Join YTAS to discuss all things EDI. How should you go about creating an EDI Policy, and how do you use action plans to embed it in your work?
All sections of society should feel respected, represented, and able to give their best within our youth theatre spaces. Most youth theatres will already be committed to eliminating unlawful discrimination by encouraging equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI). This applies to our workforce, but also to our youth theatre participants. But how do we go about putting all that into writing?
In this Knowledge Exchange, we’ll discuss how to clearly lay out and keep track of the strategy that will enshrine equality, fairness, and respect for all employees and participants. Come along if you need support, have questions, or if you’d like to share something that worked for you.
What’s a Knowledge Exchange?
Building on previous exchange events and practical Swap Shops, our series of Knowledge Exchange events are facilitated meetings about a specific topic or trend that we have identified in the sector.
They are a space to come together and share knowledge in all forms, whether that’s discussing projects you’re involved in, offering a sneak-peak at policies you’re writing, sharing processes and admin top tips, or making new connections across the sector.
Knowledge Exchange sessions won’t aim to solve the issues presented or invent new projects, although they may lead to actions for Future Us… by attending, you’ll be helping YTAS to identify further ways to support and advocate for the amazing work of the youth theatre sector.
Who is it for?
Knowledge Exchange events are open to all YTAS members, those representing organisations as well as freelancers. The conversations will likely centre around topics which are relevant to managers or those responsible for implementing change within their organisations, but we welcome a wide range of knowledge and experience.
There is no minimum or maximum number of attendees – whoever comes along are the right people to come along and we will hold everyone’s knowledge and experience with the same importance.
YTAS staff will host and facilitate each meeting, document the conversations, and share notes at the end. We have programmed the first six topics for this year (with further dates to add for some topics), but we welcome ideas for future exchange.
Meetings will be a mix of virtual gatherings as well as regionally-focused conversations. If you have a venue and are interested in hosting a Knowledge Exchange in your region, get in touch!
Other Knowledge Exchange Events
Registrations and Admin Systems: Tuesday 22 September 2026, 10.30am
Expanding Who Applies (Inclusive Recruitment Strategies): Wednesday 28 October 2026, 1pm
Digital Safeguarding: Wednesday 25 November 2026, 12.30pm
UNCRC and Rights-Based Approaches to Youth Theatre: Wednesday 27 January 2027, 2.30pm
Fair Work in Practice: Tuesday 16 February 2027, 10am
Broadening Participation in Youth Theatre: Tuesday 13 April 2027, 10am
This is a safe space where all identities are welcome and valued
YTAS strives to create and hold events and spaces where everyone feels welcome and the safety of others is valued. This commitment applies to all our online and in-person services, activities, and communication channels.
We have a zero-tolerance policy towards any behaviour which creates feelings of unease, discomfort, offence, embarrassment, humiliation, or intimidation, whether intentional or not. This includes but is not limited to; transphobia, homo or biphobia, racism, ableism, sexism, or class discrimination. See our Safe Spaces statement for more information about YTAS’ commitments to safety and best practice.