Date of Issue: 1st January 2026
Next Review Date: 1st January 2027
Approved by: Directors of artspace
1. Policy Statement
artspace is committed to creating inclusive, respectful and equitable spaces for all people who engage with our work, including clients, creative workshop participants, staff and collaborators.
We believe that creativity thrives in environments where everyone feels seen, valued and safe to contribute.
Our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) reflects both our professional ethics as HCPC-registered art psychotherapists and our organisational values: respect, integrity, compassion and collaboration.
artspace does not tolerate discrimination, harassment or exclusion of any kind. We aim to ensure that everyone we work with, regardless of background, identity or experience, has the equal opportunity to participate and benefit from our creative workshops and professional relationships.
2. Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to:
- Promote equality, diversity and inclusion in all aspects of artspace’s work
- Eliminate unlawful discrimination and bias
- Create and maintain a working and learning environment where differences are celebrated and all individuals are treated with dignity and respect
- Guide our approach to recruitment, partnership, facilitation and communication
3. Scope
This policy applies to:
- All artspace employees, directors, associates and contractors
- All clients, participants and partner organisations engaging in our creative workshops and services
- All operational and creative activities, both in-person and online
It applies equally to our internal practices (eg. recruitment, partnerships and communication) and our external work (eg. creative workshop delivery, client relationships and marketing).
4. Our Commitments
artspace will:
4.1 Promote Equity and Inclusion
- Foster a culture that actively values difference and challenges inequity
- Recognise and address structural barriers that affect participation or representation
- Ensure all individuals have fair and equal access to opportunities to engage with artspace’s work
4.2 Respect and Represent Diversity
- Value the diversity of backgrounds, perspectives and lived experiences among participants, clients and staff
- Consider cultural, linguistic and accessibility needs when designing creative workshops
- Use inclusive language and imagery across all communications and resources
4.3 Create Psychologically Safe Spaces
- Ensure artspace creative workshops and interactions are conducted in a manner that promotes emotional safety and respect
- Encourage participants to share appropriate perspectives openly and listen with empathy
- Address and manage any instances of exclusionary, discriminatory or harmful behaviour swiftly and appropriately
4.4 Ensure Fair Recruitment and Collaboration
- Base all recruitment, contracting and partnership decisions on merit, skills and professional integrity
- Ensure selection processes are fair, transparent and free from bias
- Proactively seek opportunities to collaborate with diverse practitioners and organisations
5. Protected Characteristics
artspace complies with the Equality Act 2010, which protects individuals from discrimination on the basis of:
- Age
- Disability
- Gender reassignment
- Marriage and civil partnership
- Pregnancy, maternity and paternity
- Race (including colour, nationality and ethnic or national origin)
- Religion or belief
- Sex
- Sexual orientation
artspace recognises that discrimination can also occur based on factors not legally defined as protected, such as socio-economic background, education or caring responsibilities; at artspace we strive to be inclusive in all respects.
6. Accessibility and Participation
artspace is committed to ensuring our creative workshops and services are as accessible as possible.
We will:
- Work closely with clients to support the selecting of venues that meet accessibility requirements (including physical access, lighting and facilities)
- Provide information in accessible formats upon request
- Consider sensory and psychological safety needs when designing creative activities
- Make reasonable adjustments for staff, associates or participants who require specific accommodations
When delivering creative workshops online, we will ensure digital access is as inclusive as possible and we will encourage clients to support participants with any necessary adjustments or technology.
7. Inclusive Facilitation Practice
In delivering creative workshops, artspace facilitators will:
- Use inclusive, person-centred language and avoid assumptions
- Be sensitive to cultural, social and gendered differences in communication and creative expression
- Offer choice in materials and modes of engagement, recognising the diverse comfort levels associated
with creativity - Respond to microaggressions, exclusionary comments or discomfort in the group with professionalism
and care
8. Responsibilities
Directors of artspace
- Hold overall responsibility for ensuring compliance with this policy
- Lead by example, modelling inclusive behaviours and language
- Provide training, supervision and reflective practice to uphold these values across the organisation
All Staff, Associates and Facilitators
- Must act in accordance with this policy and within this professional code of ethics
- Are responsible for promoting inclusion and challenging discriminatory behaviour, if it occurs
- Should raise any concerns about EDI issues or barriers promptly with the Directors
Clients and Partners
- Are expected to share artspace’s commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion
- Will be encouraged to provide accessible, inclusive venues and communications for all creative workshops
9. Reporting and Resolution
artspace takes all concerns or complaints related to discrimination, exclusion or harassment seriously.
Any staff member, associate or participant who experiences or witnesses behaviour inconsistent with this policy should report it as soon as possible to a Director.
All reports will be handled sensitively, investigated promptly and addressed in line with artspace’s values and professional standards.
10. Monitoring and Review
artspace will:
- Review this policy annually to ensure it remains current and effective
- Reflect on feedback from participants, clients and staff to identify any areas for improvement
- Continue professional learning and consultation to strengthen our inclusive practice
11. Related Policies and References
This policy should be read alongside the following all artspace policies.
12. Contact Details
For questions, feedback or to raise a concern related to equity, diversity or inclusion please contact:
artspace EDI Leads: Sarah Edmonds and Karen Wilson
Email: hello@artspacearttherapy.co.uk