As part of our organisational aims, Moniack Mhor are committed to providing a safe and inclusive space for staff and for writers working at all levels, from all backgrounds and of all ages and identities. The aim of this policy is to create an environment that is supportive and welcoming for all members of staff, tutors, course and retreat participants, residents, young people, and any other visiting writers, free from harassment and/or discrimination and in which everyone is treated with dignity and respect.
Creating a safer space is especially important for staff and participants with protected characteristics. These might include, but is not limited to, those who experience difficulties with mental health, people who experience racism, those who are disabled and/or neurodivergent, people who are trans, non-binary and/or queer, and people from working class/lower socio-economic backgrounds.
A safe space is a supportive, non-threatening environment where all staff and participants can feel comfortable to express themselves and share experiences without fear of discrimination or reprisal. All visiting writers to Moniack Mhor and Moniack Mhor led spaces should feel nurtured, supported, and safe on their writer development journey.
The guidelines below are applicable to our physical and online spaces. This policy is a working document and shared with partners and external audiences where appropriate. We also aim to make everyone at Moniack Mhor aware of the idea of safer spaces through our staff induction, course/retreat information, and communications. If you have any thoughts or comments on our policy, how we have communicated or implemented it, please speak to a member of staff or contact us on info@moniackmhor.org.uk or 01463 741 675.
Why do we need guidelines?
Moniack Mhor continually work to ensure that all the organisations’ physical and online spaces are safe spaces and encourage all people to consider others and protect each other’s sense of safety. As part of that work, all staff participate in equalities training.
Moniack Mhor recognises however that sometimes people are either unaware of certain issues or have inconsiderate moments. Having clear guidelines encourages mindfulness about these possibilities. These guidelines are designed to support respectful and safe behaviour for all.
Safe Spaces Guidelines
– Respect others’ physical and emotional boundaries.
– Respect others’ identities and backgrounds, including pronouns and names.
– Do not assume or make judgments on anyone’s gender identity, sexual preference, survivor status, health status, economic status, religion, background, beliefs, or opinions.
– Respect others’ right to privacy. Do not push anyone to answer questions they do not want to answer, and do not share anyone’s personal stories.
– Be aware that your actions and words may have unintended effects on other people and that their feelings are valid, regardless of your intentions.
– Avoid raising your voice, interrupting, or talking over anyone else. And be aware of how much you’re participating — make sure everyone gets a chance to speak.
– Assume positive intent. If someone does or says something that crosses a boundary, gently let them know, but do not assume they intended harm.
– Take care of your own safety. If you need to step out of a workshop or tutorial, feel free to do so. If you feel unsafe, let a member of Moniack Mhor staff know (for members of staff, let a member of the leadership team know). This applies to our residential, outreach, and online spaces.
– Alcohol consumption does not excuse negative behaviour.
– If you witness any abusive or inappropriate behaviour, please let a member of staff know, or, for staff members, a member of the leadership team.
– We actively welcome disabled visitors and know that we can always improve accessibility. If something at the Centre or in our online spaces, or other people’s behaviour makes Moniack Mhor less accessible, please let a staff member know.