Safeguarding Policy — Human Herd and Harmony

1. Purpose of This Policy

Human Herd and Harmony (“we”, “us”, or “our”) is committed to ensuring that all individuals who interact with our website, services, or activities are treated with dignity, respect, and care. This Safeguarding Policy outlines how we promote safety, prevent harm, and respond to concerns appropriately.

This policy applies to all users, visitors, contributors, and representatives of Human Herd and Harmony.

2. Our Commitment to Safety

We are committed to:

• Providing a safe and respectful environment for all
• Preventing harm, abuse, exploitation, or inappropriate conduct
• Responding promptly and appropriately to safeguarding concerns
• Acting in line with UK safeguarding principles and good practice
• Ensuring that anyone raising a concern is listened to and taken seriously

Safeguarding is a shared responsibility across everyone involved with our organisation.

3. Scope of This Policy

This policy applies to:

• Website users
• Event or activity participants
• Contractors, partners, and collaborators
• Anyone representing Human Herd and Harmony
• It covers both online and offline interactions.

4. Types of Harm or Misconduct We Safeguard Against

We recognise that harm can occur in many forms, including:

• Physical harm
• Emotional or psychological harm
• Harassment or bullying
• Sexual misconduct
• Discrimination or hate‑based behaviour
• Financial exploitation
• Abuse of power or authority

We take all concerns seriously, regardless of severity.

5. Behaviour Expectations

All individuals interacting with Human Herd and Harmony are expected to:

• Treat others with respect
• Communicate appropriately and responsibly
• Avoid behaviour that could cause harm or distress
• Maintain appropriate boundaries
• Use our website and services lawfully and ethically

We reserve the right to restrict access or remove individuals who breach these expectations.

6. Online Safety

We take steps to ensure our website and digital platforms are safe, including:

• Secure communication practices
• Monitoring for inappropriate or harmful behaviour
• Clear reporting channels for concerns

Users are encouraged to protect their own digital safety and report anything suspicious.

7. Reporting a Safeguarding Concern

If you have a safeguarding concern about yourself, another user, or any interaction involving Human Herd and Harmony, you can contact us directly.

We will:

• Listen and respond respectfully
• Record information accurately
• Take concerns seriously
• Act in line with safeguarding best practice
• Escalate concerns to appropriate authorities if necessary

In an emergency, contact emergency services immediately.

8. Responding to Concerns

Where a concern requires further action, we may contact:

• Local safeguarding authorities
• Law enforcement
• Relevant professional bodies

We will only share information that is necessary, proportionate, and in the best interests of safety.

9. Data Protection & Confidentiality

We handle all information sensitively and in accordance with our Privacy Policy. Confidentiality may be broken if:

• There is a risk of harm
• A crime has been committed
• We are legally required to share information

Where possible, we will inform the individual before sharing information.

10. Review of This Policy

We review this Safeguarding Policy annually or sooner if:

• Legislation changes
• Our services or activities expand
• A safeguarding incident requires updates

Safeguarding for In‑Person Events

11. Safeguarding at In‑Person Events, Activities, and Gatherings

Human Herd and Harmony is committed to ensuring that all in‑person events, workshops, meetings, or activities are conducted in a safe, respectful, and well‑managed environment. This section outlines the safeguarding measures we take whenever individuals attend our events in person.

11.1 Creating a Safe Environment

We take reasonable steps to ensure that all physical spaces used for events are:

• Safe, clean, and appropriately maintained
• Free from hazards or foreseeable risks
• Suitable for the type of activity taking place
• Accessible where possible

We may conduct basic risk assessments for venues and activities.

11.2 Behaviour Expectations at Events

All participants, staff, and representatives are expected to:

• Treat others with respect and courtesy
• Communicate appropriately and avoid harmful behaviour
• Follow event guidelines and instructions
• Maintain appropriate personal boundaries
• Refrain from harassment, discrimination, or intimidation

We reserve the right to remove any individual whose behaviour compromises safety or wellbeing.

