CDS are currently in a period of reflection and learning as we respond to the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.

We are using this time to reevaluate our working practices, embed anti-racist principles in the structures of our organisation, and make more of our processes transparent.

CDS is currently reckoning with a period of disharmony relating to anti-racist change-making.  We are committed to doing better to understand, dismantle, and redress the racism within our organisation – today and in the context of our 40-year history. As part of these processes we are committed to:

• Work to reimagine our governance model and create transparent decision-making processes between artist-members, staff and the board of trustees.
• Implement crucial policies and procedures to ensure we are more accountable, including a code of conduct; feedback and complaints process; vision statement; guidance for staff, Members and trustees when they join CDS; diversity and inclusion policy; and a commitment to freelancers.
• Provide anti-racism training for all artist-members, staff and the board of trustees.
• Review the opportunities we offer to support artist-members, including experimenting with new selection and artist-led decision making processes.

You can now see an interim code of conduct (for staff and trustees) on the policies tab, with the interim feedback and complaints procedure to accompany it by the end of October. We aim for all other documents being operational by the end of March 2022. 

During this period our Membership is closed for applications. We anticipate welcoming new Members in Spring/Summer 2022. 

If you have questions or would like to discuss this work with someone, please email: ruth@chisenhaledancespace.co.uk and/or theboard@chisenhaledancespace.co.uk.