GOBS Community Policy

Last updated: 12/12/2025

Our goal is to build community through words and creativity.

This policy has been written to help maintain a welcoming, inclusive and professional space for GOBS Community and Collective Members ("Members") to grow in. It is a living document, and as a Member, we welcome your thoughts and suggestions on how it can continue to develop.

We ask all Members to adhere to this policy. Failure to do so may result in individuals no longer being invited to take part in future GOBS activities or being removed from our digital spaces.

Our Core Values

We ask that all Members uphold the following values:

  • Compassion – Care for one another and the wider community.

  • Creativity – Bring imagination and curiosity to all you do.

  • Community – Collaborate, connect and uplift those around you.

  • Integrity – Act with honesty, professionalism and respect when representing GOBS.

  • Inclusivity – Welcome and support people from all backgrounds and identities.

We also ask that Members:

  • Respect and uphold the privacy, dignity, rights and wellbeing of fellow Members, lead writers, facilitators, audience members and support staff.

  • Understand that racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, ableism, bullying, harassment, abusive behaviour or any other harmful or prejudicial behaviour will not be tolerated within GOBS.

  • Report any concerns about this Community Policy not being upheld to Bridie Squires by emailing info@gobscollective.org.

  • Exercise self-care and kindness when taking part in GOBS activities, recognising that writing can be a tool for healing and that creative work may bring difficult emotions to the surface. Members understand that the GOBS Leadership Team are not trained counsellors.*

  • Understand that the GOBS Leadership Team has a responsibility to report to the relevant authorities any information disclosed that leads them to believe someone may be at risk of harm.

  • Not take photographs, screenshots or make any other recordings or representations of fellow Members without their prior consent.

  • Not attend workshops, masterclasses, rehearsals or performances under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs.

  • Work collaboratively and encourage fellow Members, understanding that feedback and criticism should always be constructive and, where appropriate, given as part of a workshop exercise.

  • Follow the workshop facilitator's instructions during sessions.

  • Understand that GOBS social media platforms and community spaces, including but not limited to WhatsApp, Facebook and Instagram, are intended to be positive, welcoming and supportive spaces for our wider community, including Members, participants, activity leaders, producers and facilitators. Provocative, hurtful or unconstructive comments may be removed.

  • Understand that GOBS may take photographs and/or video recordings during activities, which may be used for marketing and promotional purposes. If a Member does not wish to be photographed or filmed, they should let the photographer or videographer know on the day, or contact Bridie Squires in advance by emailing info@gobscollective.org. We will work with the Member to ensure their wishes are respected.

Additional Information

* If you are affected by any GOBS activity and would like to talk to someone, please let us know. While we are not trained counsellors, but we can signpost you to organisations that may be able to help.

** If you have concerns about another GOBS Member or about the way an activity has been run, please report these to Bridie Squires by emailing info@gobscollective.org, or share your feedback through our evaluation processes.

GOBS is committed to protecting your privacy and storing your personal data and creative work securely.

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