Equality and Diversity Policy

1.0 Legal Framework.

1.1 This policy is based on the principles of the Equality Act 2010, which protects individuals from discrimination on the grounds of:

· Age

· Disability

· Gender reassignment

· Marriage and civil partnership

· Pregnancy and maternity

· Race (including colour, nationality, and ethnic or national origin)

· Religion or belief

· Sex

· Sexual orientation

As a single-sex choir, Côr Meibion Abertyleri (Abertillery Orpheus Male Choir) operates under the lawful exemptions provided in the Equality Act 2010 (Schedule 3, Part 7), which permit the restriction of membership or participation to persons of one sex for the purpose of promoting or supporting the interests of that sex in a particular activity (in this case, male choral singing). In the context of the Equality Act 2010, "male" is defined as "a male of any age," and the protected characteristic of "sex" is interpreted as biological sex, referring to the sex recorded at birth. This interpretation was solidified by a Supreme Court ruling in April 2025, which confirmed that a Gender Recognition Certificate (GRC) does not change a person's legal sex for the purposes of the Act. 

2.0 Application

2.1 This policy applies to Choristers and the Musical Team of Abertillery Orpheus Male Choir (AOMC). 

3.0 Principles 

3.1 In carrying out its functions AOMC is committed to promoting equality of opportunity for all, and to ensuring that no individual is discriminated against in the planning and delivery of any of our activities. 

3.2 We therefore aim to ensure that the values of equality, diversity, and respect for all are embedded into everything that we do. 

3.3 This policy is intended to demonstrate AOMC’s commitment to eliminating discrimination and encouraging and valuing diversity among Choristers and the Music Team. 

3.4 We recognise our responsibilities and are committed to meeting them in full. We believe that a culture that embraces equality and values diversity will help us to ensure that everyone feels involved and included in our plans, programmes and activities. 

3.5 We aim to create an environment which respects and welcomes everyone, and in which no form of bullying, harassment, disrespectful or discriminatory behaviour is tolerated by anyone towards anyone.

4.0. Our responsibilities 

4.1 AOMC understands that for equality to be achieved this policy needs to be understood by all Choristers and the Music Team.

4.2 All AOMC Choristers and the Music Team have a responsibility to ensure that their own language and actions are consistent with the spirit as well as the contents of this policy. 

4.3 Overall responsibility for the implementation of this policy lies with AOMC Executive Committee. 

5.0. Our commitments 

5.1 AOMC recognises that an Equality and Diversity Policy alone is not enough to ensure that equality and diversity are central to everything that we do. 

5.2 We will seek to create an environment in which diversity and the contributions of all Choristers and the Music Team are recognised and valued in all that we do.

6.0. Working with others 

6.1 When working with other organisations, primarily concert organisers, we will seek to ensure that they share our commitment to equality and diversity. 

6.2 In addition we are committed to using accessible venues for events and meetings and using plain English, and offering accessible communications, for example, emails, letters, reports and publicity materials as far as it is within our means to do so. 

7.0. Review 

7.1 We recognise that it is important for us to regularly review this policy to ensure that it reflects up to date equality legislation and best practice. 

January 2026