SCOTTISH DANCE THEATRE: DISABILITY EQUALITY SCHEME ACTION PLAN 2010 – 13
06/Septmeber/11
Time Scale Long: By July 13 Medium: By March 12 Short: By December 11
Governance Employment and Staffing 1
Action
Impact/Outcome
Responsibility
Time Scale
1.1
We will review all Dundee Rep/SDT policies, including our Equal Opportunities Policy, to ensure they underpin principals of disability and diversity in line with current DDA legislation and ensure that they are in clear accessible language and available in both printed and electronic versions. When developing new policies we will consult with disabled people who work at or attend the Rep We will ensure that the Board and all staff are aware of all policies
Embedding issues in philosophy of Rep/SDT; increased access for all.
IA
Medium
Ongoing
Informs and embeds working practices. All aware of obligations and transfer into practice. Increased diversity of workforce.
IA/DES WG
Medium
Ongoing
IA/AC
Medium
Ongoing
AC/IA
Medium
Increased diversity of workforce.
IA/AC
Medium
Informs future systems to increase no. of disabled applicants. Informs future decisions re advertising jobs. Ensures needs of all staff considered. Ensures needs of all staff considered.
AB
Medium
1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 1.8 1.9 1.10 1.11 1.12 1.13
We will review recruitment/HR procedures in line with current DDA legislation We will seek to be awarded the Job Centreplus positive about disabled people Two Ticks symbol. We will collect data for requests from job applicants for alternative format print We will monitoring of all job applicants for diversity and equality. Currently in process for SDT Administrator post. We will review monitoring of the Board and SDT Staff and collaborators in terms of diversity and equality, updated annually We will appoint a member of staff as Disabilities Champion at Work and provide relevant training, ensuring all staff are aware of this post and area of responsibility. We will implement a standard Equal Opportunities application form for all job vacancies which will be available in print or electronically. We will review equalities work beyond March 2012 and implement a fundraising strategy in relation to this. All job advertisements will be in clear accessible language and will be available in both printed and electronic versions. We will post all new jobs in Job Centre Plus
AC/AB Medium
JS/AC
Medium
Improved accessibility.
AC/IA
Medium
Aims of project evaluated; inform ongoing SDT working practice. Improved accessibility.
JS/AC/CB
Long
Increased diversity of workforce.
AB
1
Status
Done and ongoing Done and ongoing
AC/IA
AC/AB
Cost
Done
Done and ongoing Done and
1.14
ongoing Done and ongoing
1.17
We will include a paragraph in job specs re welcoming applications from disabled people, offering support with applications if required (whilst being clear about any limitations). We will continue to Enhanced Disclosure check (and CRB check if from overseas) all staff. All staff will receive diversity, disability and equality training every 2 years. We will continue to administrate all Access to Work claims.
1.18
We will ensure all staff are trained in fire evacuation procedures.
1.19
We will ensure that all staff & support workers have evacuation chair training, refreshed annually.
H & S improved.
HM
Done & Ongoing Done & Ongoing Done & Ongoing (only 3 people left to do SDT)
1.20
We will ensure that house style and branding for SDT conforms to accessibility standards. We will develop a DES and Action Plan in line with current legislation and ensure all staff are familiar with these. We will establish an SDT/Rep DES Working Group to meet bimonthly to review DES and Action Plan.
Equalities central.
All
Ongoing
Ensures equalities is central to work and staff involved. Equalities central, staff involved.Informs practice Meetings minuted. Equalities at core. Equalities at core.
DES WG
Done
AC/ IA
Done
AC/JS JB
Done Done
Ensures equalities at core and staff involvement.
All
Done
1.15 1.16
1.21 1.22 1.23 1.24 1.24
We will allocate funding and create a DES budget line We will invite someone with experience re Diversity and Disability onto the Board. We will ensure that equalities and access is an agenda item at all SDT/Rep meetings.
Improved accessibility.
AC/AB
Good practice.
HM
Done & Ongoing
Effective involvement and feedback from Increase access for disabled staff members. H & S improved.
AC/CB / IA
Ongoing
HM AC/RH
Artistic 2 2.1 2.2
Action When updating SDT’s Strategic Plan we will ensure that disability and diversity equality are considered and prominent, conveying our commitment to equalities. We will create a document on SDT Artistic policy articulating the
Impact/Outcome
Respons-ibility
Time Scale
Equalities at core.
