The Criterion Theatre, Earlsdon - Policies and Guidance Documents

This Code of Conduct and Behaviour is designed to clarify the Criterion Theatre’s expectations of how all members should conduct themselves whilst involved in the activities of the Theatre. Our responsibilities are both legal and moral. Legally, the Theatre has to comply with the Equality Act 2010 in ensuring that no one within the Theatre experiences unfair discrimination on the basis of their sex, race, age, disability, sexual orientation, religion or belief, and gender reassignment. Morally, we all want the Theatre to be a place that we enjoy coming to and where everyone can feel valued, comfortable, supported and secure. The Theatre is totally reliant on volunteers and therefore we have to operate with a higher degree of trust in each other than would necessarily be the case for a business with contractual employment relationships.

By following this Code of Conduct your reputation, and the reputation of the Criterion Theatre, will be upheld and protected.

All individuals involved in Criterion Theatre activities are expected to:

Treat everyone with respect;
Be fair, discreet, considerate and honest in all dealings with others;
Refrain from any behaviour which will bring the Criterion Theatre into disrepute;
Display control, respect and professionalism in all activities;
Be courteous in dealings with others;
Control their temper;
Refrain from any violent behaviour.
The Criterion Theatre will not tolerate discrimination, bullying, verbal or physical abuse, or sexual harassment against any member of or visitor to the Theatre. A zero tolerance approach is taken.

All existing members of the Company should receive (or have access to) a copy of this Code of Conduct and Behaviour. All potential new members should have an opportunity to read it prior to joining the Company.

This Code should be read in conjunction with the EDI Policy, EDI Action Plan and Anti-Racism Reflective Statement, Code of Behaviour for Adults interacting with Children and Young People and the Safeguarding Policy.

The Appendices to this Code set out clearly what the definitions of bullying and harassment behaviours are and what our reporting procedures for discriminatory or abusive incidents are .

The Role of Board Directors

The Board is the strategic decision-making and governance body of the Theatre. Board Directors are duly elected by Company members. Board Directors have a collective responsibility for the strategic oversight of: the operation of the Theatre Business; the development of and compliance with, policies and procedures; and the health and emotional well-being of Theatre members and visitors.

Board Directors should:

Set a good example in their own behaviour and conduct;
Be attentive to and observant of the ways that Theatre members interact and keep a regular health check on the overall situation to ensure that it meets the expectations of this Code;
Be approachable and welcoming so that Theatre members feel supported if they need to talk with Board Directors about any issue, particularly around conduct and behaviour.

The Role of the Director of a Production

The Director of a production has responsibility for the overall practical and creative interpretation of their production. The Director has the right to select actors and crew and is involved at all stages of the process, from the design, pre-production and rehearsal phases, right through to the final performance and subsequent set strike.

The Director has ultimate responsibility for the performance. They may be assisted in their role by Assistant Directors, a Stage Manager and the Technical Teams.

Directors work closely with their production team and the performers to create a performance which connects with the audience. They therefore need to be able to coordinate effectively across a wide range of disciplines and with artistic vision.

The Director should:

Strive to create a good, harmonious, supportive working environment;
Start the planning process early, involve everyone in the team and be clear about personal expectations;
Treat members of their cast with respect e.g not make them feel vulnerable nor waste their time;
Be reasonable in their demands on time, energy and enthusiasm of performers and crew;
Teach their cast the principles of theatre etiquette and stage craft and encourage gratification through achievement and a sense of fulfillment.

The Role of Actors and Crew

All actors (and where appropriate crew) should:

Commit themselves to the production and all rehearsals;
Learn lines as quickly as possible;
Co-operate with each other within the production team. Accept the Director’s advice in the spirit it is given for he/she is ultimately responsible for the performance and sees the production as a whole;
Be aware that the Director and Stage Manager are the only persons who should direct actors. Actors should not direct other actors in the production;
Be respectful of the Theatre. This involves keeping the Theatre’s appearance clean and professional i.e. pick up and clean up after yourself;
Be responsible and take care of all props and set items. Remember that some are borrowed and are not replaceable;
Not move anyone’s prop, costumes or personal items without their knowledge and consent;
Take responsibility for storing personal items, including costumes and props in appropriate places;
Be on time for all rehearsals and performances. In production, all performers and technical teams should be at the theatre at least 35 minutes before the show. Doors open for the audience 15 minutes before the start of the show.

The Role of Front of House and Bar Volunteers

All FoH and Bar volunteers should:

Understand that they are in a customer-facing role, and as such, they act as ambassadors for the Theatre. A successful business and licensed premises relies on excellent service quality and everyone should conduct themselves according to the highest standards of behaviour;
Recognise that audience members are our customers, and volunteers should endeavour to be courteous and helpful at all times;
Be on time for all Club nights and performances. Front of House and Bar volunteers should be at the Theatre at least 35 minutes before a show opens. Doors open for the audience 15 minutes before the start of the show;
Deal with any complaints respectfully and promptly, referring issues to Board Directors where necessary and appropriate.

