At Origin, the safety, privacy, and well-being of our community members are our top priorities.
This includes all individuals who participate in our activities, particularly vulnerable adults and children. We have outlined our policies on privacy, social media, and photography to ensure that all participants feel safe, respected, and comfortable while engaging with our community.
Privacy Policy
Origin is committed to protecting your personal data and privacy. We collect and process personal information in accordance with the Data Protection Act 2018 and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Any information you provide to us is securely stored and will only be used for the purposes of organising and managing our community activities. We do not share your data with third parties without your explicit consent unless legally required to do so.
We understand the importance of privacy for all, especially for vulnerable adults and children. We take extra precautions to protect their identities and personal information, ensuring that they are never put at risk through their involvement with Origin.
WhatsApp Community Policy
We encourage open and respectful communication across all our social media platforms. Our WhatsApp group is a key communication tool, and to maintain a positive and supportive atmosphere, we ask all members to follow these guidelines:
- No links to political content, views or petitions that could cause distress or discomfort to others.
- Respectful and inclusive communication at all times. Any language or behaviour that could be harmful, offensive, or divisive will not be tolerated.
- Be mindful of vulnerable adults and children in the group. Conversations should always be considerate of their presence and experiences.
We reserve the right to remove any content or members who do not adhere to these guidelines in order to maintain a safe and supportive environment for all.
Photography Policy
At Origin, we recognise the importance of capturing moments from our activities, but we have strict guidelines in place to protect the privacy and safety of our community members, particularly vulnerable adults and children.
Photographing People:
Only our AccessNI-checked and trained professional photographer is permitted to take photographs of people at Origin events. This is to ensure that all images are taken in a safe and sensitive manner, with full respect for the privacy and dignity of those involved.
Photographing Things:
We encourage participants to take photos of the activities and surroundings at Origin events, but please remember that no photos of people should be taken. We refer to this as ‘Photograph THINGS not PEOPLE’. This helps us to maintain a respectful and safe space for everyone.
Protection of Vulnerable Adults and Children Policy
At Origin, the safety and well-being of vulnerable adults and children are at the heart of everything we do. We are fully committed to creating a secure environment where all individuals feel protected and supported. Our safeguarding policies are built on the following guiding principles:
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Welfare First: In all situations, the welfare of children and vulnerable adults is paramount. This applies to all our staff, volunteers, and individuals working on behalf of Origin, whether employed or freelance.
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Inclusivity and Non-Discrimination: We aim to protect all vulnerable individuals regardless of their gender, race, nationality, age, socio-economic background, disability, religious or political beliefs, or any other personal characteristics.
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Minimising Risks: We have established procedures to minimise risks of harm from discrimination, bullying, accidents, injury, or abuse. This includes thorough risk assessments for all activities involving children and vulnerable adults.
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Staff and Volunteer Screening: All staff and volunteers working directly with children or vulnerable adults undergo a stringent recruitment process, including AcessNI clearance, to ensure their suitability for the role.
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Training and Awareness: We provide ongoing training to staff and volunteers to ensure they are well-versed in safeguarding practices. This includes recognising signs of abuse, handling disclosures, and knowing the appropriate channels to report concerns.
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Incident Reporting and Investigation: Any suspicion or allegation of abuse is taken seriously. Incidents are reported to our Safeguarding Officer or Project Manager, who will determine the appropriate course of action, which may involve external authorities such as the police.
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Respect for Privacy: We take care to protect the personal privacy of vulnerable individuals. This includes ensuring that no photos or videos identifying children or vulnerable adults are used publicly without consent.
These policies and procedures are designed to create a safe and supportive environment for everyone at Origin. By following these guidelines, we ensure that the dignity and rights of vulnerable people are upheld, fostering an inclusive and caring community
Equality and Inclusivity Policy
At Origin, we are committed to fostering an environment where everyone is treated with respect, fairness, and dignity. We strive to create an inclusive space that celebrates diversity and ensures that all individuals, regardless of their background or personal circumstances, feel welcome and valued. Our Equality and Inclusivity Policy is based on the following principles:
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Non-Discrimination: We do not tolerate any form of discrimination based on gender, race, nationality, ethnicity, age, disability, religion, socio-economic background, sexual orientation, or any other irrelevant distinction. All participants, staff, and volunteers are expected to treat each other with respect and equality.
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Equal Access to Opportunities: We ensure that all individuals have equal access to participate in our activities and services, regardless of their personal or social characteristics. We actively work to remove barriers that may prevent anyone from fully engaging with our community.
