Speakers Collective champions inclusive design through lived-experience insight, helping organisations create accessible digital and physical experiences. inclusive design A World That Works for Everyone At Speakers Collective, we believe the best solutions happen when everyone is involved, not designed in isolation. Our lived-experience members work with organisations to shape digital and physical experiences to make them more accessible, inclusive and genuinely human-centred. Why Inclusive Design Matters Human-centred design recognises that people experience the world in different ways, shaped by ability, health, culture, trauma, environment and life experience. Inclusive design builds on this by ensuring those differences are respected, valued and intentionally designed for. Inclusive and human-centred design leads to: More accessible and usable digital products Better, safer and more welcoming physical environments Stronger community connection and participation Greater trust, dignity and long-term engagement Our Lived-Experience Approach Our network brings insight from mental health, disability, social issues and community life. Their perspectives guide every stage of design. 1. Insight & Discovery Workshops and lived-experience advisory sessions to uncover genuine needs. 3. Inclusive Testing Feedback and refinement with lived-experience members. 2. Co-Design & Development Collaborative shaping of digital journeys, content and physical spaces. 4. Training & Culture Change Practical learning to embed inclusive design in everyday work. Start Your Inclusive Design Project With Us We work with charities, public sector and health organisations, digital teams, arts and community spaces, and businesses committed to inclusion. From accessible websites and inclusive service journeys to co-created campaigns, trauma-informed spaces and lived-experience-led policies, we help make every experience work better for everyone. To discuss your project, complete the form below or email us at info@speakerscollective.org . First Name Last Name Email Message Send Thanks for your message and we will be in contact.

At its core Speakers Collective exists to Challenge stigma Encourage more people to have important conversations Promote learning on a variety of social issues Our aim is to create a supportive community for those who work alone and share their lived experience within a variety of settings. W e also want to ensure that those seeking speakers can be confident our members will speak with integrity and professionalism. All members make the following commitments to Continue to develop their knowledge, skills and competencies on their areas of expertise and public speaking. Be open and honest about the limitations of their own knowledge and expertise. Recognise the importance of sensitivity in their choice of language and imagery in all presentations, literature and on their social media. Only signpost to good quality, balanced sources of support and advice. Take care to ensure any statistics or studies cited in their presentations or literature are as reliable and up-to-date as possible. Recognise that the participation of audience members is done on a consensual basis. Adhere to any safeguarding protocol as defined by each organisation they work with. Members of the speakers collective who are not therapists or doctors will not provide specific diagnosis or advice, they will only signpost to people who are. Our Values Integrity and honesty Compassion for ourselves and others Mutual respect and support Collaboration Professionalism Hope Group Community Rules Be kind and courteous We're all in this together to create a welcoming environment. Let's treat everyone with respect. Healthy debates are natural, but kindness is required. Respect everyone's privacy Being part of this group requires mutual trust. Authentic, expressive discussions make groups great, but may also be sensitive and private. What's shared in the group should stay in the group. No hate speech or bullying Make sure that everyone feels safe. Bullying of any kind isn't allowed, and degrading comments about things such as race, religion, culture, sexual orientation, gender or identity will not be tolerated. View our Dignity and Respect Policy and details of how to become a Speakers Collective Member .

