Ensuring everyone feels part of the celebration.
The DCA’s Christmas Inclusion Standard establishes specific requirements for designing and delivering inclusive and accessible Christmas services through best practice festive principles, building on the cheerful criteria set out by the Christmas Service Standard. All Christmas services must aim to be inclusive of all people, singing woodland creatures, magical snowmen, elfs, reindeer and reformed Grinches.
The criteria
Embrance diversity
Celebrate the different ways people enjoy Christmas, from decorating styles to personal traditions. All are welcome under the Department's festive canopy.Motivate Christmas participation
Encourage guests to join in through inclusive activities, whether that’s singing, tree-decorating, or simply enjoying a festive treat.Protect festival-goers
Make sure everyone feel safe, comfortable, and respected in the Christmas environment, maintaining festive spaces where everyone can feel the joy without discomfort.Make it accessible
Christmas resources (like hot chocolate, cozy seating, and holiday decorations) should be within reach and ready for all to enjoy.Provide flexibility and choice
Offer a range of festive Christmas options, from attire to activities, so everyone has a way to participate in Christmas in the way they enjoy most.
Meeting the Standard
Strategic planning
Data on compliance with the Christmas Inclusion Standard will indicate areas which require uplift, whether by magical or non-magical means.
Contestability
Assessments will be undertaken to determine if proposals have a plan to meet the minimum Christmas Inclusion Standard requirements and aim to maximise Christmas cheer for all.
Assurance
Monitoring and assurance from a team of specialised elves will be undertaken to understand if the Christmas service is being delivered in line with the Christmas Inclusion Standard as planned, and to ensure potential avenues for Grinch-like behaviour are minimised.
Sourcing
Christmas Inclusion Standard requirements should be considered throughout procurement practices.
Operations
Monitoring and reporting will determine compliance with Christmas inclusion requirements, using Christmas compliance data and existing reporting mechanisms such as the National Gift Appropriateness Inquiry, the Global Behaviour Tracking Network and the Naughty Rehabilitation Program.
Related standards
The following standards form part of the Christmas Experience Policy:
Spread the Christmas cheer
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