RESOURCES
At Safe Spoken, we are committed to fostering a safe and supportive environment for everyone involved in our community. To further this mission, we are developing a comprehensive collection of resources designed to assist individuals and organisations in navigating the complexities of safeguarding. Our growing resources include a recommended safeguarding policy template, guidelines for handling disclosures, best practices for ensuring the wellbeing of all participants, and more. Whether you are a promoter, staff member, or community member, these tools aim to empower you with the knowledge and support needed to recognise, respond to, and prevent incidents of abuse. As we continue to grow our resources, we invite you to explore these materials and integrate them into your practice. Together, we can create a more secure and nurturing environment for all.
Recommended Safeguarding Policy Template:
Safe Spoken’s Recommended Safeguarding Policy Template offers a framework designed to help organisations establish clear protocols and procedures aimed at protecting the welfare of individuals, particularly those who may be vulnerable. This user-friendly template serves as a foundational document that outlines the commitments, responsibilities, and procedures necessary for effective safeguarding in any environment. How to Use the Safeguarding Policy Template: 1. Customisation: Tailor the template to reflect the specific needs and context of your organization. This may involve adjusting language, adding local laws, and incorporating existing procedures and practices. 2. Engagement: Involve relevant stakeholders in the customisation process, including staff, volunteers, and community members, to ensure diverse perspectives are considered. 3. Implementation: Distribute the finalised policy to all staff and volunteers. Ensure that everyone is aware of its existence and understands their role within the safeguarding framework. 4. Training: Organise training sessions to familiarise staff and volunteers with the safeguarding policy, emphasising reporting procedures, recognising signs of abuse, and the importance of creating a safe environment. 5. Regular Review: Schedule periodic reviews of the safeguarding policy to assess its effectiveness and update it based on new insights, feedback, or changing circumstances. 6. Feedback Mechanism: Establish a mechanism for staff and participants to provide feedback regarding the policy and its implementation, fostering a culture of open communication. 7. Documentation: Maintain clear records of all safeguarding concerns, training sessions, and reviews of the policy to demonstrate compliance and commitment to safeguarding practices. By using Safe Spoken’s Recommended Safeguarding Policy Template, your organisation can take proactive steps to create a safer space for all participants while instilling confidence in your commitment to their welfare.
Commitment to Inclusivity and Safety at Events (template):
The following text serves as a template and guideline for promoters to utilize during their events. It can be printed and displayed prominently throughout the venue to ensure that all attendees are aware of the expectations for behaviour and inclusivity. Additionally, we highly recommend that promoters take a moment to communicate their policy on inclusivity and respectful behavior verbally at the start of the event. This not only reinforces our shared commitment to creating a welcoming environment but also empowers attendees to feel supported and safe. By setting a clear tone from the beginning, we can foster a space where everyone can enjoy the event fully, free from harassment or discrimination.
Reporting Structure for Poetry Promoters (including implementation)
Creating a clear reporting structure is essential for poetry promoters to effectively process any allegations of misconduct, abuse, or safeguarding issues. This document provides a guideline for establishing this structure and includes a template for a Google Form that can be used for reporting.
Privacy Policy for Reporting (example)
The downloadable privacy policy for reporting is a sample document designed to guide poetry promoters in ensuring that personal data collected during the reporting of allegations is handled responsibly and in compliance with privacy laws. This example policy outlines key aspects such as the types of information collected, the purposes for which it is used, and the measures in place to protect individuals' privacy. We encourage you to customize this template to reflect the specific practices and needs of your organisation while maintaining a commitment to safeguarding the privacy of all participants in your poetry community.
Template for Reporting and Processing Safeguarding Concerns
This template is for poetry promoters aiming to effectively report and manage allegations of abuse and safeguarding issues related to community poetry activities.
Navigating Response
Once a report involving allegations of abuse or safeguarding issues has been investigated, promoters need to take several steps to ensure a fair and effective response. Below is a guide to help navigate this process, designed specifically for those with limited experience in managing such claims.
Determining Actions
Determining actions regarding an event and addressing the participation of an accused individual—especially when the evidence is inconclusive—can be challenging. Here’s a guide to help promoters navigate this situation effectively: