Sessions and Sail – Code of Conduct and EDI Policy

Sessions and Sail recognises the challenges of operating a cultural, cross‑generation, cross‑gender organisation providing residential music activities. We operate in a world that continues to discriminate on the basis of race, gender, ability, class and sexuality, and which regularly presents barriers to people on these bases.

We also recognise that many in our community experience discrimination, sexual violence, harassment, and situations where they feel unsafe or threatened. This is prevalent in the music scene, but also in the wider world and across many activities.

At Sessions and Sail we are committed to providing a safe and respectful space for all participants, regardless of race, gender, class, ability or persuasion. Cultural respect is at the forefront of our mission.

As part of this commitment, all participants, tutors, crew and partners are required to uphold our Safeguarding Policy. This policy sets out the procedures for responding to concerns, disclosures or unsafe behaviour, and must be read alongside this Code of Conduct. Safeguarding is a shared responsibility, and every member of our community plays a role in maintaining a safe environment.

Sessions and Sail does not select tutors, crew or partners on the basis of race, gender, sexuality, class, disability, age or any other protected characteristic. We aim to reflect the diversity of the communities we serve and will seek to include a broad range of voices and perspectives wherever possible.

 

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

All crew, tutors and participants on a voyage shall:

  • Treat all other participants, tutors and crew with dignity and respect
  • Use inclusive language and avoid derogatory or discriminatory remarks
  • Recognise and accommodate different access needs
  • Challenge discriminatory behaviour when safe to do so
  • Respect cultural, gender and generational differences
  • Maintain respectful boundaries in residential settings

 

Behaviour that will not be tolerated

The following behaviours represent a breach of our Terms and Conditions:

  • Harassment, bullying or intimidation
  • Discrimination on any protected or personal characteristic
  • Sexualised behaviour towards participants, tutors or staff
  • Behaviour that compromises anyone’s safety, dignity or wellbeing
  • Breaches of privacy or confidentiality

 

How to raise concerns

Concerns may be raised with:

  • Any member of the core tutor or crew team on a Sessions and Sail voyage
  • The ship’s Captain
  • Sessions and Sail management ashore

 

We understand that concerns regarding respect and safeguarding can be sensitive to raise. We will hear concerns in the fullest confidence. The following members of Sessions and Sail management may be contacted directly:

  • Barry Nisbet, Director / Captain
  • Elinor Roderick, Bursary Scheme Manager / Office Assistant

Contact details for the Safeguarding Lead and management team are provided in voyage joining instructions and crew briefings

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