Equal Opportunities Policy

Lochgelly Brass Band

Statement of Principle

The fundamental consideration for recruitment and retention of members in Lochgelly Band will be based on merit, and consistent with this principle will provide equal opportunity to all race , gender, marital status, disability, religion or political beliefs. This status will apply to existing and new members and the policy will encourage and guide all members on the implementation of the policy within the band.

Objectives

The objectives of the equal opportunities policy are:

1. To regard individual merit as the prime criterion for existing and potential band members.
2. To remove any discriminatory barriers to the development of members playing abilities, aspirations, and potential.
3. To increase the range of potential players to reflect the diversity of the pool of suitable potential candidates.
4. To develop a band that is representative of the pool of potential candidates including all races, gender, marital status, disability, religion or political beliefs.

Acceptance Criteria

The criteria for acceptance to the band will be based on:

• The ability to develop the effective performance of the band
• The potential to develop into an effective player.
• An interest in music.
• Desire to play or learn to play a brass instrument.

Recruitment

• Selection of players will be based on acceptance criteria above. No-one will be rejected for convenience reasons based on any other criteria not listed above.
• With out any pre-judgement, players or potential players may be questioned on their future ambitions with the band or physical fitness where directly related to the performance of the band.
• All adverts for players, through external media should clearly state that we are an equal opportunity group and welcome players from all races, gender, marital status, disability, religion or political beliefs.
• In the event of a complaint raised due to rejection of an applicant an Executive member of the band must be prepared to state the criteria on which the decision was made.

Training and Implementation of the Policy

• An Executive member of the band will assume responsibility for the training of committee and members on the implementation of the policy.
• Committee and members must be aware of the various forms in which discrimination can occur.
• The Executive member must ensure all members comply with the policy.
• Complaints of discrimination from players shall be reviewed against the band Constitution and Rules, and if agreement is not met the issue should be considered under the Constitution and Rules of the Scottish Brass Band Association.
• Complaints of discrimination from players shall be reviewed against the band Constitution and Rules, and if agreement is not met the issue should be considered under the Constitution and Rules of the Scottish Brass Band Association.
• Any band member failing to comply with the policy will considered to have seriously broken band rules and could be liable to appropriate action by the Band Committee.