The New Wolsey Theatre is pleased to announce it has been accredited by the Job Centre with the Two Ticks Positive about Disabled People Symbol, demonstrating that they are inclusive in their recruitment practices.

By using the symbol, the New Wolsey will demonstrate that it will fulfil the following five commitments of the scheme:

To interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for a job vacancy and to consider them on their abilities

To discuss with disabled employees, at any time but at least once a year, what they can both do to make sure they can develop and use their abilities

To make every effort when employees become disabled to make sure they stay in employment

To take action to ensure that all employees develop the appropriate level of disability awareness needed to make these commitments work

To review these commitments every year and assess what has been achieved, plan ways to improve on them and let employees and Job Centre Plus know about progress and future plans.

New board member Bonnie Collins had this to say about the work the New Wolsey undertakes: “Having visited the Theatre on several occasions, and been fortunate enough to have a tour of the entire building, I can honestly say that The New Wolsey Theatre have really gone out of their way to make the building accessible for staff, performers and audience members alike.  This is no small achievement as by nature a theatre is not the most easily accessible building.  As well as physical access they have also undertaken ensuring that those with hearing and sight impairments are also catered for as well as holding relaxed performances.  The staff are so well trained to deal with whatever situation may be thrown at them with regards to access and disability that nothing feels like an imposition.”

Bonnie is Disability Development Officer for Suffolk Coalition of Disabled People – an inclusive umbrella organisation, led by disabled people, for disabled people and their member groups.

The theatre will soon be announcing their new Agent For Change, a role designed with a remit to create better opportunities for deaf and disabled artists and audiences in the eastern region and to provide a support network for artists and arts organisations.