Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policy

Purpose

Tower Block Radio exists to support underground music culture and open doors for artists, DJs, volunteers and communities who are often excluded from traditional routes into music, radio and media. This policy sets out our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.

Scope

This policy applies to:

• DJs, hosts, artists and presenters.
• Volunteers.
• Staff and contractors.
• Workshop participants.
• Guests and interviewees.
• Listeners and online users.
• Partners, sponsors and funders.
• Community members.

Our commitment

Tower Block Radio will aim to:

• Treat people fairly and with respect.
• Challenge discrimination, bullying and harassment.
• Create inclusive spaces for underground music culture.
• Support access for people from underrepresented backgrounds.
• Make reasonable adjustments where possible.
• Avoid excluding people through unnecessary barriers.
• Promote a culture where different voices can be heard.
• Take complaints seriously.

Protected characteristics

Tower Block Radio will not tolerate unlawful discrimination based on protected characteristics including:

• Age.
• Disability.
• Gender reassignment.
• Marriage and civil partnership.
• Pregnancy and maternity.
• Race.
• Religion or belief.
• Sex.
• Sexual orientation.

Wider inclusion

We also recognise that people can face barriers because of:

• Class or economic background.
• Geography.
• Care experience.
• Neurodivergence.
• Caring responsibilities.
• Language.
• Immigration or refugee background.
• Digital exclusion.
• Lack of equipment or industry contacts.

Music culture and respect

Underground music culture has always been built by different communities, estates, scenes, crews and generations. Tower Block Radio will aim to respect the people who created the culture, avoid tokenism, credit people properly and create space for new voices.

Behaviour we do not accept

We do not accept:

• Racism.
• Sexism.
• Homophobia.
• Transphobia.
• Ableism.
• Religious hatred.
• Harassment.
• Bullying.
• Threats.
• Exploitation.
• Sexual harassment.
• Abuse of power.
• Discriminatory booking or platform decisions.
• Humiliation or intimidation.

Access and reasonable adjustments

Where possible, Tower Block Radio will make reasonable adjustments for people who need support to take part in activity. This may include:

• Accessible venues.
• Flexible communication.
• Support with forms.
• Clear instructions.
• Step free access where possible.
• Captioning or transcripts where possible.
• Quiet spaces at workshops where available.
• Considering travel or equipment barriers.

Responsibilities

Everyone involved with Tower Block Radio must:

• Treat others with respect.
• Avoid discriminatory language or behaviour.
• Report concerns.
• Consider inclusion when planning shows, workshops, line ups and partnerships.
• Be open to feedback.

Reporting concerns

Concerns about discrimination, bullying or harassment can be reported to: hello@towerblock.radio

Where a concern also involves safeguarding, it should be sent to: safeguarding@towerblock.radio

Review

This policy will be reviewed annually and whenever Tower Block Radio begins new funded, youth facing, partnership or public activity.