Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

Last updated: 17 April 2026

South West Studios is built on the idea that anyone who wants to make music should be able to. Good music rooms, affordable rates, welcoming people — in practice, not just in words.

This policy sets out what that means, and what you can expect from us.

Our commitment

We will treat every person we work with, book with, and come into contact with fairly and with respect. We won't discriminate against anyone — directly or indirectly — on the basis of any of the characteristics protected by the Equality Act 2010:

age
disability
gender reassignment
marriage or civil partnership
pregnancy or maternity
race
religion or belief
sex
sexual orientation

We will also act fairly with regard to things the law doesn't explicitly protect — socio-economic background, caring responsibilities, neurodiversity, musical experience level, and everything in between.

What this looks like in practice

Pricing: we try to keep session prices affordable and offer concession rates or community programmes where we can.
Access: the building is step-free and has an accessible toilet. We'll make reasonable adjustments for anyone who needs them — just ask.
Language: we use plain English and try not to assume musical experience or insider vocabulary.
Programming: workshops and jams are open to all. We actively want people who don't see themselves reflected in traditional music venues to feel welcome here.
Hiring and volunteering: we recruit on ability to do the role, not on whether someone fits a type. We welcome applications from everyone.
Safeguarding: we follow the Safeguarding Policy for everyone, adjusted where needed for specific needs.

Zero tolerance

Abusive, discriminatory, or threatening behaviour — to staff, volunteers, tutors, or other users — will end a session and may end a person's ability to book with us again. See the Studio Rules.

If something isn't right

If you've had an experience at South West Studios that didn't match this policy — whether you were involved or you saw it happen — please tell us. The routes are:

Speak to whoever is on duty.
Use the website contact form.
Use our Complaints Policy if you want a formal process.

You don't need to use a specific word or follow a format. We take every concern seriously and will look into it.

Reasonable adjustments

If you have an access need — physical, sensory, cognitive, or otherwise — and there's something we can do to make a session or a programme work for you, ask us. We'd rather adjust than have you miss out.

Examples we've already put in place or will consider on request:

Extra set-up time before a session.
A quieter loading route.
A BSL interpreter for public events (with notice).
Session notes in large print or plain text.

Review

This policy is reviewed at least once a year, and updated if our practice or the law changes. It will always be linked from the footer of the website.

Feedback

We're not going to get everything right. If you think we've fallen short — or you have an idea about how we could do better — send us a message. Nothing changes without people pointing things out.