SCOTTISH DANCE THEATRE: DISABILITY EQUALITY SCHEME ACTION PLAN 2010 – 13 05/July/11

Time Scale Cost Long: By July 13 £2K - estimated costMedium: By September 11 £ - cost involvedShort: By January 11 blank - no cost

Governance Employment and Staffing

1 Action Impact/Outcome Respons-ibility

Time Scale Cost Status

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.

Embedding issues in philosophy of Rep/SDT; increased access for all.

IA Medium £ Ongoing

1.2 When developing new policies we will consult with disabled people who work at or attend the Rep

Informs and embeds working practices.

IA/DES WG Medium Ongoing

1.3 We will ensure that the Board and all staff are aware of all policies All aware of obligations and transfer into practice.

IA/AC Medium Ongoing

1.4 We will review recruitment/HR procedures in line with current DDA legislation

Increased diversity of workforce. AC/IA Medium

1.5 We will seek to be awarded the Job Centreplus positive about disabled people Two Ticks symbol.

Increased diversity of workforce. IA/AC Medium

1.6 We will collect data for requests from job applicants for alternative format print

Informs future systems to increase no. of disabled applicants.

AB Medium When next advertising

1.7 We will review monitoring of all job applicants for diversity and equality.

Informs future decisions re advertising jobs.

AC/AB Medium

1.8 We will review monitoring of the Board and SDT Staff and collaborators in terms of diversity and equality, updated annually

Ensures needs of all staff considered.

AC/IA Medium

1.9 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.

Ensures needs of all staff considered.

JS/AC Medium £

1.10 We will implement a standard Equal Opportunities application form for all job vacancies which will be available in print or electronically.

Improved accessibility. AC/IA Medium When next advertising

1.11 We have reviewed continuation of a DAFC post beyond March 2012 and implement a fundraising strategy in relation to this post.

Aims of project evaluated; inform ongoing SDT working practice.

JS/AC/CB Long £

1.12 All job advertisements will be in clear accessible language and will be available in both printed and electronic versions.

Improved accessibility. AC/AB When next advertising

1.13 We will post all new jobs in Job Centre Plus and work with Local Increased diversity of workforce. AB When next

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Employment Partnership to assist us in recruiting people we may not otherwise have considered.

advertising

1.14 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).

Improved accessibility. AC/AB/ VB When next advertising

1.15 We will continue to Enhanced Disclosure check (and CRB check if from overseas) all staff.

Good practice. VB £ Done & Ongoing

1.16 All staff will receive diversity, disability and equality training every 2 years.

Effective involvement and feedback from

AC/CB / IA Ongoing

1.17 We will continue to administrate all Access to Work claims. Increase access for disabled staff members.

VB Done & Ongoing

1.18 We will ensure all staff are trained in fire evacuation procedures. H & S improved. AC/VB/RH Done & Ongoing

1.19 We will ensure that all staff & support workers have evacuation chair training, refreshed annually.

H & S improved. VB 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.

Equalities central. All Ongoing

1.21 We will develop a DES and Action Plan in line with current legislation and ensure all staff are familiar with these.

Ensures equalities is central to work and staff involved.

DES WG Done

1.22 We will establish an SDT/Rep DES Working Group to meet bi-monthly to review DES and Action Plan.

Equalities central, staff involved.Informs practice Meetings minuted.

AC/ IA Done

1.23 We will allocate funding and create a DES budget line Equalities at core. AC/JS £ Done 1.24 We will invite someone with experience re Diversity and Disability

onto the Board. Equalities at core. JB Done

1.24 We will ensure that equalities and access is an agenda item at all SDT/Rep meetings.

Ensures equalities at core and staff involvement.

All Done

Artistic

2 Action Impact/Outcome Respons-ibility Time Scale Cost Status2.1 When updating SDT’s Strategic Plan we will ensure that disability

and diversity equality are considered and prominent, conveying our commitment to equalities.

Equalities at core. JS/AC Medium Ongoing

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2.2 We will create a document on SDT Artistic policy articulating the company’s commitment to equalities and access.

Reflects priorities in terms of equality and diversity.

JS Medium – by July 2011

2.3 We presented our inclusive work, NQR, throughout 2010 Visibility of work. Impact assessed through audience feedback.

JS Med £ Done

2.4 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.

Measure impact of DAFC project and highlight issues to inform future.

Medium Done & ongoing

2.5 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.

Increased opportunities for disabled artists. Researching future possibilities. Measure impact via reports and feedback.

JS/CB Medium £ In planning stages – event 2012

2.6 Via the DAFC post we will continue to offer mentoring and training opportunities for disabled artists/teachers.

Increased opportunities for disabled artists to fulfil their creative potential. Measure impact via feedback from those involved.

CB/MB Medium Ongoing – Julie Cleves professional development Feb 2010

2.7 We will continue to develop links with other relevant organisations in order to run projects for and/or including disabled people.

Increasing capacity, ensuring reach of projects.

JS/CB/MB Medium Ongoing

2.8 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.

Visibility of SDT work, promoting equality, role models.