JS/AC
Medium
Reflects priorities in terms of
JS
Medium
2
Cost
Status
Ongoing
2.3 2.4
2.5
2.6
2.7 2.8
2.9 2.10 2.11
2.12 2.13
company’s commitment to equalities and access. We presented our inclusive work, NQR, throughout 2010 We will use materials from the DAFC independent impact study by Jo Verrent to highlight the project and provoke debate. We have now added the impact study to the website. Devil’s Advocate session still to add. We will collaborate with others in the performing arts sector to prepare and deliver a Symposium on disability equality within the arts, addressing in particular developmental and professional opportunity for disabled artists. Via the DAFC post we will continue to offer mentoring and training opportunities for disabled artists/teachers.
equality and diversity. Visibility of work. Impact assessed through audience feedback. Measure impact of DAFC project and highlight issues to inform future.
JS
Med
Done
Medium
Done & ongoing
Increased opportunities for disabled artists. Researching future possibilities. Measure impact via reports and feedback. Increased opportunities for disabled artists to fulfil their creative potential. Measure impact via feedback from those involved.
AC/CB/All
Medium in Jan 2012
In planning stages – event 2012
CB
Medium
Ongoing – Julie Cleves profession al developme nt Feb 2010
We will continue to develop links with other relevant organisations in order to run projects for and/or including disabled people. We will prioritise a direct promotion of the dissemination of the work of SDT in the field of disability at a minimum of two events per year. Contribute to ongoing discussion & development of equality issues by involvement in discussion forums. We will continue the post of DAFC until March 2012 and review activity thereafter. We will hold performances and CL activity in accessible venues whenever possible.
Increasing capacity, ensuring reach of projects. Visibility of SDT work, promoting equality, role models.
JS/CB
Medium
Ongoing
JS/AC/CB/Mkt
Long
Ongoing
Aims of project evaluated; inform ongoing SDT working practice. Improved access.
JS/AC
Long
Done & Ongoing Done & Ongoing
On a project by project basis, we will continue to consider how to include disabled people in different aspects of our future artistic programming, be that as artistic collaborators, teachers or consultants. SDT’s DAFC will continue to be involved in SDT’s Interactive performances until end March 2012. We will invest in training for Artistic Leadership for Marc Brew via our Associate Director Fellow post.
Equalities at core.
JS/All
Project to project
ongoing
Equalities role model, aims of project evaluated.
3
All
JS/MB
Done & Ongoing Done
Participation/Creative Learning 3 3.1
3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.6 3.7 3.8 3.9 3.10 3.11 3.12 3.13 3.14
Action We will organise a further 3 Devil’s Advocate platforms initiated by our DAFC to build awareness of disability issues eg in the training and development of and professional opportunity for disabled dance artists 7 October 11 at RSAMD, Glasgow. The Glasgow one is aimed at Young People) Creative Learning evaluation will be gathered by printed and, where appropriate, verbal or electronic means. We will review the monitoring of creative learning participants around disability and diversity.
Impact/Outcome
Respons-ibility
Time Scale
Dissemination of information, profiling equality.
DAFC/CrL
Medium
Improved data collection and analysis to measure impact. Demonstrate impact; informs future strategy.
CrL,Mkt
Medium
CrL,Mkt
Medium
Where practicable we will endeavour to include disabled people in SDT’s placements (school children, dance students). We will continue our links and develop new relationships with Schools and groups who work with people with Additional Support Needs. We will consult and where appropriate involve people from groups such as older people in order to take into account their needs and to keep place with new legislation in 2011. SDT Interactives will include disabled and non-disabled artists, at least up until March 2012. SDT’s CL activity in Dundee and on tour nationally and internationally will continue to seek to increase access for people.
Increase access of offer.
CrL,RCL
Medium
Increase diversity; sharing practice.
CrL/CB
Medium
Increase diversity and accessibility.
CrL
Long
Profiling equalities; more inclusive audience base established. Increased access, informing through practice.
JS
Long
CrL
Done & Ongoing
Where practicable, we will endeavour to run SDT CL events only in accessible venues. We will continue to inform RCL placements re SDT’s inclusive work, highlighting equality and access issues. Our external workshop booking form will indicate the request for the space to be risk assessed prior to the activity. We will ask re specific & access requirements on all booking forms (external & internal). When recruiting participants for projects we will add a paragraph stating that we welcome applications from disabled participants We will ensure a Health & safety / house keeping briefing takes place at each event including fire evacuation procedures, evacuation chairs, accessible toilets.
Improved access.
CrL
Informing through practice. Seek feedback to measure impact. H & S improved.
