GOBS Community Policy

Last updated: 12/12/2025

Our goal is to build community with words and creativity. The policy below was written with the aim of maintaining a welcoming, inclusive and professional space for GOBS Community and Collective Members (Members) to grow in. This is an active document and, as a Member, we welcome your thoughts on what to include here.

We expect that Members adhere to this policy with the understanding that if anyone fails to abide by these guidelines, that they may not be welcome to take part in future GOBS activity or be included in our digital spaces.

We ask that our Members uphold our Core 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.

  • Members understand that any racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, ableism, bullying, harmful, abusive or prejudicial behaviour will not be tolerated within the GOBS organisation. 

  • Members agree that any concerns about the GOBS Community Policy not being upheld will be reported to Bridie Squires by emailing info@gobscollective.org

  • Members agree to exercise self-care and kindness in taking part in GOBS activity, understanding that writing can be used as a tool for healing, that painful feelings can be brought to the surface, and that the GOBS Leadership Team are not trained counsellors.*

  • Members understand that the GOBS Leadership Team have the responsibility to report to the relevant authorities any information disclosed which would lead them to believe someone is in harm’s way.

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

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

  • Members work collaboratively and encourage fellow Members, understanding that any criticism should be made in a constructive manner and/or as part of an exercise.

  • Members follow the workshop facilitator’s instructions during sessions.

  • Members understand that any public GOBS social media platforms including but not limited to WhatsApp, Facebook, and Instagram are to be used as places of positivity and support to uplift our Members and wider community - inclusive but not limited to Members, participants, activity leaders, producers and facilitators - and that any provocative, hurtful or unconstructive comments will be removed.**

  • Members agree that GOBS may make photographic and/or video recordings of them and that this may be used for marketing purposes. If a Member is not comfortable with this, they will make it known to the photographer or videographer, or by contacting Bridie Squires by emailing info@gobscollective.org in advance of an event who will work with the Member to ensure this doesn’t take place.

*If you are affected by any GOBS activities and you would like to talk to someone, please let us know and we can signpost you to organisations that can help you.

**If you have concerns about any fellow GOBS members or the way activity is run, it should be reported to Bridie Squires by emailing info@gobscollective.org, or fed back during evaluation processes.

  • GOBS agrees to protect your privacy and store your data and creative work securely.