Care, Inclusion & Safeguarding
Creating safe, welcoming and respectful spaces is at the heart of everything we do.
At Next Folio Collective CIC, safeguarding isn’t a separate process that sits alongside our projects – it is part of how we work every day. Every rehearsal, discussion, workshop, and performance is planned with the wellbeing of participants in mind.
High School Hamlet brought together young people aged 16–19 to explore Shakespeare collaboratively. As our first project, it reinforced something we already believed: people are at their most creative when they feel safe, listened to, and respected.
Our Approach
We believe that excellent safeguarding and excellent theatre-making go hand in hand.
Our projects are built around:
- Respect for every participant
- Genuine collaboration and shared ownership
- Clear communication and informed consent
- Inclusive, neurodivergent-affirming practice
- Professional boundaries
- A culture of kindness, curiosity and care
We recognise that every participant brings different experiences, strengths, and needs, and we aim to create an environment where everyone can contribute in ways that work for them.
Wellbeing Comes First
Creative ambition should never come at the expense of someone’s wellbeing.
Participants are encouraged to:
- contribute in ways that suit them;
- ask questions and share ideas;
- take breaks whenever needed;
- step back from activities if they feel uncomfortable;
- discuss access needs openly if they wish.
No one is expected to share personal experiences in order to participate.
While our projects may explore themes such as mental health, neurodivergence, identity, and relationships, they are creative spaces – not therapeutic ones. Participants are never asked to disclose personal information, and emotional safety is considered alongside artistic development throughout the process.
Collaboration with Care
One of the defining features of High School Hamlet was the collaborative nature of the work.
Participants shaped creative decisions, explored different interpretations together, and learned to challenge ideas respectfully.
Creating this kind of environment required trust.
We encouraged discussion and debate while ensuring that everyone had the opportunity to contribute without pressure.
Our aim was for every participant to leave feeling that they had been heard, valued, and treated with dignity.
Inclusion
Our projects are designed to be flexible and accessible.
We recognise that there is no single “right” way to take part in theatre-making.
Where possible, we supported participants by offering:
- different ways of contributing;
- flexibility around participation;
- advance information where helpful;
- opportunities for quiet breaks;
- clear expectations and communication.
Many participants in High School Hamlet described the welcoming atmosphere and collaborative approach as one of the project’s greatest strengths, and creating that sense of belonging remains central to all future projects.
Safeguarding in Practice
Safeguarding responsibilities sat with the project organisers and were embedded throughout every stage of planning and delivery.
Where appropriate, we:
- completed risk assessments;
- obtained informed consent for photography and media;
- worked closely with venues and partner organisations;
Policies and Guidance
This page provides an overview of our approach.
Detailed guidance is available in our project policies, including:
- Safeguarding Policy
- Code of Conduct
- Social Media Guidelines
- Intimacy and Sensitive Scenes Policy
- Privacy Policy
These documents will be reviewed and updated as our organisation develops.
Looking Forward
High School Hamlet demonstrated that collaboration flourishes when participants feel safe, respected, and genuinely involved.
As Next Folio Collective CIC grows, we remain committed to creating creative spaces where young people can take risks artistically while knowing they will be supported personally.
We believe that care is not separate from creativity – it is what allows creativity to thrive.