OUDS Welfare Officer

Our current OUDS Welfare Officer, Carys, is always more than happy to talk to you about any problems or concerns you may have, however big or small - even if you just want to say hello and have a catch up! You can reach the OUDS Welfare Officer by emailing [email protected]. Anything you tell the Welfare Officer will be assumed confidential and treated a such unless they believe that you are at risk to yourself or to another member within the Oxford community. In this situation, information will be referred to the most qualified individual who is best equipped to deal with the situation. Production Welfare Officers can also escalate any queries or concerns to the OUDS Welfare Officer. If you have any feedback on anything to do with Welfare, whether on a production or within OUDS in general, you can always email this to [email protected] – there is also a feedback form at the bottom of the page!

Welfare Manifesto, Audition Guidelines and Complaints Procedure

The OUDS Welfare Officer is responsible for maintaining, amending and monitoring the adherence of the Welfare Manifesto, a document which outlines good practice and certain rules regarding auditions, rehearsals and general behaviour whilst cast and crew members are part of a production, and the Audition Guidelines, which give more specific guidance on best practice for arranging and publicising auditions. We recommend everyone involved in Oxford drama has a read through these before their first show, so they are aware of the way to conduct or take part in safe auditions/rehearsals/performances. This is especially important for producers and directors! The Welfare Officer is also in charge of the formal complaints process, a standard procedure which is triggered when a formal complain is raised by an OUDS member who believes they have experienced a breach of the Welfare Manifesto or University Harassment Policy.

What sort of things can I tell the welfare officer(s)?

Anything you like (within reason)! We’re here to help in whatever way we can so if you’re having any concerns or would just like an ear to listen then just drop us an email. We’re then happy to meet in person or continue the conversation via email – whatever works for you. Things that you might want help/advice/support on could be overly long rehearsals, difficulties with a producer/director, any kind of harassment or discrimination, or any situation that has made you feel uncomfortable – but it’s not limited to that, so if you have anything else you’d like to talk to us about please do!

OUDS Welfare Feedback Form

This form is your opportunity to anonymously and confidentially report any welfare issues you have had as part of your membership of OUDS - this can be regarding the Society as a whole, specific experiences on productions, or anything else you wish to flag.

Please note that this information will not be shared with any other member of OUDS, and that this form is only accessible by the Welfare Officer. Concerns which need addressing with other Committee members will be handled anonymously unless there is a risk to a group's or individual's safety, at which point an issue will be escalated to University welfare services.

There is a question at the bottom regarding further action - if you want further action to be taken, please do leave an email address. This isn't mandatory, and you are more than welcome to remain anonymous - if you do leave an email address, you will receive an email from [email protected] following up on your feedback.

If you would rather get in direct contact with me, do feel free to send an email to [email protected]. <3