IDEA Policy
Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility
Policy Reviewed: 06/04/2025
Next Review Due: 05/04/2026
Approved by: Stacey Dowdeswell, Director
Introduction
Co Labs is committed to creating an inclusive, equitable, and accessible environment where all young people, especially those affected by cancer or living with long-term health conditions, can thrive in their music journeys. This IDEA policy outlines our vision, commitments, and practices to ensure fairness, respect, and opportunity for everyone we work with.
Our vision
We believe that everyone has the right to creative expression, professional growth, and
meaningful connection—regardless of health status, identity, or background. Our programmes
are designed to dismantle barriers and centre the voices and experiences of young people who
are often underrepresented.
Our Commitments
Inclusion
● Foster a safe, welcoming, and affirming environment for all participants, mentors, and team members.
● Value lived experience and create space for every voice to be heard.
● Champion creativity that reflects the diversity of our communities.
Diversity
● Celebrate diversity in all forms: health, race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, disability, neurodivergence, and more.
● Actively seek out and work with mentors, artists, and partners who reflect the diversity of the young people we serve.
● Amplify underrepresented stories and perspectives within the music industry.
Equity
● Recognise that different people face different barriers—and respond with fairness, not sameness.
● Offer flexible, tailored support to meet individual needs.
● Review our systems and practices regularly to identify and remove bias or structural inequality.
Accessibility
● Design mentorship and events with accessibility at the core—not as an afterthought.
● Provide alternative formats, assistive technologies, and adaptable communication as needed.
● Offer both in-person and remote options wherever possible to meet varying health and energy levels.
● Ensure physical venues are step-free and wheelchair accessible (or clearly communicate limitations and alternatives).
● Provide travel for participants that otherwise wouldn’t be able to travel to our events.
Inclusive Mentorship Practices
We commit to:
● Training all mentors in inclusive, trauma-informed, and person-centred approaches.
● Prioritising flexibility around medical appointments, fatigue, and fluctuating health.
● Supporting participants with access needs without them having to “prove” or disclose unnecessary personal details.
● Respecting boundaries and privacy around health information.
Representation and Leadership
● Our leadership and delivery teams will reflect the communities we serve.
● We will create opportunities for young people to co-design, co-lead, and shape the direction of Co Labs.
● Advisory input from individuals with lived experience of cancer and chronic health conditions will be central to our growth.
Recruitment and Employment
● We will embed fair, accessible, and bias-aware recruitment practices.
● We encourage applications from people with lived experience of illness, disability, or exclusion from the creative industries.
● We will make reasonable adjustments at every stage of the recruitment and employment process.
Monitoring and Evaluation
● We will regularly gather feedback from participants, staff, and collaborators to improve
our practices.
● We will publish progress and invite accountability from our community.
Reporting and Accountability
● Any concerns relating to discrimination, inaccessibility, or exclusion can be raised
confidentially to [Designated Staff Member or contact info].
● We will take all reports seriously and respond with transparency and care.
● This policy is reviewed annually in consultation with stakeholders and participants.
Signed:
Stacey Dowdeswell
Director
06/04/2025
S Dowdeswell