11.3 Staff, Volunteers, and Facilitators

Anyone representing Human Herd and Harmony at an in‑person event is expected to:

• Model safe and respectful behaviour
• Maintain professional boundaries
• Report any safeguarding concerns promptly
• Support participants in accessing help if needed

Where relevant, external facilitators may be required to follow their own organisational safeguarding policies in addition to ours.

11.4 Managing Risks

Depending on the nature of the event, we may implement additional measures such as:

• Sign‑in/sign‑out procedures
• Participant briefings
• Clear emergency instructions
• Designated safeguarding contacts
• Activity‑specific safety guidance

These measures help ensure that all participants understand expectations and know how to seek help.

11.5 Responding to Concerns During Events

If a safeguarding concern arises during an in‑person event, we will:

• Respond calmly and respectfully
• Prioritise the safety of those involved
• Record relevant information accurately
• Take appropriate action based on the nature of the concern
• Escalate to emergency services or safeguarding authorities if required

Participants are encouraged to report concerns as soon as possible.

11.6 Emergencies and First Aid

Where appropriate, we will ensure:

• Emergency procedures are clearly communicated
• Participants know how to access help
• First aid support is available or local emergency services can be contacted quickly

In an emergency, we will always prioritise immediate safety.

Safeguarding for Outdoor or Physical Activities

12. Safeguarding During Outdoor or Physical Activities

Human Herd and Harmony is committed to ensuring that all outdoor or physical activities are conducted safely, responsibly, and with appropriate consideration for the wellbeing of all participants. This section outlines the additional safeguarding measures we apply when activities take place outside, involve movement, or include any form of physical engagement.

12.1 Risk Awareness and Preparation

Before any outdoor or physical activity, we take reasonable steps to:

• Assess the environment for potential hazards
• Consider weather conditions and seasonal risks
• Ensure the activity is appropriate for the participants involved
• Provide clear information about any physical requirements
• Identify any accessibility or mobility considerations

Participants are encouraged to inform us of any relevant health or safety needs.

12.2 Safe Conduct During Activities

To maintain a safe environment, all participants are expected to:

• Follow instructions and safety guidance
• Wear appropriate clothing or footwear where relevant
• Use equipment responsibly
• Respect personal space and boundaries
• Avoid behaviour that could cause harm to themselves or others

We reserve the right to stop an activity if safety is compromised.

12.3 Supervision and Support

Where applicable, activities will be supervised by a responsible representative of Human Herd and Harmony who will:

• Monitor the safety and wellbeing of participants
• Provide guidance or adjustments where needed
• Respond promptly to concerns or incidents
• Ensure that group sizes remain manageable

External facilitators may also be involved and are expected to uphold these standards.

12.4 Managing Environmental Risks

Outdoor environments can present unpredictable conditions. We take reasonable steps to manage risks such as:

• Uneven ground or trip hazards
• Weather changes
• Wildlife or environmental features
• Limited visibility or lighting
• Remote or unfamiliar locations

Where necessary, we may modify, relocate, or cancel activities for safety reasons.

12.5 Health, Fitness, and Participation

Participants are responsible for ensuring they are fit to take part in physical activities. We may request that individuals:

• Disclose relevant health information
• Refrain from participation if unwell or injured
• Seek medical advice before engaging in strenuous activity

We will always prioritise safety over participation.

12.6 Emergencies and Incident Response

In the event of an incident during outdoor or physical activities, we will:

• Respond calmly and promptly
• Prioritise immediate safety
• Contact emergency services if required
• Record relevant details of the incident
• Follow up appropriately after the event

Participants should report any concerns or injuries as soon as possible.

13. Contact Us

For questions or concerns about this policy, please contact:

Name of company - HUMAN HERD & HARMONY CIC

CIC Number - 17263852

Registered office - 19 Range Road ME12 4DU.

Contact details - info@humanherdandharmony.org

Regulatory authority - Swale Borough Council