Safer Spaces Agreement.
Foodhall is a space for everyone to share. It is built on principles of:
Equity (creating a space where everyone has equal access to opportunities)
Mutual aid (everyone has knowledge and skills that can support another person)
The commons (Foodhall belongs to its community and the community have responsibility over Foodhall)
In order for this to happen, we need to ensure that Foodhall is a space free of prejudice, assumption, disrespect and violence.
As part of this, we hold all visitors to Foodhall, and all members of our community, to a Safer Spaces Agreement (SSA). The agreement should act like a code of conduct. It is largely informed by the agreements drawn up by the OK Cafe and Wharf Chambers, and is as follows:
Respect and look after Foodhall.
Take care of equipment and facilities as a physical space and resource for all.Everyone has an equal right to be heard and an equal responsibility to listen.
Be aware of how much time you take up when talking, and encourage the voices of those often unheard (especially those from marginalised and underrepresented groups).It is okay to disagree, but always resist being rude or abusive.
It’s okay to feel strongly about a particular topic, and disagree with others, but be respectful!Please don’t shout.
If you need to get someone’s attention, go up to them and speak respectfully.Any behaviour that demeans, marginalises or dominates others is not welcome.
This includes physical and verbal harassment, prejudice, and violence.Identify and be aware of your own privileges.
What are the things that sometimes give you an easier ride than others? Can you actively challenge them?Believe someone if they say they are uncomfortable or upset.
Be open to advice and criticism and be willing to apologise.Respect and be aware that others may identify as a range of different identities.
This includes, but isn’t limited to, gender, sexuality, race, and class. Never make assumptions about identity. This includes the way you speak to and about someone.Respect and be aware that anyone in the space could be a survivor of a particular form of oppression.
This can be, but isn’t limited to, sexism, homophobia, racism, classism. Never make assumptions about someone’s circumstances.It is everyone’s responsibility to challenge prejudice & oppression.
If we ignore it we are complicit in it. If you or someone else feel uncomfortable in Foodhall, please raise it immediately with other community members.
Accountability Procedure.
For the SSA to be upheld, there has to be a procedure that encourages people to follow it, and holds consequences for those who do not. The Accountability Procedure (AP) describes the appropriate steps to be taken and consequences delivered if someone is found to be in breach of the SSA. This AP is based on the excellent procedure put in place by DIY Space For London.
The AP is intended to be a framework that helps to support the tackling of unwanted behaviour in and around Foodhall. It should always be carried out in a way that validates and supports victims. The AP is designed to give victims of harmful behaviour as much power as possible to hold those who have harmed them to account, but respects and allows victims to take as much or as little an active role as they wish.
As such, the AP is designed to be carried out by someone on behalf of a harmed community member, rather than the victim themself. If someone tells you that they have been made to feel uncomfortable, it is down to you to follow the AP. This is not to say that you should carry out the procedures alone, but rather should be seen as an encouragement for you to take part in the collective responsibility of the community as a whole in ensuring that Foodhall remains a safe, welcoming, space for everyone.
It is not designed to be punitive, but instead to provide a system of consequences for negative behaviour whilst allowing people who behave harmfully to learn and change. In Foodhall, we wish to prioritise education over recrimination, and as such asks that you are patient and understanding of those who have caused discomfort, as often they are members of our community with complex feelings of their own.
Overall, the AP is the framework you should follow in the event that you, or someone you know, feels uncomfortable with another’s behaviour in Foodhall.
The AP is divided into three distinct ‘levels’ that correspond with the levels of severity. The majority of cases will not require serious consequence. As above, it is better to give opportunities for people to learn and change behaviour than it is to remove them from the community.
Check In (having a chat)
A check-in is the lowest level of intervention possible. Checking in can be used when a person causes harm through the use of language that oppresses or hurts others.
Checking in is a way to reach out to a person to let them know they have breached the agreement and start a dialogue about why we have it, or just a reminder, and to be mindful about their behaviour in the future.
Remember if you don’t know someone’s name, give yours and ask theirs first. Be warm and open to the confusion or embarrassment someone may feel as a result of the check-in. Hold your ground in communicating what you need to. This is the most common type of intervention. Best done in person, away from others.
Call In (a chat with consequences)
This method is more likely to be applicable if someone has perpetrated any kind of physical, sexual or psychological violence. This includes non-physical violence, such as verbal abuse, or harassment. More serious – like Level 1 + consequences.
Firmly remind the person that their violent words or behaviour are unacceptable in this space. Ask them to take some time out and reflect. Ask them to stay away from the person they hurt, or give them space as appropriate. This can stand indefinitely.
If the person hurt explicitly says they would appreciate an apology, suggest that the person who caused harm apologise, and offer to act as a witness to that or be on hand for support if needed.
Call Out (Mostly consequences, no chat!)
For serious breaches only, where it is felt that immediate safety of members is at risk.
Do not carry out this procedure alone. Notify at least one other community member of the incident, and your intention to carry out this level of procedure. Ask other community members to accompany and assist you as you carry out the procedure.
Ask the offending person for their contact details and let them know that under the terms of the SSA you need to ask them to leave the building. Make it clear they must enter into dialogue via email (or off site meetings) if they hope to return to Foodhall in the future. This is so that people who have been called out at this level realise they cannot just return with no consequences.
We can look to ban offending person from both visiting and volunteering in Foodhall for the foreseeable future, if appropriate. This is a last resort. Arrange to physically remove the violent person from the space, though only if they refuse to leave of their own accord. It is important that you NEVER DO THIS ALONE - THIS CAN ONLY BE DONE WITH ADEQUATE SUPPORT.
It is important to record and report any check-ins or other interventions you have made. This is because unchecked behaviour can escalate. The best way to do this is to let other community members know at the time, share on Slack, or at a community meeting. Alongside this we ask that you also email an account of the incident, and any consequences, to team@foodhallproject.org. Foodhall will keep all accounts confidential as standard, and where appropriate will preserve anonymity when wanted by the person reporting an incident, or the person hurt.