VB CrL
Done & Ongoing Done & Ongoing Done
Improved access.
CrL
Done
More inclusive participant base established. H & S improved.
CrL, Mkt
Done
CrL, Dancers
Done
4
Cost
Status
Ongoing
Ongoing
Customer Service 4 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 4.6 4.7
Action We will examine the possibility of including an access section on Databox, or create an Access mailing list through manual means We will review monitoring of audiences regarding disability and diversity. We will continue to have BSL performances, including SDT Interactives. We will reinstate the Rep/SDT Visitor Service Group who will meet regularly to ensure that access is always on the agenda We will provide large -print menus in the restaurant We will continue to offer tour touch tours and provide in house training. We will update our FOH PEEP plan and train staff in the procedures held within
Impact/Outcome
Respons-ibility
Time Scale
Cost
Status
Enhance audience experience.
FOH
Medium
Improved data collection, analysis informs future practice. Increased access for deaf audiences. Improve access and customer experience. Improved Access. Enhance experience; improved access. H & S improved.
FOH
Long
KB
Short
Impact/Outcome
Respons-ibility
Time Scale
Equalities at core; increased access and experience.
KS
Medium
Improved data collection and analysis to inform future campaigns and targets. Improved access and overall experience.
Mkt
Medium
Mkt,FOH
Medium
Ongoing
Improved access.
Mkt
Medium
2011
Highlight feedback on website to provoke debate. Improved access. Improved access.
Mkt
Medium
Ongoing
Mkt Mkt, CrL
Medium Medium
Ongoing
Better data management to ensure broad dissemination of information.
CB,CrL, Mkt
Long
Ongoing
All
Ongoing
FOH/Mkt
Done
Rep Mkt FOH
Done Ongoing Ongoing
Marketing & Communications 5 5.1
5.2 5.3 5.4 5.6 5.7 5.8 5.9
Action We will formulate and deliver an integrated marketing and audience development strategy, ensuring that disability, access and inclusion is reflected throughout the strategies and their action plans. New SDT Marketing Strategy to be completed in 2011. We will review our monitoring processes to enable us to measure the effectiveness of our access awareness projects and focus our campaigns We will liaise closely with our home and tour venues re ensuring booking procedures are inclusive, including information on welcoming learning disabled people appropriately When gathering evaluation material we will offer both printed and electronic versions For inclusive projects we will seek specific feedback to measure impact. We will research using Sign Tube, a BSL version of You Tube. We will include information on venue accessibility for creative learning activity in print material. We will develop relationships with disability agencies to promote projects and opportunities by monitoring and updating our database
5
Cost
Status
Ongoing
5.10 5.11
5.12 5.13 5.14
of contacts All DVD’s produced by Scottish Dance Theatre will include access option (subtitles, audio description etc) We will disseminate information via press and other publications, conferences and seminars regarding inclusive performances and the DAFC project in order to highlight good practice.
Improved access.
Mkt
Promoting equality and increasing impact of project. Encouraging involvement of disabled people in dance. Easier to read document, easier to access, increasing diversity of audience and participants Improved access both in print and at venues.
CB/JS Mkt
Done & Ongoing
Mkt
Done & Ongoing
Mkt/Tech
Done & ongoing
Easier to read document, easier to access, and improved experience.
Mkt
Done & Ongoing
Action We will ensure that all generic access documents are available online. We will be honest on our website re the access limitations of our venue and those to which we tour by clearly stating access details. We will offer transcripts as word documents of our promo DVD and any other audio interviews. We will research adding an audio described promo video on our website. We will ensure that all downloads are available as word documents as well as PDF’s We will endeavour not to layer text over images.
Impact/Outcome
Respons-ibility
Time Scale
Improved access.
Mkt
Medium
Improved experience for audiences.
Mkt/Tech
Medium
Done & Ongoing Ongoing
Improved access.
Mkt
Long
Ongoing
Increase accessibility.
Mkt
Long
Ongoing
Improved access.
Mkt
Improved access.
Mkt
We will ensure that the language and images used on our website are inclusive We will review our website in terms of diversity and disability ensuring it represents SDT as a company and everyone it works with. We will improve the information about our accessible performances online and provide text used within a performance available to
Improved access
Mkt
Improved access, profiling role models of disability, promoting equality. Improved access.
Mkt
We will ensure that the language and images used in all our communications (inc CL)are inclusive, clear, accessible and represent the broad nature of our stakeholders We will include information on venue accessibility in our print material, being honest re the access limitations of both our venue and those to which we tour. We will offer large print and alternative accessible programmes at all venues and create clear appropriate signage to indicate availability. Laminated sign.
