Our Safer Festival Policy
Last updated: March 2022
We aim to create a safer festival, where we care and look out for each other.
We are committed to providing an environment that is welcoming, accessible and inclusive for all attendees, and for all team members and volunteers, in-person and online.
Opus Independents Ltd is compliant with the 2010 Equality Act recognising protected characteristics and seeking to provide spaces where those traditionally marginalised feel welcome and celebrated.
Harassment or harmful behaviour has no place at our events or on any of our online platforms. We are all responsible for our own actions and we are all entitled to a safe, positive experience.
By participating in our events, in Sheffield and online, you agree to abide by and embrace our shared code of conduct.
Anyone violating these principles will be asked to stop and are expected to comply immediately, and, at the discretion of the organisers, may be expelled (without refund).
Harassment can include, but is not limited to:
Abusive comments and insults;
Prejudice (e.g. related to gender identity and expression, sexuality, age, race, ethnicity, religion/belief, disability, physical appearance, body size, or socio-economic background);
Deliberate intimidation, stalking or following;
Unwelcome touching or sexual attention;
Invasions of private space and personal boundaries;
Violence or aggression;
Harassing photography or recording;
Sustained disruption of events or activity;
Cyber harassment, online bullying or trolling;
Advocating for, or encouraging, any of the above behaviours.
We encourage all attendees, participants and users to be ‘active bystanders’.
Although we’re a small team, we can be here to support you and listen. If any conflicts with other attendees do arise, we can help engage with the person by explaining their harmful behaviours. If necessary, and dependent on the wishes of those affected, we will ask them to leave.
For every event, our staff - clearly identified - will be on hand to help with potential issues related to the above guidelines so, if needed, you’ll be able to bring up any incidents.
During your interaction with us, if you feel unsafe or unwelcome, notice someone else being harassed, or have any other concerns, you can tell a member of staff or email [email protected].
If you tell us about an incident, your immediate safety will be our first priority. We will listen from a position of belief, and keep what you say in confidence until and if agreed otherwise, and can recommend relevant support agencies and services.
Helpful Information
Mental Health Hotlines, National Health Service
Hours: Vary by service
These helplines and support groups can offer expert advice and support on a wide range of mental health areas.
Cybercrime Victim Support
If you’ve experienced cybercrime, you can contact the charity Victim Support for free and confidential support and information.
National Cyberbullying Helpline
Helpline: 0845 22 55 787
Cyberbullying is bullying and harassment using technology. This includes trolling, mobbing, stalking, grooming or any form of abuse online. Cyberbullying is most certainly on the increase - more and more cases are being reported to the National Cyberbulling Helpline.
Stop Hate UK
Helpline: 0800 138 1625
Hours: 24 hours a day
Stop Hate UK offer independent and confidential Hate Crime reporting services in commissioned areas around the UK, whether you are a victim of Hate Crime, you have witnessed incident you believe to be a Hate Crime or you are a third party to an incident that could be a Hate Crime. There are a range of ways to report Hate Crime, either online, by text or by post.
South Yorkshire Police
Call 101 or if an emergency 999
You can report hate crime online via the South Yorkshire Police website but you can also report hate crime to other agencies if you prefer. There is a list of reporting centres online.
Feedback on this Policy
We welcome any comments and suggestions that can help us to develop our Safer Festival Policy. Please email [email protected].