SPEAKERS COLLECTIVE DIGNITY AND RESPECT POLICY Last updated: March 2026 Context 1.1 There is no place for any form of discrimination, harassment, victimisation or sexual misconduct at the Speakers Collective. Such behaviour is contrary to the values and ideals of our shared community and diminishes the dignity and integrity of all parties. 1.2 At the Speakers Collective, we work together with a shared commitment to challenge stigma, facilitate important conversations and promote learning on a variety of social issues. We know that this requires us to be involved in difficult areas and at times challenge people and ideas but any member of the Speakers Collective must do that in line with this policy. Failure to do that puts their membership at risk. 1.3 The Speakers Collective consider members to be representing the Speakers Collective in all their interactions, whether acting on behalf of the Speakers Collective (e.g. speaking at a Speakers Collective event or introduced as a Speakers Collective member) or not. 1.4 Membership of Speakers Collective is a position of trust. Members must be suitable to represent the organisation and its values at all times. Speakers Collective reserves the right to suspend or remove membership where an individual’s behaviour (past or present), including behaviour outside of Speakers Collective activity, raises reasonable concerns about: the safety or wellbeing of others abuse, harassment, or exploitation reputational risk to the organisation This applies whether or not there has been a criminal conviction. Aims and objectives 1.5 The aims of this Dignity and Respect Policy are to: • Support and sustain a positive (thriving) working environment for all freelancers involved with the Speakers Collective and anyone we come into contact with through our work, free from any form of inappropriate or unacceptable behaviour; • Make it clear that discrimination and harassment are unacceptable and that all members of our Speakers Collective have a role to play in creating a thriving environment for everyone, free from discrimination and harassment; • Provide a framework for respect and good conduct to prevent and eliminate all forms of bullying and harassment, including racial and sexual harassment; • To highlight the options available to members and anyone who comes into contact with one of our members, who feel they are or have been subject to bullying, harassment, racial discrimination, sexual misconduct, or any other inappropriate or unacceptable behaviour; • Provide a mechanism by which complaints can, wherever possible, be addressed in a timely way. • Speakers Collective may receive concerns or complaints from individuals outside of the organisation, including members of the public. Such concerns will be taken seriously and considered in line with this policy. 1.6 The Speakers Collective expects all members to treat each other and any external stakeholders with respect, courtesy, compassion and consideration at all times, in line with our values and our pledge: https://www.speakerscollective.org/pledge 1.7 All members are expected to behave professionally and have the right to expect professional behaviour from others. 1.8 We recognise that all members are individuals and work as freelances (not as employees of the Speakers Collective) and that all members have personal responsibility for complying with this policy and demonstrate active commitment to it by: • Treating others with dignity and respect at all times. • Discouraging any form of discrimination and harassment by suitably challenging inappropriate behaviour, making it clear that such behaviour is unacceptable (and raising concerns in a sensitive, compassionate and appropriate way so these can be dealt with). • Supporting any member who feels they have been subject to discrimination and / or harassment. Eligibility 1.9 This policy applies to all members of the Speakers Collective and their interactions with each other and any external stakeholders, including on social media. th Statement of policy 1.10 The Speakers Collective is dedicated to creating and maintaining a safe, welcoming, inclusive and diverse community that nurtures a healthy environment and culture of mutual respect and consideration, allowing all members and the stakeholders we interact with to thrive without fear of harassment, racial discrimination, bullying, sexual violence, abuse, coercive behaviour, sexual harassment or related misconduct. 1.11 This policy details this commitment and explains what actions can be taken if its principles are not observed. Where concerns relate to harm, abuse or risk to individuals, they may also be considered under the Speakers Collective Safeguarding Policy - https://www.speakerscollective.org/safeguarding. 1.12 The Speakers Collective expects all members to adhere to its values (set out below) in all their interactions, whether acting on behalf of the Speakers Collective or not. Members are bound by this policy whether they are speaking/working as members of the Speakers Collective or not in the activities they are undertaking which may give rise to a complaint – their membership is at risk if they fall below the standards we expect: • Integrity and honesty • Compassion for ourselves and others • Mutual respect and support • Collaboration • Professionalism • Hope 1.13 The Speakers Collective defines harassment as single or repeated incidents involving unwanted or unwarranted conduct towards another person which it is reasonable to think would have the effect of (i) violating that other’s dignity or (ii) creating an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating, or offensive environment for that person. Harassment may be verbal, psychological, or physical, in person or via a virtual platform, or through other methods of contact. Examples of behaviour which may amount to harassment under this policy include (but are not limited to) the following: • making sexually offensive comments about dress or appearance, the display or distribution of sexually explicit material, or demands for sexual favours; • engaging in harassment on the grounds of a person’s sexuality (or assumptions about a person’s sexuality) including making derogatory homophobic, transphobic, or biphobic remarks or jokes aimed at a particular person, offensive comments relating to a person’s sexuality, refusal to acknowledge a person’s gender or identity, or threats to disclose a person’s sexuality to others; • making offensive references to a person’s race, ethnicity, skin colour, religion or nationality, dress, culture, background or customs which have the effect of ridiculing or undermining an individual or fostering hatred and/or prejudice towards individuals or particular groups; • ignoring, disparaging, or ridiculing a person because of assumptions about their capabilities, including their mental health, or making offensive reference to an individual’s appearance which may or may not be in the context of their disability; • controlling or coercive behaviour, such as pressure to subscribe to a particular political or religious belief. 