Our Commitment to Safety and Dignity

At Blue Borage, creating safe, trauma-informed spaces is at the heart of what we do.
We are committed to upholding the dignity, rights, and safety of all individuals — especially children, survivors, and vulnerable communities.

Below are the policies and principles that guide our safeguarding and ethical standards.

Risk Management Policy – Conversation Café & Symposium Events

Blue Borage events are designed to be inclusive, compassionate spaces for learning and dialogue. Because conversations can touch on deeply personal or distressing topics, we have a documented Risk Management Policy & Procedure to ensure that every participant is supported safely and respectfully.

Our framework includes:

  • Clear procedures for identifying and responding to distress or crisis during live sessions.
  • Designated Support Leads who can move participants offline for private chat or referral.
  • Immediate referral pathways to 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) and other 24/7 crisis and counselling services listed in the 1800 RESPECT Service Directory.
  • Confidential follow-up processes and team debriefs to ensure continuous improvement in safety practices.

You can read the procedure here:
📄 Open Blue Borage Risk Management Policy & Procedure PDF (October 2025)

Child Safeguarding Policy

We uphold a zero-tolerance approach to any form of child abuse, neglect, or exploitation. Our Child Safeguarding Policy outlines our commitment to protecting children in every aspect of our work.

1. Commitment Statement

Blue Borage is committed to promoting the safety, well-being, and rights of all children. We believe every child has the right to grow up free from abuse, exploitation, and harm. Our organisation upholds a zero-tolerance approach to any form of child abuse.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all Blue Borage staff, contractors, volunteers, and any individuals or organisations engaged in programs, events, or collaborations with Blue Borage.

3. Definitions
  • Child: Any person under the age of 18.
  • Child Abuse: All forms of physical abuse, emotional ill-treatment, sexual abuse, neglect, and exploitation.
  • Safeguarding: Actions, policies, and procedures aimed at protecting children from abuse, neglect, or exploitation.
4. Principles and Code of Conduct
  • Treat all children with respect and dignity.
  • Ensure that children are safe and protected in all activities and engagements.
  • Maintain appropriate physical and emotional boundaries.
  • Never engage in any form of exploitative or abusive behaviour.
  • Immediately report any concerns or suspicions of abuse.
5. Reporting Procedures

Any suspicion, disclosure, or allegation of child abuse must be reported immediately to Blue Borage’s Director or, if unavailable, to the relevant child protection authorities. All reports will be treated with confidentiality and seriousness.

6. Review and Updates

This policy will be reviewed biennially or in response to any significant changes in safeguarding legislation or best practice. Staff and volunteers will be informed of any updates.

Prevention of Sexual Exploitation, Abuse, and Harassment (PSEAH) Policy

We believe that all individuals must be treated with dignity and respect. Our PSEAH Policy reinforces our commitment to preventing and responding to any form of exploitation, abuse, or harassment in our programs, services, and partnerships.

1. Commitment Statement

Blue Borage is committed to the highest standards of ethical conduct, integrity, and respect in all relationships with the individuals and communities we work with. We have a zero-tolerance policy toward sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment (SEAH) and are dedicated to creating safe environments for all, especially those most vulnerable.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all staff, contractors, volunteers, consultants, and representatives of Blue Borage, as well as partner organisations involved in our programs and activities.

3. Definitions
  • Sexual Exploitation: Any actual or attempted abuse of a position of vulnerability, differential power, or trust for sexual purposes.
  • Sexual Abuse: The actual or threatened physical intrusion of a sexual nature, whether by force or under unequal or coercive conditions.
  • Sexual Harassment: Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favours, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature.
4. Behaviour Expectations
  • Treat all individuals with dignity and respect.
  • Never engage in exploitative, abusive, or harassing behaviour.
  • Foster environments where power imbalances are minimised.
  • Report any suspicions or knowledge of SEAH promptly.
5. Reporting and Whistleblower Protections

Blue Borage encourages the prompt reporting of all incidents of sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment. Reports can be made confidentially to the Director. Whistleblowers will be protected against retaliation and all reports will be investigated thoroughly and respectfully.

6. Disciplinary Measures

Violations of this policy will result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination of engagement or employment, and may involve reporting to legal authorities where appropriate.

7. Review and Updates

This policy will be reviewed every two years or sooner if required, in alignment with changes in legislation or organisational practice. All staff and representatives will be informed of updates and provided with appropriate training.

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