Safeguarding Policy

The Fellowship agreed that safeguarding is of paramount importance for both online and in-person meetings. All members have the right to feel safe, respected, and supported in Fellowship environments. Particular care should be taken to protect anonymity, personal boundaries, and the wellbeing of all participants.

Online Meetings

Key safeguarding suggestions include:

– Use a waiting room to admit members to the meeting and lock the meeting after it has started.
– Have cameras on with a displayed first name when entering a meeting. If cameras are off, the Secretary/Host should ask participants to briefly show themselves. If a person is joining by telephone, the Secretary/Host should ask the caller to identify themselves.
– Ensure that no device is recording the meeting and that participants attend on their own where possible, to protect everyone’s anonymity. Headphones should be used if necessary.
– Use the Group Conscience to decide on the use of the chat facility. Some meetings disable this feature, while others use it to enable newcomers to ask questions.
– Use the Group Conscience to decide whether meeting logins and passwords should be publicly available or shared only with members.

In-Person Meetings

Key safeguarding suggestions include:

– Hold meetings in safe, accessible, and appropriate venues.
– Ensure that newcomers are welcomed and made aware of the Fellowship’s commitment to safeguarding and mutual respect.
– Respect personal boundaries and avoid any behaviour that may make others feel uncomfortable, intimidated, or unsafe.
– Protect members’ anonymity by not sharing attendance details, personal information, or photographs without explicit consent.
– Where possible, avoid situations where a member is left alone with a vulnerable person. Consider having at least two trusted members present when offering support.
– Any safeguarding concerns should be raised promptly with the Group Secretary or appropriate trusted servant and handled sensitively and confidentially.
– Members should be mindful that safeguarding extends to Fellowship-related activities before and after meetings, including social gatherings and transport arrangements.

The latest safeguarding guidance and supporting documents are available via the links below.

• Safeguarding and Personal Conduct for AA Groups
• The General Service Board of Alcoholics Anonymous Safeguarding Policy Document
• The General Service Board of Alcoholics Anonymous Whistleblowing Document
• The General Service Board of Alcoholics Anonymous Complaints Policy Document
• The Rights of Staff, Volunteers & Trustees