Equality & Diversity

Equality, diversity and inclusion policy

Newcastle Burlesque Festival (House of Trixie Blue) is committed to encouraging equality, diversity and inclusion among our workforce and events, and eliminating unlawful discrimination.

The aim is for our workforce and events is to be truly representative of all sections of society and our customers, and for each participant to feel respected and able to give their best.

Newcastle Burlesque Festival (House of Trixie Blue) - in providing goods and/or services and/or facilities - is also committed against unlawful discrimination of customers or the public.

The policy’s purpose is to:

provide equality, fairness and respect for all in our workforce and participants
not unlawfully discriminate because of the Equality Act 2010 protected characteristics of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race (including colour, nationality, and ethnic or national origin), religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation
oppose and avoid all forms of unlawful discrimination. This includes in pay and benefits, terms and conditions of employment, dealing with grievances and discipline, dismissal, redundancy, leave for parents, requests for flexible working, and selection for employment, promotion, training or other developmental opportunities

Newcastle Burlesque Festival (House of Trixie Blue) commits to:

Encourage equality, diversity and inclusion in the workplace as they are good practice and make business sense
Create a working environment free of bullying, harassment, victimisation and unlawful discrimination, promoting dignity and respect for all, and where individual differences and the contributions of all staff are recognised and valued.

All participant/performers should understand they, as well as Newcastle Burlesque Festival (House of Trixie Blue) , can be held liable for acts of bullying, harassment, victimisation and unlawful discrimination, in the course of their employment, against fellow employees, customers, suppliers and the public
Take seriously complaints of bullying, harassment, victimisation and unlawful discrimination by fellow employees, customers, suppliers, visitors, the public and any others in the course of the organisation’s work activities.

Such acts will be dealt with as misconduct under Newcastle Burlesque Festival (House of Trixie Blue) grievance and/or disciplinary procedures, and appropriate action will be taken. Particularly serious complaints could amount to gross misconduct and lead to dismissal without notice.

Further, sexual harassment may amount to both an employment rights matter and a criminal matter, such as in sexual assault allegations. In addition, harassment under the Protection from Harassment Act 1997 – which is not limited to circumstances where harassment relates to a protected characteristic – is a criminal offence.

Decisions concerning workforce being based on merit (apart from in any necessary and limited exemptions and exceptions allowed under the Equality Act).
Review employment practices and procedures when necessary to ensure fairness, and also update them and the policy to take account of changes in the law.
Monitor the make-up of the workforce regarding information such as age, sex, ethnic background, sexual orientation, religion or belief, and disability in encouraging equality, diversity and inclusion, and in meeting the aims and commitments set out in the equality, diversity and inclusion policy.

Monitoring will also include assessing how the equality, diversity and inclusion policy, and any supporting action plan, are working in practice, reviewing them annually-May 2026, and considering and taking action to address any issues.