Long
2011
Website 6 6.1 6.2 6.3 6.4 6.5 6.6 6.7 6.8 6.9
6
Mkt
Cost
Status
Done & Ongoing Done & Ongoing Done & Ongoing Done & Ongoing Ongoing
6.10 6.11 6.12
download. We will add clear instructions on our site that detail how our audience can receive accessible print. We will add an Accessibility page to our website, located from the homepage, stating what SDT is doing re accessibility and providing a point of contact. We will add a section for Dance Agent for Change on the Homepage in order to make it more prominent and continue to submit information for the DAFC website.
Improved access.
Mkt
Done
Improved access.
Mkt
Done
Promoting equality.
Mkt/CB
Done
Impact/Outcome
Respons-ibility
Time Scale
Enhance experience for audience members.
IA
Long changed from Medium
H & S improved.
All
Medium
Improved access.
RH/KB
Medium
Monitoring venues to measure impact on disabled people. H & S improved and improved workplace.
Tech
Medium
ALL/RH
Medium
Improved access.
IA
Medium
Improved access.
IA
Medium
Improved access.
IA
Medium
Improved access.
IA/KB
Medium
H & S improved.
RH
Medium
Improved access.
IA
Medium
Improved H & S and access.
IA
Medium
Venue & Building 7 7.1 7.2 7.3 7.4 7.5 7.6 7.7 7.8 7.9 7.10 7.11 7.12
Action We will improve accessible seating area in the auditorium examining more flexibility of the space to enable wheelchair users and non wheelchair visitors to sit together We will update risk assessments for offices, studios and public areas – to be updated annually and filed with our Building Manager. We will implement a simpler/different disabled toilet locking system and look at automatic lighting when door is opened. We will develop a checklist to assess SDT events venues on their level of accessibility (tour venues, CL venues) We will ensure office layout considers the requirement of disabled colleagues and that office floors and corridors are kept clear of hazards at all time We will improve signage for the indoor ramp in the reception /FOH area and include in access print. We will improve signage/ highlight lift access in FOH/Bar areas and include in access print. We will examine possibilities for improving access to the Rep restaurant and bar areas We will examine possibilities to improve access at Box office desk, lower part of the desk We will purchase an evac chair for the front of house area and train relevant staff. We will ensure that the evac chair purchased for auditorium is suitable for curving steps. We will improve signage backstage, to include information on accessible facilities We will update the pack for visiting companies to include information on fire evacuation procedures and accessible facilities
7
Cost
Status
Done and ongoing
Ongoing
7.13 7.14 7.15 7.16 7.17 7.18 7.19 7.20 7.21 7.22
We will investigate the feasibility of installing handrails in the auditorium We will investigate adding white nosing on the steps in the auditorium. We will adapt the entrance to stage door from street level to enable access to disabled staff We will look at possible areas to store mobility equipment. Where appropriate we will remove rows A,B & C to improve seating for wheelchair users during performances. We will create a laminated seating plan to be kept at Box Office to assist customers unable to see the seating plan at the desk SDT will review their tech spec to include specific questions re accessibility We will request Tayside Fire Dept to look over SDT’s PEEP Plan.
Improve H & S and accessibility
RH
Medium
Improve H & S and accessibility
IA
Long (07/13)
Improved access.
IA
Long (07/03)
Improve accessibility. Enhance experience for audience members. Improved access.
IA JC
Long (07/13)
IA
Done
Improved experience for disabled staff members. H & S improved.
Tech
Done
Admin
Done
We will improve disabled access to studio 3 through the installation of a lift. We will investigate the possibility of installing auto doors in the lower corridor
Improved accessibitily increased diversity of RCL/SDTCL groups. Improve accessibility for staff and participants
IA
Done
IA
Done
Ongoing
Key to Initials: Disability Equality Scheme Working Group (DES WG), Amanda Chinn (AC), Janet Smith (JS), Dawn Hartley (DH), Helen McIntosh (HM), James Brining (JB), Ian Alexander (IA), Viktoria Begg (VB), Amanda Barnett (AB), Caroline Bowditch (CB), Marc Brew (MB), Ron Hare (RH), Rep Front of House (FOH), SDT Marketing (Mkt),Rep Marketing (RMkt), SDT Technical Team (Tech), SDT Creative Learning Team (CrL), Rep Creative Learning (RCL)
8