JS/AC/CB/Mkt long Ongoing

2.9 We will continue the post of DAFC until March 2012 and have a shared post of Agent for Change with the Rep from March 2012, funding permitting.

Aims of project evaluated; inform ongoing SDT working practice.

JS/AC/CB long £80 Done & Ongoing

2.10 We will hold performances and CL activity in accessible venues whenever possible.

Improved access. All Done & Ongoing

2.11 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.

Equalities at core. JS/All Project to project

£ ongoing

2.12 SDT’s DAFC will continue to be involved in SDT’s Interactive performances.

Done & Ongoing

2.13 We will invest in training for Artistic Leadership for Marc Brew via our Associate Director Fellow post.

Equalities role model, aims of project evaluated.

JS/MB Done

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Participation/Creative Learning3 Action Impact/Outcome Respons-ibility Time Scale Cost Status3.1 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 (18th March 11 at Sadler’s Wells, London and 7 October 11 at RSAMD, Glasgow. The Glasgow one is aimed at Young People)

Dissemination of information, profiling equality.

DAFC/CrL Medium

3.2 Creative Learning evaluation will be gathered by printed and, where appropriate, verbal or electronic means.

Improved data collection and analysis to measure impact.

CrL,Mkt Medium

3.3 We will review the monitoring of creative learning participants around disability and diversity.

Demonstrate impact; informs future strategy.

CrL,Mkt Medium

3.4 Where practicable we will endeavour to include disabled people in SDT’s placements (school children, dance students).

Increase access of offer. CrL,RCL Medium Ongoing

3.5 We will continue our links and develop new relationships with Schools and groups who work with people with Additional Support Needs.

Increase diversity; sharing practice. CrL/CB Medium

3.6 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.

Increase diversity and accessibility. CrL Long

3.7 SDT Interactives will include disabled and non-disabled artists, at least up until March 2012.

Profiling equalities; more inclusive audience base established.

JS Long Ongoing

3.8 SDT’s CL activity in Dundee and on tour nationally and internationally will continue to seek to increase access for people.

Increased access, informing through practice.

CrL Done & Ongoing

3.9 Where practicable, we will endeavour to run SDT CL events only in accessible venues.

Improved access. CrL, VB Done & Ongoing

3.10 We will continue to inform RCL placements re SDT’s inclusive work, highlighting equality and access issues.

Informing through practice. Seek feedback to measure impact.

VB Done & Ongoing

3.11 Our external workshop booking form will indicate the request for the space to be risk assessed prior to the activity.

H & S improved. CrL Done

3.12 We will ask re specific & access requirements on all booking forms (external & internal).

Improved access. CrL,VB, Done

3.13 When recruiting participants for projects we will add a paragraph stating that we welcome applications from disabled participants

More inclusive participant base established.

CrL, Mkt Done

3.14 We will ensure a Health & safety / house keeping briefing takes place at each event including fire evacuation procedures, evacuation

H & S improved. CrL, Dancers Done

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chairs, accessible toilets.

Customer Service4 Action Impact/Outcome Respons-ibility Time Scale Cost Status4.1 We will examine the possibility of including an access section on

Databox, or create an Access mailing list through manual meansEnhance audience experience. FOH Medium

4.2 We will review monitoring of audiences regarding disability and diversity.

Improved data collection, analysis informs future practice.

FOH Long £

4.3 We will continue to have BSL performances, including SDT Interactives.

Increased access for deaf audiences.

All Ongoing

4.4 We will reinstate the Rep/SDT Visitor Service Group who will meet regularly to ensure that access is always on the agenda

Improve access and customer experience.

FOH/Mkt Done

4.5 We will provide large -print menus in the restaurant Improved Access. Rep Mkt Done4.6 We will continue to offer tour touch tours and provide in house

training.Enhance experience; improved access.

FOH Ongoing

4.7 We will update our FOH PEEP plan and train staff in the procedures held within

H & S improved. FOH Ongoing

Marketing & Communications 5 Action Impact/Outcome Respons-ibility Time Scale Cost Status5.1 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.

Equalities at core; increased access and experience.

KS Medium £ Ongoing

5.2 We will review our monitoring processes to enable us to measure the effectiveness of our access awareness projects and focus our campaigns

Improved data collection and analysis to inform future campaigns and targets.

Mkt Medium £ Autumn 2010

5.3 We will liaise closely with our home and tour venues re ensuring booking procedures are inclusive, including information on welcoming learning disabled people appropriately

Improved access and overall experience.

Mkt,FOH Medium Ongoing

5.4 When gathering evaluation material we will offer both printed and electronic versions

Improved access. Mkt Medium 2011

5.6 For inclusive projects we will seek specific feedback to measure impact.

Highlight feedback on website to provoke debate.

Mkt Medium Ongoing

5.7 We will research using Sign Tube, a BSL version of You Tube. Improved access. Mkt Medium £ Ongoing5.8 We will include information on venue accessibility for creative

learning activity in print material.Improved access. Mkt, CrL Medium

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5.9 We will develop relationships with disability agencies to promote projects and opportunities by monitoring and updating our database of contacts

Better data management to ensure broad dissemination of information.

