Suzie Ferguson
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suzannaferguson@gmail.com



Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policy & Action Plan 

​(working document)
I am committed to providing access for all people throughout the range of the activities I deliver in a freelance capacity.

I will undertake to ensure that all co-collaborators, audiences, colleagues and peers are treated equitably and encouraged to develop and maximise their true potential irrespective of age, disability, gender including transgender, HIV/AIDS status, marital status including civil partnerships, pregnancy and maternity, political opinion, race/ethnicity, religion and belief, sexual orientation, socio-economic background, spent convictions, trade union activity or membership, work pattern on the basis of having or not having dependants, or on any other grounds which are irrelevant to decision-making.

I recognise discrimination as being a process of acting unfairly against an individual or group by exclusion, verbal comment, denigration, failure to appreciate needs or the assumption of such needs without consultation.

I believe that the value of an Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Policy lies not merely in its intention but in its practical delivery. It is important, therefore, that I reflect, where possible, this EDI Policy within the content areas of the work I do in a freelance capacity. 


EDI Action Plan 2022/3

As a freelance theatre maker and clown, my work to date has focussed on clowning in non-theatre settings (hospitals/hospices/street), in socio-economically deprived areas, or young people with profound and multiple learning disabilities. It has always been a core value of the work I make that it be accessible for the widest possible audience. I recognise, however, that I am white, middle-class, heterosexual and able-bodied. As such, I do not represent the diverse communities of the region in which I am based. 

I want to continue to make work, collaborate, tell stories, serve my community and perform but I also recognise the importance of making space for others and championing those who have historically not had the opportunities that I have.

My EDI Goals for 2022/3
“Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.” Maya Angelou

Speak up
  • Request an EDI policy when taking on freelance work form other organisations
  • When I witness inappropriate behaviour or language, I will take the opportunity to speak up as an active bystander. 
  • I will report racism/harassment/discrimination and use some of/one of the following tools: Direct/Distract/Delegate/Delay/Document when it occurs.
  • Ensure EDI is a standing agenda point on all boards & committees I am a part of.


Ensure a safe working environment
  • Seek to give confidence and reassurance to those I work with that I am open and inclusive.
  • I will not use marginalising acronyms. I will speak to the personal rather than the collective and avoid statistical terminology
  • I will listen
  • I will provide a safe and positive working environment and expect and demand the same from collaborators, co-producers, etc. 
  • When pricing work, I will balance my own need for income against access to the service I am providing, e.g offer pay-what-you-can with coaching sessions.

Widen my knowledge base
  • Widen the network of my (limited) social media engagement.
  • Prioritise reading fiction and non-fiction, seeing theatre, film etc written/performed/directed by under-represented and minority groups and share these with others.
  • Undertake diversity and anti-racism training on a regular basis
  • Read blogs/articles on theatre/play/audience engagement written by disabled people

Seek out and develop diverse storytelling:
The stories I tell will be considered in the light of diverse, lived experience. I will:
  • Ensure that stories chosen do not uncritically reinforce a white privilege/dominant narrative.
  • Always consider how I approach different audiences and tailor messages accordingly. 


January 2022

Signed:

Suzie Ferguson:

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