1.14 Use of Personal Stories and Case Studies, given the nature of Speakers Collective’s work, members often draw on lived experience in their speaking and content. This must be done with care, integrity and respect for others. Members must not: Share identifiable stories about other individuals without their consent Misrepresent or exploit personal experiences involving others Use sensitive experiences (including abuse, trauma or death) in a way that could cause harm Members are expected to consider the dignity, privacy and wellbeing of others at all times when sharing personal narratives. Breach of this may be treated as a serious matter and may result in suspension or removal from Speakers Collective. 1.15 The organisation is not required to determine criminal guilt and may take action where there is credible information or reasonable concern that a member’s behaviour poses a risk to others or is inconsistent with the values of Speakers Collective. 1.16 Online harassment may take the form of intimidating, offensive, or graphic posts or threats on social media sites or chat rooms, or communications by email, text, or instant messaging. They can also be interactions which lack compassion. 1.17 When a criminal offence may have been committed, the Dignity and Respect policy may not be appropriate. These cases include, but are not be limited to, serious assault or threat of serious assault. These matters will be referred to the appropriate authorities, such as the police. Procedure 1.18 At any stage, those involved in attempting a resolution or in considering or investigating a complaint against a member must act in accordance with certain principles: Natural justice Any person against whom a complaint has been made has the right to know the nature and sufficient details of the complaint in order to respond. It is important that no decision is taken until the complaint has been considered and/or investigated internally and the person against who the complaint has been made has had the opportunity to respond. Confidentiality In order to safeguard individuals, confidentiality must be strictly respected and information limited to those who have a need to know (and only to the extent necessary) for the purposes of the operation of these procedures and for maintenance of good order in the Speakers Collective. The Speakers Collective reserves the right to seek advice from or involve appropriate external authorities if it believes that it is under an obligation to do so. Any breach of confidentiality may result in disciplinary action being instigated. Support During and following the conclusion of a report and internal investigation it is important that support is given by the Speakers Collective to both parties and, if appropriate, other staff in the workplace to try and resume a working relationship and to encourage a dignity and respect at work ethos. Timescales A complaint should be made as soon as possible. However, we recognise that in cases involving trauma or abuse, individuals may not feel able to come forward immediately. Reports relating to historic concerns will still be considered where relevant. Once a complaint is made it must be considered/investigated promptly. While it is important that an internal investigation is thorough, a long-drawn out investigation is not in the interest of either party. However, there may be cases in which the internal investigation of a complaint is unavoidably delayed. In these circumstances, every effort will be made to keep all parties informed of progress. Malicious or vexatious complaints Deliberately false allegations made in bad faith may be subject to action. However, a complaint will not be considered malicious solely because it is not upheld or cannot be proven. Precautionary Action In some cases, Speakers Collective may take temporary or precautionary action (including suspension of membership or speaking activity) while a concern is being considered. This does not imply a finding of wrongdoing but is a measure to protect all parties. Action 1.19 Any complaint will be considered and investigated internally (as required) by the Speakers Collective’s membership panel. The panel will ask for input and representation from all parties involved and will make a determination in line with this policy and the values of the Speakers Collective. 1.20 The decision of the panel is final. 1.21 Every year, the Committee will report to all members on the numbers of complaints received and any action taken.

Hope Conference Liverpool - 13 Nov 2025 BUY NOW The Hope Conference is built around you and is an extremely collaborative event for charity founders , campaigners , and speakers , featuring amazing talks , workshops, training, and networking designed to inspire, connect, and support your work. We will be at Liverpool John Moores University Student Life Building on Thursday 13th November 2025 . We are finalising speakers and sponsors, so get in touch via info@speakerscollective.org if you would like to be involved. Past Hope Conference Speakers Sign me up! Jake Mills Chasing The Stigma - Founder & CEO Hannah Beecham RED Together - Founder & CEO Dr Samara Linton The Colour of Madness - Award-winning Writer & Author Katie Neeves Founder - Cool2BTrans and Trans Ambassador Dr Ishani Rao Founder - Buckets of Love and A&E Doctor Past Training & Workshops Dave Chawner - Chasing The Stigma Trainer Ambassadors of Hope Training to equip everyone with the basic skills to engage in conversation and effectively and confidently find mental health support. Jenny Banks - Centre For Mental Health Fundraising Best Practice Jenny's income generation knowledge spans across Trusts, Foundations, public bodies, health, and social care with both a national and global remit. Tom Davies - Proper Mental Podcast How To Make A Podcast Tom originally started the Proper Mental podcast as a way for him to understand his own experiences with mental ill health. Now with