Anti-discrimination Policy
Every Body Studio is committed to eliminating discrimination whether by reason of gender, sexual orientation, race, nationality, ethnic origin, religion, ability or other. Beyond this, Every Body Studio actively promotes equality and diversity in every aspect of the business. Every Body Studio takes measures to ensure people from marginalised or vulnerable groups are included and ensure the studio is available as a safe space for everyone.
What is discrimination?
Discrimination is the act of making distinctions between people based on groups, classes or other categories to which they are perceived to belong. Discrimination on any of the following grounds is unlawful:
Age
Race, including racial group, colour, ethnic and national origins
Gender, sex, or gender reassignment
Pregnancy, or maternity
Marriage or civil partnerships
Disability
Sexual orientation
Religion or belief
There are four main kinds of discrimination which are all unacceptable to the studio:
Direct discrimination - where a person is treated less favourable on the basis of a ground which is unlawful
Indirect discrimination - where there’s a practice, policy or rule which applies to everyone in the same way but results in inequality for some people
Victimisation - where someone is treated less favourably than others because they have taken action in respect of discrimination or unlawful grounds
Harassment - when unwanted conduct related to any unlawful grounds takes place with the purpose or effect of creating an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating, or offensive environment for any person. This is not limited to physical acts and may include verbal and non-verbal communications and gestures
For more information, please read the government guidance on discrimination here*.
Commitments of Staff
Although most are freelance, for the purpose of this policy, all teachers, managers, assistants, or other people occupying the studio in a professional capacity, representing Every Body Studio, will be referred to as “staff”.
Every Body Studio understands that yoga studios can feel intimidating for some people, and it is essential that all staff members make sure that anyone joining classes feels safe and welcome.
All staff are required to sign a contract with the studio before teaching/working. This contract will state that they must comply with the anti-discrimination, safeguarding and anti-bullying policies. Every staff member will ensure they do not favour or disfavour any individuals, due to reasons set out in the section “What is Discrimination?”
To prevent acting on any unconscious bias, all teachers complete an ‘anti-racism and equity in yoga’ course as set out in their contract. This will be paid for by the Every Body Studio and is a requirement for all teachers.
Every Body Studio’s Commitments
Every Body Studio is committed to anti-discrimination, and inclusion. Therefore, the studio and it’s managers commit to:
Create an environment free of bullying, harassment, victimisation and unlawful discrimination, promoting dignity and respect for all
Take seriously complaints of bullying, harassment, victimisation and unlawful discrimination by staff members, customers, suppliers, visitors, the public and any others regarding the services offered by Every Body Studio
Make reasonable adjustments for staff and members with a disability
Never pay staff different fees for the same role, and ensure benefits are kept consistent for all staff
Never dismiss someone for making an allegation of discrimination, or without justifiable cause
Ensure terms and conditions of all staff members is fair and reasonable
Deal with grievances and discipline in the appropriate way, please see the Code of Conduct for full procedures
Ensure the selection for employment, promotion, training or other developmental opportunities is fair, and takes into account any changes in the law
Use inclusive language and imagery in all communications, promotional materials, and class content to avoid reinforcing stereotypes or excluding any particular group
Annually reviewing and updating the anti-discrimination policy to ensure its effectiveness and relevance in addressing evolving issues and concerns
Every Body Studio is committed to improving diversity within staff members and encourages those from marginalised groups to apply to work at the studio.
What to do if you are being discriminated against
If you are being discriminated against directly or indirectly, or you are being victimised or harassed this is a serious issue and must be addressed immediately.
You can raise this directly to the person discriminating or to Katie Gordon at Every Body Studio. You can contact her directly via mobile, email or arrange to meet in person. If this is not appropriate (as Katie is involved), you can contact Katie McNeil via mobile, email, or arrange to meet in person. She will help to mediate the situation.
Contact details for both are listed below.
If things cannot be sorted out internally, you can speak to Citizens Advice** and read the government advice about discrimination***.
Contact details
Katie Gordon’s email address is: katiegordonyoga@gmail.com
Katie McNeil’s email: katiemcneilyoga@gmail.com
This document will be given to every staff member, and made available on the Every Body Studio Website.
This document was last reviewed on: 21/02/2024 by Kate Taylor (Admin Assistant).
If you have any comments or would like to speak to us regarding this policy please email hello@everybodystudio.co.uk
Links
* https://www.gov.uk/discrimination-your-rights
** https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/law-and-courts/discrimination/