a) Policy Statement
The World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS) believes in a world where all girls can thrive. Where girls are free to express themselves, take risks, learn, and lead; and be free from the harassment, discriminationand abuse they too often face.
We recognise that girls and young women do not always feel safe in places they should. For many, travelling to school or out in the evening, speaking their mind, exploring the internet, or even being at home can put them in harm’s way. Girl Guiding and Girl Scouting offers our members a rare and vital community of friendship and opportunity for adventure in a safe environment.
Offering brave spaces1 is an essential foundation for quality Girl Guiding and Girl Scouting and we acknowledge the importance of a strong safeguarding policy being followed by all we work with, Member Organisation, Partners, volunteers and staff to support this. Safeguarding at WAGGGS means the actions we take to prevent harm and promote the welfare of the children, young people and vulnerable adults we work with. Of particular importance is the need to create safe and supportive spaces for Girl Guides and Girl Scouts to participate in our work, to reduce risks and for any (safety and welfare) concerns to be raised and responded to.
We have six organisational values2 that express our shared understanding of what we believe, how we aim to behave and what we aspire to be as an organisation. We are proud of the great power and diversity held within the Girl Guide and Girl Scout Movement and acknowledge that where there is power there is always scope for harm and abuse, especially in a global community with complex intersecting identities. We are a sisterhood who shows trust and respect for all and takes special care to understand factors which affect each other’s safety and wellbeing.
We are responsible for:
- Children and young people we directly reach through our activities (Standard 3)
- Children and young people we reach through programmes or other activities in partnership with Member Organisations (MOs) (Standard 4)
- WAGGGS youth and vulnerable adult volunteers and the children and young people all WAGGGS volunteers work with (Standard 5)
- The protection and privacy of personal information and data about children, young people andvulnerable adults. (Standard 6)
We are committed to safeguarding the children, young people and vulnerable adults we work with and taking all reasonable steps to reduce risks and ensure safe participation in our work. WAGGGS will not tolerate any form of harm and abuse and alleged breaches of this policy will be taken seriously. The WAGGGS Global Team and Member Organisations contracted by WAGGGS must comply with this policy to:
- Provide a safe and supportive environment for those we work with and for
- Promote meaningful, inclusive participation in our work
- Prevent any harm or abuse as a result of WAGGGS activities
- Respond effectively to concerns if and when they arise
This policy outlines guidelines for working with individuals under 18 years of age, however working with this age group is not currently a standard practice at WAGGGS and therefore engaging with under-18s should be carefully risk-assessed on a case-by-case basis. Such engagements should only proceed if there are adequate resources to support meaningful involvement and a brave space is established to ensure a safe, empowering, inclusive and supportive environment.
1In line with the Girl Guide and Girl Scout methodology a ‘brave space’ is a safe and supportive environment in which all members feel confident to step out of their comfort zones and challenge themselves to learn and grow. It is:
- Safe - everyone is valued, respected and free from violence, discrimination, and harm.
- Inclusive - everyone can meaningfully participate and feels an equal part of the space.
- Empowering - everyone has the confidence to be themselves.
2 WAGGGS Organisational Values: https://www.wagggs.org/en/about-us/who-we-are/our-values/