Last updated: December 2024
Representation Watch is committed to maintaining a safe, respectful, and responsible environment for everyone who engages with our work. Safeguarding is central to how we operate as an organisation that deals with sensitive topics, public critique, and lived experience.
This statement outlines our approach to safeguarding, particularly in relation to contributors, collaborators, and members of the public who interact with us.
Our commitment
We are committed to:
- Preventing harm, abuse, exploitation, and harassment
- Taking safeguarding concerns seriously and responding appropriately
- Creating clear boundaries in our interactions and work
- Protecting individuals who may be vulnerable due to age, disability, personal circumstances, or exposure to public attention
Safeguarding is a shared responsibility. Everyone involved in Representation Watch’s work is expected to act with care, integrity, and respect.
Scope
This safeguarding statement applies to:
- Contributors and collaborators
- Individuals who submit content, commentary, or testimony
- People who contact us regarding sensitive issues
- Any engagement facilitated or published by Representation Watch
We recognise that our work sometimes involves discussing harm, discrimination, or abuse. We take care not to expose individuals to unnecessary risk through our editorial decisions.
Working with contributors and communities
When engaging with contributors or communities:
- Participation is voluntary
- Individuals may choose anonymity or attribution, depending on context and safety
- We avoid pressuring anyone to share more than they are comfortable with
- We take particular care when handling submissions that involve trauma, harassment, or risk of retaliation
We do not knowingly publish material that endangers individuals or incites harm.
Children and young people
Representation Watch does not knowingly solicit content from children. If content is submitted by or about young people, additional care is taken to protect identity, privacy, and wellbeing.
We do not publish identifying details of minors unless there is a compelling public interest and appropriate safeguards are in place.
Reporting concerns
If you have a safeguarding concern related to Representation Watch’s work, content, or conduct, you can contact us in confidence:
safeguarding@representationwatch.org
We will:
- Acknowledge concerns promptly
- Assess risk responsibly
- Take appropriate action, which may include content review, removal, or referral to relevant authorities where required
Ongoing responsibility
Safeguarding is not static. Representation Watch reviews its practices regularly and adapts them as our work evolves. We are committed to learning, accountability, and doing better where gaps are identified.