Inclusivity
We are an equal opportunities, inclusive company with an intersectional approach to all our work. We do not tolerate bullying and hate of any kind, both in and outside of sessions, including but not limited to: homophobia, transphobia, biphobia, panphobia, racism, ableism, fatphobia and any and all forms of identity shaming. If you need to report any issues regarding any members, practitioners, or companies/organisations OmniArts is involved with or connected to, please contact Ren Short (they/them) on ren@omniartsgb.co.uk.
As a company, we do not work with people who hold any views that discriminate against or invalidate another person’s identity. If it is found that you hold views like this, we welcome having an open conversation with you about them, as an opportunity for clarification in case of confusion. If we cannot come to an accord, we will ask you to leave, and break any ties with our company.
We request that pronouns are given as part of an introduction in all our sessions, and it is requested that members do not assume the gender or pronouns of anyone else. Our practitioners will always do their best to make corrections if someone is misgendered.
We acknowledge that any person’s understanding of their identity can, and often does, change over time. If at any point the information we have about you is no longer correct, we welcome you to inform us, if you think it relevant or would like to do so. Changes can include (but aren’t limited to) your name, gender identity, pronouns, or any new medical diagnosis (whether officially formalised or only under personal exploration) of a disability, illness, or neurodivergent condition.
If you know any sensitive information about someone attending any of our sessions, including but not limited to: their gender, sexuality, disabilities (such as physical disabilities, mental health, neurodivergency, or learning disabilities) or trauma, under no circumstances are you to share that information with others – both in and out of the group setting, unless that person has already shared it to the group, or they have explicitly said you can share it.
We run a number of other groups and projects which are all in the creative arts industry. If you want to get involved with anything our company or individual practitioners are doing outside of this group, we would love that! Please just ask what else we do, and how you can get involved.
Inclusivity: Accountability
We as a company and individuals are always learning, and will acknowledge when we learn new information that shows we have been wrong about something said in the past. We expect our members to be equally open minded. If someone corrects you on a topic, acknowledge and accept the information given to you. If a conversation arises from a difference in understanding/opinion, we expect everyone involved in the conversation to respect each other during any discussions we have to find an outcome that works for everyone.
Safeguarding
Safeguarding: Online Groups
Sessions are not recorded as standard, however there are some situations where recording video and/or audio may be wanted, for example: to send copies to those attending for their own records, for creating a transcript for accessibility, for sharing online. You will be asked before any recording is started, and the purpose of the recording will be explained. You can choose to not give consent for recording at any time.
You are able and welcome to turn off your camera feed, however some sessions may not work without your video on. Please talk to us in advance if you have any questions about this.
All meetings will have a password to join, so only people invited by the host will have access. If you have a friend interested in taking part, please ask them to contact us directly. Do not share the link to the Zoom session with anybody.
Content of Sessions
Content of Sessions: Collaborative Approach
All our groups, one-to-ones, and workshops are collaborative with a friendly atmosphere, and open discussion is always welcome. You’re encouraged to be inquisitive and creative with everything brought forward by practitioners running sessions, and we also encourage you to express any ideas you have on things you would like to do. All our sessions are “member-led”, which means we welcome ideas and suggestions from members, and create plans for the sessions and performances around what you would like to learn and create.
Content of Sessions: Sensitive Topics
Sometimes, sensitive topics may come up during sessions we run that could be difficult for some people. For instance, sharing ideas around creating art, reading scripts, and discussing current issues, could all potentially involve exploring sensitive topics.
In addition to the creative arts training we offer, OmniArts sessions are a place for community/peer support for those attending if wanted. This means people attending our sessions may share personal information around the content of the session, or when something significant has happened to them that they’d like to discuss. This could be because they would like to hear the group’s thoughts, or because they need some validation or reassurance.
Content of Sessions: Privacy
Sensitive and personal information may be discussed in some sessions. We expect everyone attending to keep all personal things discussed private, unless somebody explicitly states that what they have said is permitted to be shared outside of that space. If you’re not sure what counts as “personal information” please ask one of our practitioners.
Members, practitioners, and guests are expected to be respectful towards each other. If anyone has an issue with another person, they should talk to the practitioner in charge, or/and our company director, Ren Short (they/them) – ren@omniartsgb.co.uk
Content of Sessions: Content/Trigger Warnings
If we have content planned that we believe might be a difficult or triggering topic we will provide content/trigger warnings before sharing anything we feel may be sensitive. It is possible we may miss a topic that you believe requires a content/trigger warning, but we will always strive to improve our awareness and sensitivity. Please inform us if we ever do not provide a warning for something you would have liked a warning for. If we share something that causes you upset, please let us know immediately if you are able to, in whatever way is best for you.
If conversation leads into a topic that one of our practitioners feels may be difficult or triggering, one of our practitioners will ask all participants to pause. As with planned topics, if a conversation causes you upset, and a practitioner has not addressed it, please let us know immediately if you are able, in whatever way you can. We will then give space to confirm where the conversation is going, and check that everyone is happy to continue. If anybody is not, we will explore what the best solution is for that situation. Member safety and comfort will always be the priority.
Accessibility
If you have any accessibility requirements, please let us know before your first session. This includes anything you consider to be an accessibility requirement, and does not have to be because of a diagnosed disability – we do not need to know the reason unless you wish to share this with us. If your accessibility requirements change at any point, please let us know. We are consistently working to improve our accessibility as a company, and welcome all suggestions.
Accessibility: Online Groups and One-To-Ones (delivered on Zoom)
You can use Zoom on a laptop, computer, phone, or tablet. If you have a laptop or computer with camera and microphone capabilities, we highly recommend you use that. You can use Zoom on your browser, however we recommend you download the app, as it has more options.
We do not require you to have your camera on during sessions, and you will never be required to participate in anything you do not want to. If at any point you need to leave a session for any reason, you can, with no explanation. A practitioner will check in with you privately when they are able, to see if there’s anything they can do to help.
We encourage members to do whatever makes them feel more comfortable, safe, and engaged during sessions, eg: stimming, moving around, doodling.
As standard we provide auto closed captions via the live transcribe option on Zoom. We cannot guarantee their level of accuracy, however we are always more than happy to repeat things, or type them out when needed. If more accurate closed captions are required, please let us know before the first session you attend to allow us to explore options.
We provide access to resources and notes via Google Drive. These aren’t a word-by-word account of the session, but key information and any extra resources we feel will be useful. If more in-depth notes are required, please let us know and we can discuss your requirements.
Members of groups are invited to be a part of a ‘group chat’ outside of sessions, via a messaging platform. It is not a requirement to be a part of this. The group chat is seen as an extension of the sessions, and conduct in it falls under the terms of this agreement.
Session reminders are sent out via the group chat and email if required during the day of the session, with a direct link to the Zoom meeting.
Accessibility: In Person Groups, Workshops, One-to-Ones, and Performances
When we run sessions or performances in person, we will always do everything we can to ensure as much accessibility as possible.
Our standard requirements for venues we use (when possible) are:
- Wheelchair accessible
- A separate space for anyone that needs to leave the main area for any reason
- Accessible and gender neutral toilets
- Flexible seating arrangements
During performances that we put on, as standard we will provide:
- Whatever accessibility has been discussed as being required by our members/performers
- Pre-show warnings, including lighting/sound effects that may be triggering for a variety of reasons, and trigger warnings for any content in the show
Things we try to provide for performances, however cannot guarantee all the time:
- An audio describer
Accessibility: Online Outside of Sessions
We include descriptions on all images and video on our website and social media, including any promotional or editorial content sent to other organisations (although we do not have control over whether they will choose to use them).