Speakers Collective – Safeguarding Policy (2026)
Last updated: March 2026

1. Policy Statement

Speakers Collective is committed to ensuring that everyone we work with whether children, young people, adults, or people with lived experience feels safe, respected and supported.

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Abuse, neglect or exploitation of any kind will not be tolerated. We expect all staff, members, speakers, facilitators, volunteers, partners and advisors to play an active role in safeguarding and to uphold the highest standards of conduct when representing Speakers Collective.

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Safeguarding includes protecting individuals from physical, emotional and psychological harm, including harm that may occur between adults.

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2. Legal Framework

Our safeguarding approach is guided by relevant UK legislation and statutory guidance, including:

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• Children Act 1989 & 2004

• UN Convention on the Rights of the Child

• Data Protection Act 2018 & UK GDPR

• Human Rights Act 1998

• Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006

• Working Together to Safeguard Children (2023)

• Keeping Children Safe in Education (2024)

• UK Online Safety Act (2023)

• Prevent Duty guidance

We occasionally work internationally; safeguarding responses may therefore consider local laws alongside our commitment to safety and wellbeing.

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3. Who This Policy Applies To

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This policy covers:

• All employees

• Speakers Collective members, associates and freelancers

• Advisory board and volunteers

• External partners delivering work on our behalf

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It applies to both online and in-person activity, including workshops, panels, talks, content creation, mentoring, and community events.

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This policy also applies to concerns raised by individuals outside of Speakers Collective where those concerns relate to the conduct of a member or representative.

We review this policy annually or sooner if required by organisational learning or changes in legislation.

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4. Types of Harm and Abuse

​Abuse can take many forms. Key categories include:

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• Physical

• Emotional

• Sexual

• Neglect

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Other forms of harm may include;

• Bullying or harassment

• Coercive control or controlling behaviour

• Financial abuse

• Domestic abuse

• Radicalisation

• Online grooming

• Exploitation

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This includes harm occurring in personal relationships where it may indicate a risk to others within our community

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5. Spotting Possible Concerns

Possible indicators of harm include:

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• Noticeable or unexplained injuries

• Sudden behavioural changes or withdrawal

• Use of sexualised language or behaviour inappropriate for age

• Disclosure from the individual involved

• Signs of poor self-care or neglect

• A sense that “something doesn’t feel right”

There may be times when signs are subtle. Staff and associates should raise any concern, even if unsure.

6. Safeguarding Roles & Contacts

Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSLs)

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• Jon Salmon (Co-CEO / Safeguarding Lead)
  Email: jon@speakerscollective.org

• Jo Emmerson (Co-CEO / Safeguarding Lead)
  Email: jo@speakerscollective.org

7. Reporting a Concern

Anyone working with or on behalf of Speakers Collective must report safeguarding concerns as soon as possible, and no later than 24 hours after becoming aware of the issue.

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We also accept concerns raised by third parties, including members of the public, where these relate to the conduct of a member or representative.

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When reporting, include:

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• Name of the individual at risk

• Date, time and location of the incident

• Who was present

• A clear, factual account

• Direct quotes where applicable

Important points:

• Do not promise to keep disclosures secret

• Do not investigate yourself

• Do not confront the alleged perpetrator

Information should only be shared with those who need to know. All safeguarding notes must be stored securely in line with data protection requirements.

8. Low-Level Concerns

Low-level concerns relate to behaviour that does not meet a harm threshold but suggests a breach of expected professional boundaries for example, unnecessary one-on-one situations, overfamiliar communication, or unclear personal/professional boundaries.

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These matters should still be raised with a DSL so patterns can be identified early and appropriate action can be taken.

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9. External Complaints & Risk Assessment

Speakers Collective recognises that safeguarding concerns may be raised by individuals outside of the organisation. Where concerns are raised about a member, we will:

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• Take all reports seriously

• Handle information sensitively and confidentially

• Consider any supporting information provided

• Assess potential risk to our community

We are not required to determine criminal guilt and may act on credible information where there is a reasonable concern about safety or wellbeing.

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10: Interim Safeguarding Measures

Where a concern is being reviewed, Speakers Collective may take precautionary action to protect others. This may include:

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• Temporary suspension of membership or speaking activity

• Removal from events or platforms

• Restrictions on participation

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These measures are not disciplinary findings, but steps taken to manage risk.

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11: Decision Making

Safeguarding decisions will be made by appropriate senior representatives (e.g. Designated Safeguarding Leads), and will:

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• Prioritise the safety and wellbeing of others

• Consider the credibility and seriousness of the concern

• Take into account available evidence or information

• Be proportionate and fair

Possible outcomes may include:

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• No further action

• Informal resolution

• Ongoing monitoring

• Suspension

• Removal from Speakers Collective

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12. Safe Recruitment Practice

Speakers Collective uses safer recruitment principles for staff, freelancers and volunteers. This may include:

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• Clear role descriptions

• References and background checks

• DBS checks where roles require them

• Clear agreements about behaviour and boundaries

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We recognise that formal background checks may not always be possible. In these cases, we rely on clear expectations, self-disclosure, and ongoing conduct monitoring.

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13. Professional Conduct and Boundaries

Anyone representing Speakers Collective must maintain appropriate behaviour in all interactions, including online. This includes:

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• Using approved communication channels

• Not forming personal or secretive relationships with participants

• Avoiding unnecessary private messaging

• Keeping clear boundaries between personal and professional roles

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14. Record Keeping

Safeguarding information must be:

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• Recorded promptly and accurately

• Stored securely

• Accessible only to authorised safeguarding personnel

• Deleted or archived in line with data retention policies

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15. Training & Review

All staff must receive safeguarding guidance as part of their onboarding. Periodic refresher training will be provided and the policy will be reviewed annually or earlier if circumstances require it. We recommend that all members of Speakers Collective undertake basic safeguarding training (e.g. NSPCC or equivalent).

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16. Support for Individuals

Speakers Collective can provide signposting to appropriate support services for anyone affected by safeguarding concerns, including mental health support, crisis services and local safeguarding teams.

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NSPCC Helpline - Call 0808 800 5000 or Email help@nspcc.org.uk

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We aim to take a trauma-informed and survivor-centred approach, and will not require individuals to confront those they have raised concerns about.