VALA’s safer space guideline
At VALA, we want everyone to feel safe, respected and free to be themselves. These guidelines put into words what already happens in our everyday interactions and show what people can expect when they join us. They reflect how we listen, work together, handle disagreements with kindness, learn from each other and support one another. By bringing these practices into the open, we highlight the ways we create a space where people feel heard, valued and included, in line with our culture of trust, empathy and human-first thinking.
Show empathy
- Treat everyone with kindness, empathy, and respect.
- Approach conversations with an open mind and genuine curiosity.
- Assume good intent and remember that we all come from different backgrounds and experiences.
Honour diversity and avoid assumptions
- We celebrate differences in identity, abilities, perspectives, and boundaries.
- Avoid making assumptions about others or their experiences, feelings, or limits.
- Allow people to show up as their authentic selves.
Make space for every voice
- Ensure everyone has the opportunity to participate.
- Avoid interrupting, talking over others, or dominating conversations.
- Respect privacy and handle personal or sensitive topics with care and discretion.
Stay open, curious, and accountable
- Approach new ideas, people, and perspectives without prejudice.
- See challenges and misunderstandings as opportunities to grow and learn.
- Take responsibility for your words and actions, and be open to feedback.
Speak up with care
- By speaking up, we protect the trust and psychological safety that make VALA a great place to belong.
- If you see or experience inappropriate or harmful behavior, you have the right and responsibility to intervene.
- Intervene with respect and empathy. This can be a gentle comment, a question, or a private check-in.
Why these match VALA’s culture and values
- VALA values empathy; our safer space guidelines emphasize kindness, listening, and inclusivity.
- VALA supports autonomy and responsibility; by encouraging people to speak, show up as they are, and hold each other accountable, we encourage that spirit in interpersonal behaviour and caring for psychological safety by not leaving it to “someone else”.
- VALA prioritizes transparency; we urge honest communication, clarity and openness.
- VALA believes in learning and growth; framing mistakes or conflicts as opportunities to learn supports the “fail-fast in a safe environment” mindset.