staff so that they feel comfortable in a drama setting.

•! Creative Scotland have a budget for Sign Language Interpreters / communication support.

•! Special pots of money for targeted projects; not what is wanted by communities but does encourage individuals to filter into other groups/projects.

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•! More regular training for YT leaders, young people and organisations/buildings on access and diversity awareness. E.g. Dundee Rep invited Glyn Morris to train on ‘Friendly Access’ (autism awareness for buildings) •! Better training for us and young people about diversity. Young people’s awareness.

•! Not hearing the voice of the marginalised.

•! Arts organisations need to reach out to communities that do not engage.

•! Research; knowing who are our existing or new communities. Being honest; who is not represented?

•! Specific groups for specific needs leads to dissemination once needs are met, confidence built, skills honed etc.

•! YT groups collaborating more e.g. DYT and Dundee Rep. •! YTs going to see each other’s work. Live streaming. Regular updates on YT performances and newsletter.

•! Collaboration, e.g. resources, strengths, between youth theatres (who’s presented on stage).

•! Relationship and trust-building with partners e.g. social work, community centres, voluntary organisations. Offer partners cheap tickets.

•! Cost is a barrier. Even when there are free places, are these advertised and how do young people get there?

•! Take work out and bring them back – mutual exchange •! Challenges – what is the offer & discuss with partners first. E.g.“We are offering this . . .” but don’t take it. Instead ask “what do you want”. E.g. Gaelic – open children up to it •! Problem of funding requirements – need so much in place before. How do we start the work?

•! Drama is off the school curriculum in some places so how do young people first access it?

•! City Council – opening schools in the holiday and drama classes, community bus – community drama and meal •! Taxi service – children from disadvantaged backgrounds brought to theatre •! Trust - eg The Big Noise Project – root self in community, try to come to know them •! Theatre in Northern Ireland is seen as elitist/for rich people but it should be for everyone. Our youth theatres and theatre are not there at the moment.` •! Is there conflict in setting up a specific group for a specific group? Positive discrimination e.g. Solar Bear / DYT. •! Things we do well? E.g. Toonspeak – breaking down territorial barriers (transport and food provided). Aberdeen Performing Arts – breaking down financial barriers. Some ‘free’ activity doesn’t work in Aberdeen (no cash value viewed as no value).

•! Referrals from social work, people on projects. In Glasgow the YA Hub has helped to connect people and organisations and referral (social work, other projects).

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Baseline EDI Figures from 2015-16 YTAS Annual Statistical Survey noted the following characteristics during 2015-16: •! 10 Board: 4 male, 6 female (including female Chair and Vice-Chair), 1 over 65 years, 10 white Scottish / British, 10 non-disabled, 9 heterosexual, 1 gay/lesbian.

•! 5 Permanent Staff: 2 male, 3 female, 5 white Scottish / British, 3 non-disabled, 1 long term / chronic condition.

5 heterosexual.

•! 35 Contract / Freelance Staff: 13 male, 22 female, 4 under 25 years, 4 over 65 years, 35 (unconfirmed) non-disabled, 33 (unconfirmed) heterosexual, 2 (unconfirmed) gay/lesbian.

•! 11 Youth Employment: 2 male, 9 female, 11 under 25 years, 11 white Scottish / British, 11 non-disabled, 11 heterosexual.

•! 17 Volunteers: 8 male, 9 female, 10 under 25 years, 1 over 65 years, 17 (unconfirmed) white Scottish / British, 17 (unconfirmed) non-disabled, 17 (unconfirmed) heterosexual.

YTAS recognises that its systems for consistently collecting data on protected characteristics of staff and volunteers could be improved. YTAS did not collect data on protected characteristics of professionals or young people attending its events.

