Equal Ops

BOURNEMOUTH YOUTH MARCHING BAND

EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES POLICY

Introduction

The introduction of this Equal Opportunities policy is a demonstration of the commitment of BYMB to the promotion of equal opportunity in the Band and the youth marching band movement in general.

This document outlines the position of BYMB with regards to the provision and protection of equal opportunities and the steps which will be taken to ensure this.

It is the policy of BYMB to provide equality of membership to all, irrespective of:

Gender, including gender reassignment

Marital or civil partnership status

Having or not having dependents

Religious belief or political opinion

Race including colour, nationality, ethnic or national origins, or itinerant ethnicity

Disability but recognising that we are a marching band

Sexual orientation

Age but recognising we are a Band for children and young people and they are at the heart of everything that we do

BYMB is opposed to all forms of unlawful and unfair discrimination.

All members of the Band will be treated fairly and will not be discriminated against on any of the above grounds.

The fundamental consideration for recruitment and retention of members in BYMB will be based on merit and any decision on membership will be made objectively, without unlawful discrimination, and based on ability, potential, interest and the desire to play or learn to play a Band instrument.

We recognise that the provision of equal opportunities in all our activities will benefit the organisation.

Our equal opportunities policy will help members to develop their full musical potential and the talents and resources of the members will be utilised fully to maximise the effectiveness of the Band.

BYMB recognises that there is a statutory duty under the NI Act 1998, to implement an equal opportunities policy. This policy applies to applicants for employment, volunteers and members of the band alike. BYMB is committed to the principles and practice of equality.

The Band values the diversity of the local population. We want our services, facilities and resources to be accessible and useful to every citizen regardless of gender, age, ethnic origin, religious belief, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or any other individual characteristic which may unfairly affect a person’s opportunities in life.

Equality Commitments

BYMB is committed to:

promoting equality of opportunity for all persons

promoting a good and harmonious learning environment in which all persons are treated with respect and dignity and in which no form of intimidation or harassment is tolerated

preventing occurrences of unlawful direct discrimination, indirect discrimination, harassment and victimisation

fulfilling all our legal obligations under the equality legislation and associated codes of practice

complying with our own equal opportunities policy and associated policies

taking lawful affirmative or positive action, where appropriate

breaches of our equal opportunities policy will be regarded as misconduct and could lead to termination of membership

Implementation and Practice

The BYMB Management Team has a specific responsibility for the effective implementation of this policy.

We expect all members to abide by the policy and help to create the equality environment which is its objective.

BYMB will endeavour to ensure that it will not consciously, or unconsciously discriminate in the selection or recruitment of applicants for membership of the group

Monitoring and Review

The effectiveness of the equal opportunities policy will be reviewed regularly by the Management Team, at least annually, and action taken as necessary.

Complaints

Members of BYMB who believe that they have suffered any form of discrimination, harassment or victimisation are entitled to raise the matter through the agreed procedures. All complaints of discrimination will be dealt with seriously, promptly and confidentially by the Management Team.

Every effort will be made to ensure that members who make complaints will not be victimised. Any complaint of victimisation will be dealt with seriously, promptly and confidentially. Victimisation will result in disciplinary action and may warrant dismissal from the Band. Any Complaints from members of the public will be dealt with similarly.

Conclusion

BYMB is fully committed to fostering an environment of inclusion and equality in which musical potential can be explored and fulfilled without impediment. This policy represents the Band’s recognition of issues surrounding equal opportunities and it’s desire to promote of equal opportunities within the Band and in the youth marching band movement in general.

September 2025