Child and Youth members

The Theatre has a Safeguarding Policy which should be adhered to in all interactions with children and young people in the Theatre.
Actors and crew under the age of 18 will have a designated member of the production team responsible for their duty of care who will advocate on their behalf, where necessary, if problems arise.
The Director will liaise with the assigned advocate on any problems involving the child or young person.

General Considerations

In addition to the behaviour already outlined all members must be aware that:

The Theatre is in a residential area. At all times neighbours should be respected and any noise past 11pm should be kept to a minimum;
Honesty is expected from all Theatre members. Care should be taken of all property whether it belongs to the Criterion Theatre or to others;
Stealing will not be tolerated;
Discretion is expected from all Theatre members in relation to Theatre productions. Personal information should not be given out or shared unless permission has been given to do so. There should be no public posting of stories, photographs or videos relating to productions without the ratification of the Publicity Director (including on social media websites such as Facebook, You Tube, Instagram etc.);
The equipment of other organisations using the Criterion Theatre must be respected and not interfered with.

Health and Safety

Everyone has the right to participate in an environment that is physically and emotionally safe.
All actors and crew should be full briefed about safety procedures and potential risks by the Stage Manager at the start of the rehearsal period on the stage.
All members must take responsibility for their own Health and safety, ensuring that their actions do not risk the health and safety of themselves or others.
All hazards, accidents or injuries should be reported in line with the Theatre Health and Safety procedure.

Alcohol and Drug consumption

All activities on the Criterion Theatre site must be lawful. This particularly applies to the consumption of prohibited and illegal drugs.
Alcohol can only be consumed by people of legal drinking age and should not be consumed by performers and crew until after the show. Alcohol may only be consumed to the extent that it does not affect the comfort, safety or performance of any member, performer, crew or volunteer, nor harm the reputation of the Criterion Theatre.
Only members who have been trained and authorised to serve behind the bar may do so.

Computer, Email and Internet Usage

Criterion Members are expected to use the Internet responsibly and productively. Internet access is limited to Criterion Theatre-related activities only and personal use is not permitted
All Internet data that is composed, transmitted and/or received by the Criterion Theatre computer systems is considered to belong to the Criterion Theatre and is recognised as part of its official data. It is therefore subject to disclosure for legal reasons or to other appropriate third parties
The equipment, services and technology used to access the Internet are the property of the Criterion Theatre and the company reserves the right to monitor Internet traffic and monitor and access data that is composed, sent or received through its online connections
Emails sent via the Criterion Theatre email system should not contain content that is deemed to be offensive. This includes, though is not restricted to, the use of vulgar or harassing language/images
All sites and downloads may be monitored and/or blocked by the Criterion Theatre if they are deemed to be harmful and/or not productive to business
The installation of software such as instant messaging technology is strictly prohibited

Unacceptable use of the internet includes, but is not limited to:

Sending or posting discriminatory, harassing, or threatening messages or images on the Internet or via the Criterion Theatre email service
Using computers to perpetrate any form of fraud, and/or software, film or music piracy
Stealing, using, or disclosing someone else's password without authorization
Downloading, copying or pirating software and electronic files that are copyrighted or without authorization
Sharing confidential material, trade secrets, or proprietary information outside of the organisation
Hacking into unauthorized websites
Sending or posting information that is defamatory to the Criterion Theatre, its products/services, members, colleagues and/or customers
Introducing malicious software onto the Criterion Theatre network and/or jeopardizing the security of the organization's electronic communications systems
Sending or posting chain letters, solicitations, or advertisements not related to business purposes or activities
Passing off personal views as representing those of the organization
Internet, social media and children and young people
The internet and social media, play a big part in a lot of children’s lives. The accessibility of these platforms can lead to unwanted consequences for children, such as internet trolling, internet grooming, stalking, bullying by peers and uncontrolled circulation of images or personal data. Any personal data we reveal about the child could be pieced together with other information sources to reveal identities of children.

Adults engaged in the production must not ‘friend’ or follow children on social media and should avoid interacting with young people known to be under 16 on social media. Our publicity team will not engage on social media with children who are under 16 years of age or utilise any images or identifying information except official photographs for which parental/carer consent has been given.

Children and concerned adults should contact the Safeguarding Officer for the purposes of reporting any serious abuse, bullying or unwanted attention on social media as a result of their participation in the Criterion Theatre.

