Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Access (IDEA) Policy Statement
1.0 Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Access (IDEA) Policy Statement
The Leeds International Piano Competition is committed to artistic excellence, integrity and fair opportunity. We believe that music thrives when people are treated with dignity and respect, and when talent is able to emerge on the basis of artistry, commitment and potential.
This policy statement sets out how we apply these principles across our organisation, programmes and partnerships. It supports our mission to enrich lives through the piano and to nurture young talent, while ensuring that our practices are fair, transparent and responsible.
2.0 Our Commitment
The Leeds is committed to maintaining a working and public environment that is welcoming, professional and free from discrimination, bullying, harassment or harmful behaviour. We recognise that barriers to participation and progression exist within the cultural sector, including classical music, and we are committed to addressing these thoughtfully and proportionately.
We will:
- Apply fair and transparent processes in recruitment, selection, programming and assessment
- Take practical steps to remove unnecessary barriers to access and participation
- Treat all artists, participants, audiences, staff, trustees and volunteers with dignity and respect
- Act with integrity, care and accountability in how decisions are made and reviewed
3.0 Scope and Application
LIPC’s IDEA policy applies to all aspects of our work, including:
- Governance and leadership
- Employment, internships and volunteering
- Artistic programmes and competitions
- Creative Learning & Engagement activity
- Public events, communications and digital platforms
Everyone working with or on behalf of The Leeds is expected to uphold the standards set out in this policy.
4.0 Priority Areas
- Organisational culture and governance
We seek to build a culture that supports professionalism, wellbeing and belonging. Our Board and senior leadership hold responsibility for setting expectations, reviewing progress and ensuring appropriate oversight.
- Leadership,workforceand recruitment
We aim to recruit, support and develop people through fair, open and consistent processes, and to strengthen representation at all levels, over time, through responsible practice and progression.
- Artistic programme and competitor experience
We regularly review our competition and programming frameworks to ensure clarity, fairness and transparency, including jury practice, assessment processes, access arrangements and repertoire considerations.
- Audiences,communitiesand public engagement
We work to ensure our programmes and activities are accessible and welcoming, and reflect the communities we serve.
5.0 Governance, Accountability and Review
- Responsibility for IDEA sits with the Board of Trustees, with oversight delegated through appropriate committees
- Progress is reviewed regularly and reported in line with our wider governance and risk frameworks
- This policy is reviewed annually to ensure it remains appropriate, proportionate and aligned with organisational priorities
This policy is underpinned by the LIPC Code of Conduct: Upholding Our Values, which sets out expected standards of behaviour and provides routes for raising concerns.
6.0 Related Policies & Documents
- Code of Conduct: Upholding Our Values - standards of behaviour and how to raise a concern
- Equal Opportunities & Inclusion Policy and Procedure - our day-to-day approach to fairness and inclusion
- Anti-Harassment and Dignity at Work Policy - raising a concern about harassment specifically
- Safer Recruitment Policy Statement & Procedures - fair, unbiased recruitment
- Governance Framework - Board and committee oversight