Policies & Governance

Women’s Mind Health UK CIC is committed to operating safely, ethically, and transparently.
Below you’ll find our core policies which guide how we protect individuals, handle information, and uphold equality and wellbeing in everything we do.

  • SAFEGUARDING POLICY

    Purpose

    Women’s Mind Health UK CIC (WMHUK) is committed to creating safe, respectful, and supportive spaces for all women who engage with our activities, including Cosy Circles, community gatherings, and online platforms.

    This policy outlines how we protect the wellbeing of adults who participate in our services.

    Our Commitment

    We are committed to:

    • Treating everyone with dignity, respect, and compassion

    • Providing emotionally safe, non-judgemental spaces

    • Listening to concerns seriously and responding appropriately

    • Maintaining clear boundaries around the support we offer

    • Signposting individuals to professional support where needed

    WMHUK does not provide medical, therapeutic, or crisis services.

    Scope

    This policy applies to:

    • Directors

    • Volunteers

    • Facilitators

    • Anyone acting on behalf of WMHUK

    Recognising Safeguarding Concerns

    A safeguarding concern may include:

    • Disclosure of abuse, harm, or neglect

    • Risk of self-harm or suicide

    • Domestic abuse or coercion

    • Severe emotional distress

    • Vulnerability due to health, disability, or exploitation

    Responding to Concerns

    If a safeguarding concern arises:

    1. Listen calmly and without judgement

    2. Do not promise confidentiality

    3. Encourage professional support where appropriate

    4. If immediate danger exists, contact emergency services

    5. Record the concern factually and securely

    6. Escalate internally if applicable

    Emergency Support

    If someone is in crisis:

    • Call 999 in an emergency

    • Contact NHS 111

    • Samaritans: 116 123

    Review

    This policy will be reviewed annually or as the organisation grows.

  • PRIVACY POLICY

    Purpose

    Women’s Mind Health UK CIC respects your privacy and is committed to protecting your personal data.

    What Data We Collect

    We may collect:

    • Name

    • Email address

    • Contact messages

    • Event registrations

    • Mailing list sign-ups

    How We Use Your Data

    Your data is used to:

    • Respond to enquiries

    • Share updates and information (with consent)

    • Manage participation

    • Improve services

    Data Storage

    Data is stored securely and only accessed by authorised individuals.

    We do not sell or share personal data with third parties.

    Your Rights

    You have the right to:

    • Access your data

    • Request correction or deletion

    • Withdraw consent at any time

    Contact

    For data enquiries, contact:
    womensmindhealthuk@gmail.com

  • HEALTH & SAFETY / RISK STATEMENT

    Purpose

    WMHUK aims to provide safe environments for all activities.

    Responsibilities

    We will:

    • Use suitable, accessible venues

    • Conduct basic risk awareness

    • Maintain clear emergency access

    • Encourage respectful behaviour

    • Keep walkways clear

    • Monitor room capacity

    Participant Responsibility

    Participants are responsible for:

    • Their own health and wellbeing

    • Informing facilitators of relevant needs

    • Acting responsibly within shared spaces

    Incident Reporting

    Any accidents, concerns, or hazards should be reported to the organiser immediately.

    Review

    This statement will be reviewed annually or following any incident.

  • Purpose

    Women’s Mind Health UK CIC (WMHUK) is committed to creating inclusive, welcoming spaces where all women are treated with dignity, respect, and fairness.

    Our Commitment

    We commit to:

    • Equality of opportunity

    • Inclusion regardless of background or identity

    • Challenging discrimination and prejudice

    • Accessibility wherever reasonably possible

    • Respect for lived experience

    We welcome women of all:

    • Ages

    • Ethnicities and cultures

    • Faiths and beliefs

    • Sexual orientations

    • Gender identities (including trans women)

    • Disabilities and neurodiversity

    • Socioeconomic backgrounds

    Behaviour Expectations

    Discrimination, harassment, or exclusion will not be tolerated.

    Accessibility

    We aim to choose accessible venues and provide reasonable adjustments where possible.

    Review

    Reviewed annually.

  • Purpose

    WMHUK welcomes feedback and aims to handle complaints fairly, respectfully, and transparently.

    How to Raise a Complaint

    Complaints can be made by:

    • Email

    • In writing

    • In person

    Contact: womensmindhealthuk@gmail.com

    Process

    1. Acknowledge within 5 working days

    2. Investigate fairly

    3. Respond within 14 working days

    4. Offer resolution where possible

    Confidentiality

    All complaints will be handled confidentially.

  • Purpose

    Directors act in the best interests of WMHUK.

    Directors Will:

    • Act with integrity

    • Avoid conflicts of interest

    • Maintain confidentiality

    • Comply with legal duties

    • Promote the organisation’s mission

    Review

    Reviewed annually.