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SWOT Analysis Strengths !! We are a national organisation with national reach !! We have a track record of sustained, successful delivery and innovation !! We support numerous youth groups, organisations and freelancers delivering targeted EDI projects !! We have established numerous local and national partnerships over the years !! We have initiated several successful research and development projects !! Our Board is gender balanced and led by a female Chair and Vice-Chair !! Our sector is committed to EDI objectives and often talented at achieving best practice and sustainable results !! We regularly make key events deaf accessible, including our National Festival of Youth Theatre over five years

Weaknesses !! We have a small staff team for the scale and potential of our organisation and sector !! We serve the needs of a growing and diverse sector, which requires us to respond to multiple priorities !! Non arts funders appear less willing to invest in YATS umbrella, development role in tackling EDI priorities

Opportunities !! We have a rich and unique knowledge of the network of young people and professionals across the country engaging in multiple levels of youth theatre provision and development together !! We have already identified gaps and opportunities for regional development during 2015-16 and are keen to extend this model into other ‘communities’ !! Following a period of review, we have identified new approaches towards EDI funding working in partnership with key providers that still align with our core objectives

Threats !! The limited funds and availability that YTAS Members, Non-Members, professionals and volunteers experience across the sector creates a barrier for those who would benefit most from YTAS EDI training, opportunities and developments. !! There is a misperception that youth theatre is a predominantly white, middle class activity for young people who can already afford which could undermine many EDI improvements.

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Policy Aims We endeavour to: •! Comply with and exceed all relevant regulatory requirements.

•! Continually improve and monitor equality, diversity and inclusion performance.

•! Incorporate equality, diversity and inclusion considerations into business decisions.

•! Increase employee awareness.

•! Increase sector awareness.

Responsibility YTAS CEO is responsible for ensuring that the policy is implemented. However, all employees have a responsibility in their area to ensure that the aims and objectives of the policy are met.

The key elements of the policy are included in YTAS Board Handbook, which is reviewed, updated and signed off annually by the Board.

Avoiding Pre-conceptions In the application of this EDI Policy, it is essential that the Board and staff guard against discrimination on the basis of possible assumptions that individuals, because of their age, disability, gender, marriage, civil partnership, pregnancy, maternity, race, ethnicity, religion, belief, culture, sexual orientation or socioeconomic deprivation, possess characteristics which would make them unsuitable for employment, volunteering or particpation.

Any restrictions, which are applied by management, and/or senior staff which affect certain groups more than others may effectively constitute indirect discrimination and should be reviewed and altered to redress any imbalance.

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Recruitment Applicants for posts and volunteering shall be given as much clear and accurate information about posts through advertisements, job descriptions and interviews in order to enable them to assess their own suitability for a post. Information about posts shall be placed and prominently displayed where it may reach individuals of all groups previously referred to.

All applicants and volunteers shall be informed that Youth Theatre Arts Scotland encourages equality, diversity and inclusion through this policy. Such information should be included in advertisements, job descriptions and/ or application forms.

All personnel specifications for posts and voluntary work shall include only requirements that are necessary and justifiable for effective performance.

All interviews shall be thorough, conducted on an objective basis and shall deal only with the applicant’s suitability for the job or voluntary work and ability to fulfil the job requirements. Where it is necessary to assess whether personal circumstances will affect performance of the job, for example when it involves unsocial hours or extensive travel, this should be discussed objectively without detailed questions based on assumptions about marital status, children and domestic obligations.

Youth Theatre Arts Scotland will not discriminate on the basis of sex, marital status, colour, ethnic origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, disability or unrelated criminal record in the allocation of duties between staff employed in any grade or grades with comparable job descriptions.

Training Youth Theatre Arts Scotland shall not discriminate in the provision of training courses. Appropriate training shall be provided to enable staff to perform their jobs effectively. Age limits for entry to training provisions shall not be restrictive to exclude certain groups of staff. All Board, advisory committee members and staff involved in interviewing shall receive training as / when required to ensure that selection is made on an objective basis and that encouragement is given to women and men to take full advantage of training opportunities.

Grievance and Victimisation Particular care will be taken to deal effectively with any complaint of discrimination or sexual harassment which should be pursued through the Grievance Procedures.

Any employee or volunteer who may feel discriminated against on the grounds of their sex, marital status, ethnic origins, colour, religion, sexual orientation, age, disability or unrelated criminal record has recourse Page 15 of 21

via an appointed officer to have their complaint fully investigated. All parties involved in such a complaint and its subsequent investigation shall be made fully aware of the findings.

