The Ripon Arts Hub is operated by RAOS Musical Theatre Company, a registered charity (No. 5200041). The charity’s aim is:

To educate the public in the dramatic and operatic arts, to further the development of public appreciation and taste in the said arts, and to assist and further such charitable institutions and charitable purposes as the Executive Committee shall from time to time determine.

This Hiring Policy outlines the principles under which the trustees offer the venue for hire. It applies to all bookings and forms part of our Hall Hire Agreement.

The Ripon Arts Hub is primarily intended for activities that support and promote the arts, education, and community benefit. We welcome hires for:

• Performances, rehearsals, workshops, and classes in music, drama, or dance

• Educational activities that further appreciation of the arts

• Community events consistent with the charity’s objectives

• Private functions (e.g. parties) organised by individual members or volunteers, subject to trustee approval

The venue will not be hired out for:

• Events promoting political parties, causes, or ideologies

• Events advancing religious doctrine or worship

• Activities that are unlawful, discriminatory, or contrary to public decency

• Events that present a risk to the reputation, safety, or charitable aims of the organisation

The trustees reserve the right to decline or cancel any booking that they believe breaches this policy.

We prioritise bookings that clearly support our charitable purpose. This may include giving preference to events that involve performance, learning, or public engagement in the dramatic and operatic arts.

Hirers must treat the venue and its facilities with care and respect. The premises must be:

• Used only for the purpose stated in the booking agreement

• Left in a clean and tidy condition, with all rubbish removed

• Properly locked and secured if the hirer is responsible for closing up

Failure to comply may result in additional charges or loss of deposit.

Where events involve children, young people, or vulnerable adults, the hirer is responsible for ensuring:

• Adequate supervision

• Compliance with safeguarding laws and best practices

• That adults in supervisory roles are appropriate and, where required, DBS-checked

All hirers are responsible for:

• The conduct and safety of their event

• Any damage caused to the building, equipment, or its contents

• Ensuring they comply with any legal requirements for their activities

Hirers may be required to provide evidence of public liability insurance. The venue’s insurance does not extend to cover hirers’ own activities, property, or third-party claims.

We are committed to being good neighbours. All hirers must:

• Minimise noise during setup, during the event, and on departure

• Avoid amplified sound after 11pm unless specifically agreed

• Ensure guests do not cause nuisance or disturbance outside the premises

We are committed to ensuring our venue is a welcoming, inclusive space. We will not accept bookings for events that discriminate on the basis of race, gender, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, or any protected characteristic under UK law.

All bookings are reviewed by the trustees or designated representatives. The trustees retain full discretion to:

• Refuse a booking where it is not consistent with this policy

• Cancel a booking in line with our standard terms and conditions

In the event of a refusal, the hirer will be notified in writing. There is no automatic right to appeal, though the trustees will consider requests for clarification.

This Hiring Policy is subject to regular review by the trustees. It may be updated at any time to reflect changes in legislation, practice, or organisational priorities.