The Association of Brass Band Adjudicators has released a full statement of its findings, recommendations and conclusions following a disciplinary hearing held in Barnsley today.

Suspended

Chief amongst them is that both Stan Lippeatt and Graham O’Connor will be immediately suspended from ABBA for a minimum of 12 months, but offered Equality & Diversity training which should be satisfactorily completed before their membership is restored.

In addition, a full review of ABBA’s code of conduct, and Equality & Diversity policy will be undertaken urgently with professional support brokered in from an appropriate provider as required, whilst further training on these issues will be offered as part of its professional development programme.

Equality & Diversity training

It has further been stated that Equality & Diversity will become a standing agenda item at all meetings including the Annual General Meeting.

The grossly misguided actions of these two members have highlighted a potentially serious problem in terms of the acceptance of; or allowance of; a variety of attitudes and practises that have no place in modern societyABBA

ABBA Statement:

The following statement was issued:

ABBA Executive Committee recommended actions in regards to Stan Lippeatt’s and Graham O’Connor’s actions at Bolsover Entertainment Contest

In considering the actions of our Chairperson and one of our members at the Bolsover Entertainments contest last Sunday the 7th of October and its subsequent impact on the Brass Band community, the Executive Committee appointed to review this event have considered the actions of our members and the negative impact carefully and thoughtfully.

It is an event that has without doubt polarised the Brass Band Community over the past week or so.

We have not only reviewed the actions of our two long standing members but in order to contextualise those actions we have taken the opportunity to examine the attitude to equality and diversity on the broadest basis as we understand it within the Brass Band community.

The grossly misguided actions of these two members have highlighted a potentially serious problem in terms of the acceptance of; or allowance of; a variety of attitudes and practises that have no place in modern society.

ABBA have been informed by the individuals that there was no malicious intent driving their actions or that of the band, however it is viewed that regardless of the intent it is the impact and perception of such actions that are the important issues in such cases.

Owing to the fact that the most senior officer together with a long standing member of ABBA have acted in a wholly inappropriate manner has focused our attention on the association’s Equality and Diversity policy, its implementation and understanding.

As a professional organisation ABBA has committed to review the Equality and Diversity Policy and our code of conduct urgently.

We believe that as a forward looking supportive association it is important that we take the learning outcomes from examining this unfortunate incident and use this to produce a solution that addresses the immediate issue whilst also taking steps to positively contribute to Equality and Diversity in the long term.

Resolving and supporting

ABBA believes that it has a responsibility to use restorative practise guidelines to inform its proposed approach. This has been designed to ensure there is a positive outcome for all concerned.

ABBA is also proposing a long term solution that will examine Equality and Diversity and develop a Code of Conduct that will be adopted within the association in the immediate future and it is hoped the wider brass band community in due course.

Proposals

The proposal is made up of a number of component parts and will be implemented regardless of its acceptance or rejection by the two members involved

1. Both members will be immediately suspended from ABBA for a minimum of 12 months.

2. Both members will be offered by ABBA, Equality and Diversity training which should be satisfactorily completed before membership is restored.

3. A review of ABBA’s code of conduct and Equality and Diversity policy will be undertaken urgently with professional support brokered in from an appropriate provider where required.

4. Equality and Diversity will be a standing agenda item at all meetings including the AGM.

5. Equality and Diversity training will be offered as CPD to all members at our next AGM to ensure that the issues surrounding this subject are embedded within the fabric of the organisation.

6. ABBA propose to head a steering group meeting inviting all stakeholders to carefully consider and evaluate the current state of Equality and Diversity within the Brass Band community.

7. The steering group should consider methods of engaging with the Brass Band Community to champion and gain acceptance of the importance of a Code of Conduct and an Equality and Diversity policy.

8. The steering group should consider methods of engaging with communities and specific groups to promote the benefits of Brass Band membership.

ABBA deeply regret the actions of its members involved in the recent incident in Bolsover but believe that in taking restorative rather than solely punitive measures to resolve the current situation we can demonstrate support for the members involved, the people who were offended and the wider Brass Band Community in a responsible, thoughtful and positive manner in order to move forward with purpose and dignity.

ABBA Executive Committee