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Diverse and Inclusive Environment: At Origin, we celebrate the diversity of our members and are committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome. We encourage open dialogue and respect for differences, recognising that our diversity strengthens our community.
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Support for Vulnerable Individuals: We are particularly mindful of the needs of vulnerable adults and children. We take steps to provide appropriate support, ensuring that they can safely and comfortably participate in our activities. This includes making reasonable accommodations for disabilities and ensuring the physical and emotional safety of all participants.
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Training and Awareness: All staff and volunteers are provided with training on equality and inclusivity, helping them to understand their responsibilities in promoting a positive and supportive atmosphere at Origin. This training equips our team with the tools to recognise and challenge any behaviour that does not align with our values of equality and respect.
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Zero Tolerance for Harassment and Bullying: We have a strict zero-tolerance policy toward any form of harassment, bullying, or exclusionary behaviour. Any reports of such behaviour will be dealt with promptly and appropriately to maintain a safe and welcoming environment for all.
By upholding these principles, Origin ensures that every individual, regardless of their personal characteristics, has the opportunity to engage fully with our community and feel a sense of belonging. Our commitment to equality and inclusivity is integral to our mission of fostering a supportive and caring environment for all.
Biosecurity, Produce Sharing, and Farm Safety Policy
At Origin, we are committed to maintaining a safe and healthy growing environment for all members, as well as for the land, plants, and animals we care for. In line with this, we ask all participants to be mindful of biosecurity, animal welfare, and general farm safety when engaging in activities on site or through our community channels.
Respect for Our Animals:
All animals at Origin are rescues, each with their own story, personality, and needs. They are not used for produce or entertainment, but are instead valued members of our community and our wider permaculture team. They play an important role in the health of our land and systems, and we ask that all visitors treat them with gentleness, respect, and care. Please do not feed or touch the animals unless invited by a trained member of staff, and be mindful of their space and wellbeing at all times.
Biosecurity and Contamination Awareness:
To protect our growing spaces and the surrounding environment, we ask all members to take care not to introduce pests, diseases, or contaminants. Please ensure that any tools, footwear, clothing, or materials brought onto site are clean and free from soil or plant matter from other locations. This is in line with recognised farm biosecurity guidance in Northern Ireland and helps us minimise the risk of cross-contamination and disease spread.
Animal Areas – Restricted Access:
Our animal housing areas are strictly off limits to the public. This includes both adults and children. Only trained staff or volunteers with specific permission may enter these areas. All authorised personnel are required to follow strict biosecurity measures, including appropriate clothing and footwear decontamination before and after entry. These steps are in place to protect both animal and human health, and we appreciate your cooperation in keeping these areas secure.
Dogs on Site:
To ensure the safety and comfort of all visitors and animals, dogs must be kept on leads at all times while on site. Please clean up after your dog and keep them under control, particularly around children, livestock, and food-growing areas. Dogs are not permitted in the animal housing zones or polytunnels.
The only exception to this rule is for Origin’s trained site dogs, who are well socialised, used to the animals, and specifically trained to work safely around the public. Only these dogs may be off lead when working under the direct supervision of staff, in line with our internal animal welfare and risk management protocols.
Sharing and Swapping Produce:
While we celebrate the generosity and abundance of our community, any swapping or sharing of external homegrown produce on the Origin site or organised via chat on the Origin Whatsapp, should be done informally and at your own risk. Origin does not manage or oversee these exchanges, and we cannot take responsibility for food hygiene, quality, or storage. If being brought onto site, please ensure items/produce are labelled clearly (e.g. “unwashed”, “non-origin”) and only bring items to share if you are confident they are safe and suitable for others.
No Commercial Activity:
To protect the ethos and purpose of our community growing space, no produce should be sold on site. Any exchange of goods should remain non-commercial, in the spirit of sharing and mutual support. If you would like to host a more structured community share or produce table, please speak to the Project Manager in advance.
Site Safety and Consideration:
Please do not leave produce or personal items unattended on site, as this can attract pests and may pose a hazard to other users. All produce swaps and community activity should take place respectfully and with consideration for others using the space. As always, we prioritise the safety, comfort, and inclusion of everyone at Origin.
By following these guidelines, we can continue to nurture a safe, thriving, and respectful environment for people, plants, animals, and wildlife alike.
If you have any questions or concerns about these policies, please contact us directly. Your cooperation in adhering to these guidelines ensures that Origin remains a safe, welcoming, and inclusive space for all members of our community.