Belonging, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
The RNCM recognises that music is an essential part of every culture, and we are committed to fostering a diverse community of staff and students.
We believe in providing everyone with the opportunity to fulfil their potential and are proud to offer a welcoming, supportive, and collegial environment for those who study and work with us.
We are committed to treating everyone with dignity and respect, regardless of protected characteristics such as age, sex, disability, race, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, religion or belief, sexual orientation, and pregnancy or maternity. Through RNCM Engage and our commitment to Access and Participation, we also work to remove social and economic barriers to music education.
Our Belonging, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (BEDI) Policy sets out a number of key objectives focused on community, staff, and students. These objectives help ensure that all members of our community understand the policy and have access to the resources needed to support its implementation. Progress is monitored through annual reporting, while training, recruitment, development and support processes are designed to be fair, inclusive and equitable.
The BEDI Forum plays a vital role in supporting the delivery of these objectives and monitoring their impact across the College. Strategic oversight is provided by members of the Executive Committee, while the Director of Research leads on BEDI governance and policy and chairs the BEDI Forum.
The RNCM expects all members of its community to actively support the elimination of discrimination and harassment and to promote equality of opportunity in access to the College’s services, employment opportunities, and support for students’ welfare and education.
Our Objectives
The RNCM is committed to implementing the following BEDI objectives, categorised by Community, Staff, and Students, which can be found in our BEDI Policy:
Community
- That the entire RNCM community is aware of the BEDI policy and related policies and their responsibilities in relation to it.
- The procedure for making a formal complaint (staff, student or visitor) or making an anonymous report, via the RNCM Raise It reporting webpage, is publicised and accessible.
- That the BEDI policy is considered, where appropriate, in the development of strategies, policies, procedures and programming to ensure that they strive for equity, demonstrate diversity and promote belonging and do not unlawfully discriminate against anyone in our community.
- Staff, students and Trade Union Representatives are provided with appropriate forums to discuss issues and raise any concerns, relating to BEDI.
- There is sufficient resources in place to implement the BEDI policy effectively and that the annual report, which monitors and highlights progress is submitted to the Board of Governors.
Staff
- That managers and staff are provided with appropriate training and development.
- Procedures are in place for the fair appointment, promotion, pay and development of staff, free from unjustifiable discrimination and that outcomes are monitored and reported.
- All new staff are made aware of their responsibilities in respect of the policy through the induction process, our Culture and Values and that compliance with the BEDI policy and related policies of the RNCM, is explained in all job descriptions.
Students
- That new students are made aware of their responsibilities under the BEDI policy, through induction and welcome week, with reference to our Culture and Values and expectations of conduct and behaviours.
- Procedures are in place for the fair selection, teaching and assessment of students, free from unjustifiable discrimination, in an inclusive environment where they feel they belong.
- That taught and research programmes of study are reviewed and developed with careful consideration of innovative practice in diverse curriculum and inclusive assessment.
- That the Access and Participation Plan, an OFS requirement to monitor ‘Access, Success and Progress’ of students, be monitored as a priority and action taken to ensure equity in the access, awarding and employability of all student groups.