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Code of Conduct and Social Safety Policy

1. Purpose

 

The Amsterdam Gay Men’s Chorus (AMSGMC) is committed to providing a safe, respectful, inclusive and welcoming environment for everyone.This Code of Conduct sets out the standards of behaviour expected from all participants, volunteers, artistic staff, Board members and anyone acting on behalf of the chorus.Every member of the chorus shares responsibility for creating and maintaining a positive, supportive and socially safe environment.

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2. Our Values
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We are committed to:

  • Respect

  • Inclusion

  • Diversity

  • Integrity

  • Collaboration

  • Personal responsibility

  • Artistic excellence

  • Community

We treat one another with dignity and respect, celebrate diversity and work together to create an environment where everyone feels welcome, valued and able to participate authentically.

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3. Scope
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This Code of Conduct applies to all:

  • participants;

  • Board members;

  • artistic staff;

  • volunteers;

  • contractors acting on behalf of AMSGMC; and

  • guests participating in AMSGMC activities where applicable.

It applies during rehearsals, performances, meetings, social events, tours, online communication, social media interactions and all other activities organised by or representing the Amsterdam Gay Men’s Chorus.

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4. Expected Behaviour
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Everyone is expected to:

  • treat others with dignity, courtesy and respect;

  • contribute to a welcoming, inclusive and supportive environment;

  • respect differences in identity, background, culture, religion, age, disability, gender identity, gender expression and sexual orientation;

  • communicate openly, honestly and respectfully;

  • follow reasonable instructions from the conductor, choreographers, dance captains and Board members;

  • contribute positively during rehearsals and performances;

  • respect the confidentiality of personal information where appropriate;

  • use chorus property, rehearsal venues and equipment responsibly;

  • raise concerns constructively and in good faith; and

  • act in a way that reflects positively on the Amsterdam Gay Men’s Chorus.

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5. Unacceptable Behaviour
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The following behaviour is inconsistent with the values of the Amsterdam Gay Men’s Chorus and will not be tolerated:

  • discrimination or exclusion;

  • bullying, intimidation or threatening behaviour;

  • harassment, including sexual harassment;

  • making advances or sharing explicit content without consent;

  • physical or verbal abuse;

  • hate speech or discriminatory language;

  • unwanted physical contact;

  • deliberate humiliation or repeated disruptive behaviour;

  • retaliation against anyone who raises a concern or participates in an investigation;

  • theft, fraud or deliberate damage to property;

  • misuse of confidential information;

  • behaviour that creates an unsafe, hostile or intimidating environment; and

  • behaviour that seriously damages the reputation, interests or proper functioning of the Amsterdam Gay Men’s Chorus.

 

6. Chorus Materials and Intellectual Property
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All arrangements, sheet music, guide tracks and other rehearsal or performance materials provided by AMSGMC are the property of AMSGMC or are made available to AMSGMC under applicable licences or permissions.

These materials are provided to members solely for use in connection with AMSGMC rehearsals, performances and activities. They may not be copied, distributed, published, uploaded, forwarded or otherwise shared with third parties without prior permission from the Board.

Members are expected to respect any copyright, licensing or other restrictions applicable to these materials.

 

7. Social Safety
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The Amsterdam Gay Men’s Chorus strives to provide a socially safe environment where everyone feels respected, heard and supported.

Participants are encouraged to speak up if they experience or witness behaviour that is inconsistent with this Code of Conduct.

Every concern will be taken seriously and handled fairly, confidentially and respectfully.

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8. Confidential Contact Person
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The Amsterdam Gay Men’s Chorus has appointed a Confidential Contact Person (Vertrouwenspersoon).

The Confidential Contact Person provides:

  • a confidential first point of contact;

  • a safe space to discuss concerns;

  • information about available options;

  • guidance on possible next steps; and

  • support throughout the process where appropriate.

The Confidential Contact Person does not investigate complaints or make disciplinary decisions.

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9. Reporting Concerns
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Concerns about behaviour may be reported to:

  • the Confidential Contact Person;

  • any member of the Board; or

  • another person designated by the Board.

Reports should be made as soon as reasonably possible.

The Board will treat all reports seriously, fairly and confidentially, while respecting the rights and possible anonymity of everyone involved.

No person will suffer retaliation for reporting a concern in good faith.

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10. Investigation

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Where a potential breach of this Code of Conduct is reported, the Board may:

  • gather relevant information;

  • speak with the individuals involved;

  • interview witnesses where appropriate;

  • allow the participant concerned to respond;

  • seek independent advice where necessary; and

  • determine appropriate action based on the available information.

Investigations will be conducted fairly, objectively and without unnecessary delay.

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11. Possible Measures

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Where a breach of this Code of Conduct has been established, the Board may take one or more of the following measures:

  • informal guidance or mediation;

  • a verbal warning;

  • a written warning;

  • a behavioural improvement agreement;

  • temporary suspension from rehearsals, performances or other activities;

  • exclusion from specific activities or performances; or

  • termination of participation in accordance with the General Terms and Conditions.

Any measure taken will be proportionate to the seriousness and circumstances of the breach.

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12. Confidentiality

Everyone involved in a complaint or investigation is expected to respect the confidentiality of the process.

Personal information will be processed in accordance with applicable privacy legislation.

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13. Compliance

All participants, volunteers, artistic staff and Board members are expected to comply with this Code of Conduct.

Failure to comply may result in disciplinary action in accordance with this Code of Conduct and the General Terms and Conditions.

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14. Review

This Code of Conduct may be reviewed and amended by the Board from time to time.

The most recent version will be made available to all participants.

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