Level 1 concern - if somebody’s conduct could be interpreted as rude, unwelcoming or aggressive but there is room for interpretation: e.g. frequently looking at their phone, cutting people off, sniggering or glaring at people during tasks.

Action - facilitator or welfare lead chats with this person in the next break or at the end of the session to check if they are alright; ascertain if there is a reason for what they are doing and if there is anything we can do to help; if they are being misinterpreted, work either to help them reframe how that particular expression comes out or to help the group to recognise it as non-threatening, whichever is most appropriate to the situation. (E.g. if somebody habitually makes jokes to diffuse their anxiety but can choose not to, work with them to help them make sure these jokes are not at anyone else’s expense and are held to themselves at times where they could disrupt others’ processes; whereas if somebody has an involuntary movement or sound that they cannot control, work to normalise it within the space as not a sign of distraction or avoidance in this person.)

 

Level 2 concern - if conduct that has been processed through a level 1 measure with an agreement to amend it continues repeatedly; or an action is carried out that could escalate and become dangerous if unchecked (e.g. moving someone out of the way with low force, or touching someone in a way that they are clearly not consenting to); or a level 3 unacceptable thing is said or done but it seems very likely to have been a snap trauma response and beyond their control.

Action - facilitator or welfare lead talks to this person either in the next break or at the end of the session, or immediately if the situation requires it, to ascertain why the action was taken, compassionately find a strategy for preventing it, and make clear that if it happens again the person may have to leave the session or possibly be asked not to come back for a time.

 

Level 3 concern - if someone is verbally or physically violent and/or abusive towards the room as a whole or someone inside it: e.g. intentionally hurting someone, lashing out with discriminatory or abusive language, targeting someone; if someone is clearly under the influence of drugs or alcohol, is trying to give substances to someone else or is advertising that they have substances on them.

Action - person is asked to leave the room with the welfare lead immediately. Group decides as a whole whether the person should be allowed back in if an apology is made; if they should be asked to leave for that week but welcome back next time; or if they should be barred for a longer period of time (3 months, 6 months, 9 months or a year). Decided by a vote.

 

Level 4 concern - behaviour puts the person or someone else immediately in danger, e.g. brandishing or advertising possession of a weapon; threatening or trying to do serious damage; committing a hate crime.

Action - everyone else made safe as first priority; facilitator then calls emergency services.