Safeguarding

Safeguarding

Consent

Please ensure your group are aware that the group responses from this session will be used to inform WAGGGS Theory of Change (you can use the information in the introduction to explain this) and gather consent for their participation. If participants are under 16 years old, please ensure you have consent from their parents, including photos and videos if you are sharing with WAGGGS. Make it clear that no names or data will be handed over, only the summary of discussions.   All participants should be given the option to opt out if they do not want to take part. We encourage you to align this with your country’s safeguarding policy. Please refer to WAGGGS Safeguarding Policy for more information.   

Creating a Brave Space

We recognise that some topics that are explored in these sessions are complex, therefore we want to ensure leaders feel supported and empowered to facilitate these activities. It is important to create a girl-focused, engaging and brave space. This brave space should be a supportive and safe environment where every participant feels confident to learn, develop and challenge themselves. It should be: 

How to facilitate a brave space?  

• Co-create some clear guidelines as a group to encourage openness and respect, agreeing on how your group will uphold them
• Vocally state that your space is safe for all those who wish to participate
• Be aware and mindful of what is happening in your local community and the wider world that may be impacting your group members, ensuring your approach allows all voices to have space to be heard
• Be ready and willing to adapt the resource to your local context and your group’s experiences
• Avoid making generalisations when speaking about different issues
• Create a plan and communicate this clearly with your group to ensure everyone feels supported to speak up or seek support if they do not feel safe
• Stress the importance of confidentiality