VALUES AND PRINCIPLES

Our values and principles tell you more about how our collective operates and the objectives we aspire to:

INCLUSION

Everyone is welcome both as volunteers and clients. Anyone can get assistance, join the group, speak, and put their ideas forward. We celebrate the diversity of our community and strive to make our group reflective of this, treating everyone with dignity and respect.

ANTI RACISM & DISCRMINATION

We don’t tolerate racism or discimination in any form. We acknowledge that inequality harms people differently. Speaking out if we see acts of racism or discrimination and working to challenge unconscious bias.

NON-HIERARCHICAL

We work to break down hierarchies for more equitable participation.

LOCAL

Local to us means anyone who spends time in the area, whether as a permanent resident, working here or just passing through. We work in and around Kensington & Chelsea borough.

ADVOCACY

When we identify an issue, we don’t just act to provide a short term solution but actively advocate for long term change. We aspire for sustained change, where our services are not needed. We recognise that there is inequality in the borough, which has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

RELIGION

We collaborate with multiple religious organisations whose commitment and resources are invaluable. We are however not affiliated to any religion.

POLITICAL PARTIES

We are in communication with local and national government, however we do not work for them and we represent no political party. Anyone affiliated with a political party is welcome to participate or use the services however we ask that they not use Community Collective for political gain or exposure.

WELFARE

The welfare of all volunteers and those we work with is very important to us. We have a supportive culture and we want to avoid volunteers being overwhelmed and burning out. We ask volunteers not to take on too much and to feel comfortable to decline opportunities and not to take any risks.

We take the confidentiality and safety of our volunteers and those we work with very seriously and we have strict data protection and safeguarding policies.

REFLECTING AND LEARNING

We often mobilise very quickly to respond to needs but also recognise the importance of reflection, learning and constructive feedback, as part of our continuous improvement process.

We are hugely indebted to other organisations and individuals across the borough who advise us and help build up our organisation and its culture. We continually seek opportunities to collaborate with other organisations to deliver the best outcomes for the community.

CONFLICT RESOLUTION & MEDIATION

We aim to have healthy and positive conversations lifting each other up rather than pulling each other down. Respectful of everyone's opinions, seeking a mediated solution to conflict. Avoiding blaming and shaming publicly, opting for individual conversations in person or on the phone when there are issues to solve.

ZERO TOLERANCE POLICY

We adhere to a zero tolerance policy towards any form of abuse. Unacceptable behaviour includes, but is not limited, to:

• Any form of discrimnation, including but not limited to:

  • Racial

  • Religious abuse

  • Gender

  • Sexuality

  • Disability

• Offensive language, even in the form of jokes

• Any form of verbal or cyber abuse

• Physical violence

• Sexual harassment

• Putting others at risk