YTAS Greivance Procedure is outlined fully in the Company Handbook.

Monitoring and Improvement •! We will comply with all relevant regulatory requirements.

•! We will continually monitor and seek to improve performance.

•! We will incorporate equality, diversity and inclusion considerations into business decisions.

•! We will increase employee awareness.

•! We will review this policy and any related business decisions at team meetings.

Culture •! We will involve staff in the implementation of this policy, for greater commitment and improved performance.

•! We will update this policy annually in consultation with staff.

•! We will provide staff with relevant equality, diversity and inclusion training.

•! We will work with our event partners to improve their equality, diversity and inclusion performance.

•! We will work with Members and sector to improve their equality, diversity and inclusion performance.

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EDI Action Plan 2016-18 Last updated: November 2016

Objectives

Ensure that YTAS staff team is equal, inclusive and diverse with good levels of awareness, skills and knowledge regarding EDI issues across the organisation

Lead

CEO & General / Projects Manager

Tasks

Record the characteristics of YTAS Board and staff and share this data with Creative Scotland.

Improve and streamline YTAS systems for collecting anonymous protected characteristics from its freelance staff and volunteers.

Establish an EDI champion at Board and Staff level to oversee implementation and monitoring of YTAS Policy and Plan.

Deliver relevant EDI training in house and by external partners / providers.

Review and address where possible the protected characteristic profile gaps within Board, Paid Staff and Volunteers, implementing revised recruitment and selection processes and mentoring schemes if necessary.

Targets

Measures of Success

Protected characteristic data captured in a clear and effective manner and submitted to relevant funders on time.

Improved EDI reporting processes and data

Two review meetings a year of EDI champions.

One in-house and one external EDI training session held for YTAS team each year.

2017 Board recruitment to include targeting of characteristic profile gaps as well as wider EDI development opportunities for the sector.

Personnel report greater understanding of EDI issues and connection to YTAS Values YTAS Board, Paid Staff and Volunteers become more representative across protected characteristics groups

Actual Performance

Objectives

Lead

Ensure that our Members and partner organisations understand, support and engage with YTAS commitment to EDI

Creative Learning Manager & Sector Engagement Officer

Tasks

Publish YTAS updated policy on our website and highlight developments at our Sector and Youth Symposium.

Regularly review the participation and segmentation that exists within Scotland’s youth theatre sector.

Regularly consult with professionals and young people to inform YTAS Action Plan.

Establish an EDI champion(s) from the sector to assist YTAS in the implementation and monitoring of its Policy and Plan.

Utilise YTAS Managers Forum, regional development activity and sector training events to highlight and progress YTAS EDI plan.

Utilise YTAS new Resources page as an accessible gateway to EDI links and resources for sector professionals and ‘developing’ youth theatres.

Targets

Measures of Success

Two review meetings a year of EDI champions.

YTAS EDI Policy and Action Plan is underpinned by robust sector research and consultation.

At least two EDI topics to feature as part of YTAS Managers Forum, regional development activity or sector training events each year.

A selection of current signposts and guidance for EDI improvements is available on YTAS Resources, and of particular relevance to Scotland’s youth theatre sector.

Actual Performance

EDI awareness and its value to all is more greatly understood and proactively demonstrated by YTAS Members and partner organisations.

At least two EDI opportunities or features to be included in YTAS comms each year.

Highlight EDI training opportunities to our sector via YTAS’s comms channels.

Highlight best practice and support opportunities to YT sector.

Delivery of bespoke training into EDI issues for the sector relevant to their context and activity.

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Objectives

To increase the number and visibility of disabled young people participating in youth theatre in Scotland

Lead

CEO & Creative Learning Manager

Tasks

Establish a longer term partnership approach with Birds of Paradise Theatre Company to connect their focused disability research and experience with YTAS network, EDI Plan and activities.

Define shared objectives and targets with Birds of Paradise relating to participation, progression and audience development.

