Jazz has evolved through the bringing together of diverse traditions. It's international history reflects this and includes segregation, inequality, racism, appropriation and sexism amongst other injustices.
Some of the material held by the Archive reflects these injustices in its use of language and by failing to recognise the contribution of various communities. It is our belief that our role is to preserve and present this material and to provide historical context as part of our educational role. We also believe it is our role to bring the voices of those previously silenced or unrecorded to the fore.
Background
In October 2021 the board of trustees of the National Jazz Archive identified that more focus should be given to equality, diversity and inclusion (ED&I) within the Archive. The board identified that there was inadequate representation across: roles within the organisation; its collections and archive material; in its concerts and audiences.
We recognise that transparency is important to gain the trust of any disenfranchised people. By detailing our ongoing work we hope to to show how we plan to develop as an organisation and by showing where improvements have been made we hope this trust will grow.
Equality, diversity and inclusion policy
Fundamental to addressing this shortfall was the creation of a diversity policy that also recognises the linkage with equality and inclusion. This policy provides the guidelines for our organisation and is now at the heart of all our decision making.
Overarching this policy is our statement of diversity, which provides the basis of our approach and how we measure success.
Statement of diversity
We seek to ensure that our organisation, the holdings we acquire, preserve and manage,
our activities and the stakeholders who we work with and serve
reflect the diversity of our society.
Working for success
Based on the shared experience of others, we believe our ED&I programme will be successful provided:
- Insights are gained from all directly impacted groups, and not just those represented in the Archive;
- The trustees and other leaders within the Archive remain committed to achieving the goals they have identified;
- There is clarity around any issues to be addressed and a well-defined plan to achieve the ED&I goals;
- Relevant quantitative AND qualitative indicators are identified, measured and reviewed by the trustees to determine progress and inform changes in the approach;
- Everyone within the Archive knows what role they play in improving DE&I, and is accountable for their own performance;
- There is an equal focus on all elements of equality, diversity AND inclusion;
- Innovation is nurtured and honest reflection encouraged and supported.
Our aims
Derived from our statement of diversity are our nine aims. These goals have been used to define the on-going actions we are taking to measure and improve the Archive's diversity.
Each of these aims within our policy have been reproduced below along with a detailed explanation as to what this means to us and what will be achieved.
Ensure that the values of equality, diversity and respect for all are embedded into everything we do
This means ...
- A cultural change within the Archive and in dealing with others outside the Archive;
- An expectation of diversity within everything connected to the Archive;
When we've been successful ...
- The Archive's collections and holdings will reflect the diversity of our society;
- Diversity within the Archive is considered a strength;
- The Archive will be recognised as an exemplar for Diversity
Foster diverse and inclusive archives, curations, collections and researcher access
This means ...
- Addressing ED&I as part of our collection development
- Identifying and measuring diversity within the work done at the Archive;
- Ensuring access limitations are minimised for all communities;
- Seeking views from outside the Archive.
When we've been successful ...
- No community will feel disenfranchised or under represented
Select, arrange, preserve, use descriptions and publish materials that raise awareness of diversity
This means ...
- ED&I will be integral to the planning and development of our collections, publications and curations
- Frequently raising awareness of diversity in our publications
When we've been successful ...
- The Archive will have raised awareness of under represented communities within jazz
- Researchers will be able to access a diverse collection of material
Sensitively reflect the culture, concerns and beliefs of any people represented
This means ...
- Recognising the short-comings and insensitivities of some views represented in historic material;
- Providing context for challenging material and presenting alternative narratives;
- Seeking out, collecting and presenting the experiences of a diverse range of people based on their personal stories.
When we've been successful ...
- All communities and individuals will feel the Archive provides an inclusive service.
Increase the instances of previously unrepresented or under-represented people previously absent from historical record
This means ...
- Identifying unrepresented or under-represented people within the Archive
- Actively seeking and curating material to counter this lack of representation
When we've been successful ...
- There will be a feeling of inclusion from all stakeholders
Represent members of all communities using their chosen names and pronouns
This means ...
- Being sensitive to the differences across communities
- Seeking and applying personal preferences rather than making assumptions
When we've been successful ...
- All communities will feel their choices have been respected and have been correctly represented
Ensure that our services and activities are relevant and accessible to all
This means ...
- Representing a wide range of groups and communities
- Seeking guidance and feedback from under-represented groups
- Providing services tailored to different groups
When we've been successful ...
- The Archive will be positively recognised across a range of stakeholders
Use accessible venues for all activities
This means ...
- Identifying and addressing barriers that may be physical, organisational or attitudinal;
- Planning ahead of an event;
- Being clear and publicising what can reasonably be provided and the extent of any flexibility;
- Engaging with audiences to gain feedback and avoid assumptions;
- Being mindful of the language used at an event and in its promotion;
- Learning from what went well and not so well from previous activities;
- Using accessible marketing and communications;
When we've been successful ...
- The audiences over a range of activities will be diverse and satisfied with the events organised.
Use plain English, and offer accessible communications as far as is reasonable
This means ...
- The words used are appropriate for the audience;
- Everyday English is used whenever possible, concise and free from jargon;
- The communication and access is designed before being published;
When we've been successful ...
- Our information will be easy to access by a diverse range of recipients;
- Those receiving the information understand and value the information being conveyed;