Safer Spaces policy
This policy was made in March 2012 by members of Wharf Chambers. If you have any feedback please email info[at]wharfchambers.org.
Wharf Chambers has a reputation as a friendly and safe space. This policy intends to assist in maintaining this. We recognise that people will feel safer in the venue by knowing what types of behaviour are not tolerated and outlining what actions we would take as a club to prevent it from happening. You shouldn’t have to tolerate behaviour that makes you feel unsafe or uncomfortable.
It is not possible to completely prevent anything bad from happening on the premises. Truly inclusive safe spaces are best achieved through ongoing dialogue to which all members are invited to contribute. This document is the first part of that dialogue: please let us know if there is anything we have missed.
We would like to emphasise that Wharf Chambers is a members’ club and everyone is responsible for creating a safe and welcoming space. Please show respect for others and yourself, and for your physical environment. If you see someone who looks upset or uncomfortable, check they are okay.
Although harmful some behaviour can be hard to prove. This policy should not just be lip service and aims to be able to deal with anything that makes people feel unsafe even when it is more subtle in its nature.
If you need assistance to deal with a situation, or you witness or experience behaviour that is upsetting, please tell a member of staff. The Co-op appoints a Designated Responsible Person each time we open so there will always be someone who can prioritise the issue even if we are busy. It will be noted and acted upon if appropriate. The more people who report negative behaviour or incidents the more information we have to deal with them.
Detailed below are the types of behaviour that we don’t tolerate and the reaction the perpetrator can expect from us should these situations occur. If we consider your behaviour, physical or otherwise, sufficiently serious, you can expect a minimum ban of 3 months and to have membership revoked. In accordance with our Club rules we will then want to meet with you to check you have understood our policy before your membership is re-instated, which may also be subject to the approval of other members where appropriate.
We hope that it will be possible to resolve issues in a mutually supportive manner without the need for police intervention. However we understand that this might not always be possible and that there are scenarios we are not equipped to deal with and would call the police in this instance.
Physical Violence
Definition/ Explanation
This type of behaviour may intimidate or injure other people present, could damage the club’s reputation as a safe environment, and could jeopardise our license.
What we will do immediately
If the Co-op is made aware of physical violence the perpetrator will be asked to leave the premises immediately. They can then expect a minimum ban of 3 months, or more depending on the nature and severity of the offence.
What we will do afterwards
A review will then be held prior to reinstatement of membership.
Prejudiced behaviour
Definition/ Explanation
At Wharf Chambers we will not tolerate any form of prejudiced behaviour. This includes but is not restricted to (and in no particular order) homophobia, transphobia, sexism, ableism, sizeism, classism, racism, or ageism.
What we will do immediately
Prejudiced behaviour is often subtle in its nature and will normally need to be reported for the Co-op to deal with it. The perpetrator will be reminded of the Club’s policies, or if it is sufficiently serious or they persist they will be told to leave.
What we will do afterwards
A ban of 3 months or more may be appropriate depending on the severity of the incident. A review will then be held prior to reinstatement of membership.
Harassment
Definition/ Explanation
Different people interpret and define harassment in a number of different ways. They might include threats or verbal abuse, such as use of derogatory language intended to undermine or insult. Harassment can include wilful misinterpretation of someone’s desires, e.g. not leaving them alone when they clearly want you to leave them alone, or inappropriate touching or invasion of personal space.
What we will do immediately
Like prejudiced behaviour, harassment is serious but can be hard to prove. If the Co-op is made aware if it, the perpetrator will be reminded of the Club’s policies, or if it is sufficiently serious or they persist they will be told to leave.
What we will do afterwards
A ban of 3 months or more may be appropriate depending on the severity of the incident. A review will then be held prior to reinstatement of membership.