over 100 episodes learn some tips to start your own. Joanna Monaghan, Safely Held Spaces & Asif Noorani, Epiphany Productions No Pain, no Gain, or a Pain in the Ass? Interactive workshop to explore our different relationships to pain and how this impacts us as speakers, in terms of what we say and how we say it. Tracey Dangerfield & Ceri Morris - SkillBase First Aid Mindful Art Workshop This session is suitable for beginners to help you relax, and guide you through a mindful relaxation, followed by creating art. Steven Gilbert OBE - Campaigner Summary of The Day Steve will close the conference, picking up the key learning and celebrating the need for community, collaboration and connection. Hosted Interactive Roundtables Leadership, Money, Mentoring, Marketing, & Fundraising Andrew Pain Angela Samata Adrian Garcia Debra Croft Jo Logan Evan Grant The Hope Conference Is All About Collaboration The Hope conference is an opportunity to share best practice, learn from others and connect with your peers. This is about learning from each other, sharing, collaborating and knowing you are not alone. Connection This will be a dynamic conference, an opportunity to get involved with roundtable discussions, workshops, panels and speakers. Community Bringing together those who share a commitment to challenge stigma and facilitate important conversations within the workplace and the wider community. BUY NOW Attendees 2021 & 2022 Sarah Petherbridge Disability awareness trainer and public speaker Evan Grant Chair of Trustees, Cameron Grant Memorial Trust Dr Debra Croft Consultant / founder Cr-EECK Tracey Dangerfield CEO of SkillBase First Aid Lowri Edwards Resident Wellbeing Lead Andrew Pain Speaker & Coach Cat Divers My Pickle Founder & CEO Ceri Morris Head of Mental Health Training at SkillBase First Aid Lisa Morroll Human Resources Manager Trident Group Sajda Butt Project Lead, south Asian young People Mental Health Project Lisa Thompson Workplace counsellor & Management trainer Joe Merriman People Advisor, National Lottery Community Fund Neil Peters Suicide Prevention Consultant, Nuthatch Consultants Amy Beveridge Head of Responder Services, MyMynd Ltd. My role involves providing 1:1 support sessions to MyMynd users and signposting them towards further resources and services to support them with their mental health needs. Amelia Wrighton Suicide&Co Co-Founder & CEO Andrew Nicholls Influence and participation manager Chandos Green Campaigner and speaker BUY NOW HOPE Conference 2025 Sponsor Venue Liverpool John Moores University Student Life Building Event Organisers info@speakerscollective.org First Name Email Last Name Subject Leave us a message... Submit Thanks for submitting! Facebook X Instagram LinkedIn

SAFEGUARDING 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. 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. Safeguarding includes protecting individuals from physical, emotional and psychological harm, including harm that may occur between adults. 2. Legal Framework Our safeguarding approach is guided by relevant UK legislation and statutory guidance, including: 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. 3. Who This Policy Applies To This policy covers: All employees Speakers Collective members, associates and freelancers Advisory board and volunteers External partners delivering work on our behalf It applies to both online and in-person activity, including workshops, panels, talks, content creation, mentoring, and community events. 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. 4. Types of Harm and Abuse Abuse can take many forms. Key categories include: Physical Emotional Sexual Neglect Other forms of harm may include; Bullying or harassment Coercive control or controlling behaviour Financial abuse Domestic abuse Radicalisation Online grooming Exploitation This includes harm occurring in personal relationships where it may indicate a risk to others within our community 5. Spotting Possible Concerns Possible indicators of harm include: 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) 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. We also accept concerns raised by third parties, including members of the public, where these relate to the conduct of a member or representative. When reporting, include: 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. These matters should still be raised with a DSL so patterns can be identified early and appropriate action can be taken. 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: 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. 10: Interim Safeguarding Measures Where a concern is being reviewed, Speakers Collective may take precautionary action to protect others. This may include: Temporary suspension of membership or speaking activity Removal from events or platforms Restrictions on participation These measures are not disciplinary findings, but steps taken to manage risk. 11: Decision Making Safeguarding decisions will be made by appropriate senior representatives (e.g. Designated Safeguarding Leads), and will: 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: No further action Informal resolution Ongoing monitoring Suspension Removal from Speakers Collective 12. Safe Recruitment Practice Speakers Collective uses safer recruitment principles for staff, freelancers and volunteers. This may include: Clear role descriptions References and background checks DBS checks where roles require them Clear agreements about behaviour and boundaries 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. 13. Professional Conduct and Boundaries Anyone representing Speakers Collective must maintain appropriate behaviour in all interactions, including online. This includes: Using approved communication channels Not forming personal or secretive relationships with participants Avoiding unnecessary private messaging Keeping clear boundaries between personal and professional roles 14. Record Keeping Safeguarding information must be: Recorded promptly and accurately Stored securely Accessible only to authorised safeguarding personnel Deleted or archived in line with data retention policies 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). 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. NSPCC Helpline - Call 0808 800 5000 or Email help@nspcc.org.uk We aim to take a trauma-informed and survivor-centred approach, and will not require individuals to confront those they have raised concerns about.

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