Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
Creating a cinema culture where everyone feels welcome
At Showroom Cinema, operated by Sheffield Media and Exhibition Centre Limited (SMEC), we are committed to placing equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) at the heart of everything we do — from the films we screen to the team we build and the experience we offer every visitor.
We believe in the power of cinema to reflect the world we live in and the potential of our organisation to lead positive change. We actively challenge discrimination in all its forms and are proud to be a space where everyone is treated with dignity, respect, and fairness.
Our Commitment to EDI
We are committed to creating a safe, inclusive, and equitable environment for all:
In Employment: We are an equal opportunities employer. We actively seek to diversify our workforce and ensure all recruitment, training, and progression opportunities are fair and inclusive.
In Customer Service: We aim to provide a welcoming and respectful space for everyone, regardless of background, identity, or needs.
In Programming: We strive to offer a film programme that reflects a broad range of perspectives, cultures, and lived experiences, and we listen to our audiences to keep improving.
We are committed to the principles of the Equality Act 2010, and our policies are designed to promote equal access, opportunity, and representation across all aspects of our work.
Programming Diversity
Our programming champions voices from underrepresented communities, and we prioritise:
Films made by or about women, people of colour, LGBTQ+ communities, disabled people, working-class creatives, and others whose stories are often marginalised.
Collaborations with independent distributors, festivals, and cultural organisations that reflect our values.
Opportunities for emerging filmmakers and young creatives through training and events, including the BFI Film Academy, Showroom Young Programmers, and Film Hub North initiatives.
We aim to reflect and celebrate the diversity of our local community and the world through the films we screen.
Anti-Discrimination and Safe Spaces
Showroom Cinema has a zero-tolerance policy on discrimination, harassment, and abuse.
We will not tolerate behaviour that is racist, sexist, homophobic, transphobic, ableist, or otherwise prejudiced towards any individual or group.
Staff and volunteers are trained to deal with incidents sensitively and effectively.
Patrons or participants whose behaviour violates this standard may be asked to leave and/or barred from future events.
We encourage all visitors to help uphold a respectful, inclusive atmosphere.
Continuous Improvement
We know that EDI is an ongoing journey. We are committed to:
Staff training and development in inclusive practice and cultural competency.
Listening to feedback from our audiences, partners, and community groups.
Regularly reviewing our policies and practices to ensure they remain relevant, meaningful, and actionable.
Accessibility and Representation
EDI is closely tied to accessibility, and we work to remove barriers wherever possible. From relaxed and subtitled screenings to access-friendly venues and staff support, we’re here to help make every visit welcoming and inclusive.
We also actively seek to increase representation across our staff, programming, and governance structures, and invite collaboration with groups and individuals who share our vision.
Contact Us
We welcome feedback, suggestions, and conversations about how we can continue to make Showroom a more inclusive place for everyone.
📧 customerservices@showroomworkstation.org.uk
📍 Showroom Work Station, 15 Paternoster Row, Sheffield, S1 2BX
📞 0114 275 7727
Together, we’re working to create a cinema culture that is bold, inclusive, and reflective of our society.