Useful guidance on safe internet use for children and people around them can be found here:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/child-safety-online-a-practical-guide-for-parents-and-carers/child-safety-online-a-practical-guide-for-parents-and-carers-whose-children-are-using-social-media

Breach of the Code of Conduct

Blatant disregard of any of this Code of Conduct and Behaviour may jeopardize your ability to be a member of the Criterion Theatre.
Members may also be held personally liable for damages caused by any violations of this policy.
If anyone feels that they have been unfairly treated or that this Code of Conduct and Behaviour has been breached in any way, then they are encouraged in the first instance to raise this issue informally with any Board Director.
Board Directors take the issue of appropriate conduct and behaviour within the Theatre very seriously and will do all they can to support the complainant and thoroughly investigate the issue to reach a satisfactory resolution.

This policy was last reviewed in March 2024.

Appendix A: What is bullying and harassment?

Bullying may be characterised as:

offensive, intimidating, malicious or insulting behaviour, an abuse or misuse of power through means that undermine, humiliate, denigrate or injure the recipient.

Harassment as defined in the Equality Act 2010 is: unwanted conduct which has the purpose or effect of violating an individual’s dignity or creating an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment for that individual.

Bullying and harassment is a very difficult and sensitive area to navigate. Behaviour that is considered bullying or harassment by one person may be considered firm leadership, or friendly and jokey behaviour by another. Most people will agree on extreme cases of bullying and harassment but it is sometimes the ‘grey’ areas that cause most problems.

Bullying and harassment can often be hard to recognise – symptoms may not be obvious to others, and may be insidious. Those on the receiving end may think ‘perhaps this is normal behaviour in this organisation’. They may be accused of ‘overreacting’, and worry that they won’t be believed if they do report incidents. People being bullied or harassed may sometimes appear to overreact to something that seems relatively trivial but which may be the ‘last straw’ following a series of incidents.

It is important to note that in cases of complaint about behaviour, the consideration about whether behaviour is acceptable or not depends on how the recipient of the behaviour feels, not on the intent or motivation of the person being complained about.

It is good practice to offer some examples of what can be deemed to be unacceptable behaviour and this may include:

spreading malicious rumours, or insulting someone by word or behaviour
ridiculing or demeaning someone – picking on them or setting them up to fail
exclusion or victimisation
deliberately unfair treatment, especially if related to a characteristic protected under the Equality Act 2010 (e. age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation)
overbearing supervision or other misuse of power or position
inappropriate or offensive comments about an individual, especially if related to a characteristic protected under the Equality Act 2010.
unwelcome sexual advances – touching, standing too close, display of offensive materials, making sexual comments about an individual’s body or conduct, asking for sexual favours, making decisions on the basis of sexual advances being accepted or rejected

Harassment of a sexual nature is one of the most common forms of harassment and is specifically outlawed by the Equality Act 2010. Unacceptable behaviour that is sexual in nature can be verbal or non-verbal and could include sexual comments and gestures as well as sexual touching.

Harassment related to other relevant protected characteristics are also outlawed by the Equality Act 2010.

Appendix B: Reporting an incident of unfair discrimination or abuse

The Criterion Theatre does not tolerate any form of discriminatory abuse, including verbal or physical, conscious or unconscious. We are committed to keep listening and to engage in meaningful debate in order to make real and lasting changes.

All volunteers, members, audience and other visitors to the Criterion Theatre, or to our activities that take place outside the Criterion Theatre, should feel able to report discriminatory incidents that they have experienced, witnessed or been told about, or to report other concerns around unfair discrimination they may have. No action will be taken until you have been contacted. Even if you do give your name, you can still request not to be contacted.

Please make your report to edi@criteriontheatre.co.uk

Any reports made will be received by our EDI Working Group. Current members are: Anne-marie Greene, Gennie Holmes, Andrew Sharpe, Ruth Miller and Becky Bartlett.

You can choose to report anonymously, or give your name and/or contact details. If you report anonymously, we will not be able to contact you to inform you of the action taken. However, anonymous reports will help us to better understand issues of unfair discrimination impacting the Criterion Theatre, to identify any patterns, and to shape our prevention of, and response to, discriminatory behaviours.

We understand that some may wish to give a pseudonym and/or anonymous email address. There is no obligation to provide us with an email address if you do not wish to be contacted after making your report.

Your name and contact details will never be shared to any individual or organisation outside of the EDI Working Group without your explicit permission.

Unless there is an urgent legal or medical reason, the details of your complaint will not be shared to anyone outside of the EDI Working Group , until we have established contact with you and gained your input on next steps and preferred level of communication.

The EDI Working Group pledges to take all reports seriously and will create a safe space for you to speak honestly and without prejudice. In turn, they will be fully transparent about the actions they have taken and intend to take.

The group will agree the best course of action based on the specific nature of the report and clearly explain their thinking to you.