CB,CrL, Mkt Long Ongoing

5.10 All DVD’s produced by Scottish Dance Theatre will include access option (subtitles, audio description etc)

Improved access. Mkt Long £ 2011

5.11 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.

Promoting equality and increasing impact of project. Encouraging involvement of disabled people in dance.

CB/JSMkt

£ Done & Ongoing

5.12 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

Easier to read document, easier to access, increasing diversity of audience and participants

Mkt Done & Ongoing

5.13 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.

Improved access both in print and at venues.

Mkt/Tech Done & ongoing

5.14 We will offer large print and alternative accessible programmes at all venues and create clear appropriate signage to indicate availability. Laminated sign.

Easier to read document, easier to access, and improved experience.

Mkt £ Done & Ongoing

Website6 Action Impact/Outcome Respons-ibility Time Scale Cost Status6.1 We will ensure that all generic access documents are available

online.Improved access. Mkt Medium £ Done &

Ongoing6.2 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.Improved experience for audiences. Mkt/Tech Medium Ongoing

6.3 We will offer transcripts as word documents of our promo DVD and any other audio interviews.

Improved access. Mkt Long £ Ongoing

6.4 We will research adding an audio described promo video on our website.

Increase accessibility. Mkt Long £ Ongoing

6.5 We will ensure that all downloads are available as word documents as well as PDF’s

Improved access. Mkt Done & Ongoing

6.6 We will endeavour not to layer text over images. Improved access. Mkt £ Done & Ongoing

6.7 We will ensure that the language and images used on our website are inclusive

Improved access Mkt Done & Ongoing

6.8 We will review our website in terms of diversity and disability ensuring it represents SDT as a company and everyone it works with.

Improved access, profiling role models of disability, promoting equality.

Mkt Done & Ongoing

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6.9 We will improve the information about our accessible performances online and provide text used within a performance available to download.

Improved access. Mkt Ongoing

6.10 We will add clear instructions on our site that detail how our audience can receive accessible print.

Improved access. Mkt Done

6.11 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.

Improved access. Mkt Done

6.12 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.

Promoting equality. Mkt/CB Done

Venue & Building7 Action Impact/Outcome Respons-ibility Time Scale Cost Status7.1 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

Enhance experience for audience members.

IA Medium (09/11)

£5K

7.2 We will update risk assessments for offices, studios and public areas – to be updated annually and filed with our Building Manager.

H & S improved. All Medium (09/11)

Done and ongoing

7.3 We will implement a simpler/different disabled toilet locking system. Improved access. RH Medium (09/11)

£500

7.4 We will develop a checklist to assess SDT events venues on their level of accessibility (tour venues, CL venues)

Monitoring venues to measure impact on disabled people.

Tech Medium –

7.5 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

H & S improved and improved workplace.

ALL/RH Medium Ongoing

7.6 We will improve signage for the indoor ramp in the reception /FOH area and include in access print.

Improved access. IA Medium (09/11)

£200

7.7 We will improve signage/ highlight lift access in FOH/Bar areas and include in access print.

Improved access. IA Medium (09/11)

£200

7.8 We will examine possibilities for improving access to the Rep restaurant and bar areas

Improved access. IA Medium (09/11)

£

7.9 We will examine possibilities to improve access at Box office Improved access. IA Medium (09/11)

£200

7.10 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.

H & S improved. RH Medium £1500

7.11 We will improve signage backstage, to include information on accessible facilities

Improved access. IA Medium £200

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7.12 We will update the pack for visiting companies to include information on fire evacuation procedures and accessible facilities

Improved H & S and access. IA Medium (09/11)

£800

7.13 We will investigate the feasibility of installing handrails in the auditorium

Improve H & S and accessibility RH Medium £

7.14 We will investigate adding white nosing on the steps in the auditorium.

Improve H & S and accessibility IA Long (07/13) £

7.15 We will adapt the entrance to stage door from street level to enable access to disabled staff

Improved access. IA Long (07/03) £20,000

7.16 We will look at possible areas to store mobility equipment. Improve accessibility. IA Long (07/13) £7.17 Where appropriate we will remove rows A,B & C to improve seating

for wheelchair users during performances.Enhance experience for audience members.

JC Ongoing

7.18 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

Improved access. IA Done

7.19 SDT will review their tech spec to include specific questions re accessibility

Improved experience for disabled staff members.

Tech Done

7.20 We will request Tayside Fire Dept to look over SDT’s PEEP Plan. H & S improved. VB Done

7.21 We will improve disabled access to studio 3 through the installation of a lift.

Improved accessibitily increased diversity of RCL/SDTCL groups.

IA 35K Done

7.22 We will investigate the possibility of installing auto doors in the lower corridor

Improve accessibility for staff and participants

IA Done

Key to Initials: Disability Equality Scheme Working Group (DES WG), Amanda Chinn (AC), Janet Smith (JS), Dawn Hartley (DH), 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)

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