Identify specific disability groups for targeted EDI support at YTAS events with Birds of Paradise – mimicking the successful relationship and impact YTAS established with the Deaf Youth Theatre.

Map and explore the potential for a bespoke network of disability youth theatre groups / practitioners from within YTAS members.

Work with Eden Court to share practice at our professional skills development conference, Interchange, based on insights from their accessible ‘transitions’ youth group, integrated youth / adult group and specialist outreach workers.

Offer 2 deaf accessible Young Critics opportunities in 2017 as part of European funded activity.

Work with Solar Bear and Royal Conservatoire of Scotland to promote the deaf accessible Young Critics opportunity throughout their networks.

Targets

YTAS and BoP sharing research, resources, attendance at events.

2 meetings a year between YTAS and BoP to review progress together on shared EDI objectives and targets.

1 new targeted disability group attends a YTAS event for the first time in 2017.

1 consultation / skill-sharing session held with practitioners interested in establishing a network of disability youth theatre groups / practitioners.

1 performance and/or training session held at Interchange that explores disability youth theatre best practice.

Measures of Success

Actual Performance

YTAS and BoP see value in maintaining their partnership approach for the long term.

YTAS has established relationships with targeted disability groups who benefit and also uniquely contribute to youth theatre sector development.

Increased awareness and commitment towards disability youth theatre is demonstrated by YTAS Members and partner organisations

The accessible opportunities, activities and resources YTAS creates through its Creative Commons project reaches a new network of young disabled people, groups and practitioners.

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Objectives

Lead

Tasks

Targets

Measures of Success

Actual Performance

Contract an Access Specialist(s) for the Creative Commons European project for ‘inclusion proofing’ the resources developed between 2017-18.

To increase the number and visibility of NonWhite Scottish / British young people participating in youth theatre in Scotland

CEO & Creative Learning Manager

Establish a longer term partnership approach with Ignite Theatre to connect YTAS network, EDI Plan and activities with their experience and focus working with communities in Glasgow that support immigrant populations and asylum seekers.

Develop our knowledge and awareness of immigrant youth populations around Scotland and the potential for improving links with local youth theatre activity, inspired by Ignite’s approach.

Define shared objectives and targets with Ignite relating to the number and visibility of Non-White Scottish / British young people involved in participation, progression and audience development across the sector.

Ignite young people or practitioners attend a YTAS event for the first time in 2017.

2 meetings a year between YTAS and Ignite to review progress together on shared EDI objectives and targets.

YTAS and Ignite achieve additional funding together that secures and enhances their work as well as extending it to other groups / regions in Scotland.

YTAS and Ignite see value in maintaining their partnership approach for the long term.

Increased awareness and commitment towards engaging Non-White Scottish / British young people in youth theatre in Scotland demonstrated by YTAS Members and partner organisations

Identify funding to support YTAS, Ignite and other Members to extend or enhance their EDI activity for Non-White youth participation, progression and audience development.

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Objectives

To increase the number and visibility of young people participating in youth theatre from areas with high levels of multiple deprivation.

Lead

Tasks

CEO & Enhance our knowledge and awareness of Sector youth theatre participants in Scotland from Engagement areas with high levels of multiple deprivation.

Officer Enhance YTAS and the sector’s awareness of the key considerations when targeting participation, progression and audience development in areas with high levels of multiple deprivation.

Develop new marketing and comms techniques that seek to increase the visibility of youth theatre participants from areas with high level of multiple deprivation in a clear and effective but non-patronising manner.

Targets

Measures of Success

YTAS has more robust data and awareness of how its sector is approaching participation, progression and audience development in areas with high levels of multiple deprivation.

Increased awareness and commitment towards engaging youth theatre participants from areas with high level of multiple deprivation demonstrated by YTAS Members and partner organisations.

At least two features to be included in YTAS comms each year on best practice demonstrated from areas with high level of multiple deprivation.

Actual Performance

Identify funding that could support YTAS and its Members to extend, enhance and empower EDI activity for participants from areas with high levels of multiple deprivation.

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