Participant Voice Policy


1. Introduction
At Waymakers CIC, we believe all participants have the right to be heard, respected, and actively involved in shaping the environment and experiences we co-create. We provide inclusive, interest-led, and neurodiversity-affirming opportunities that supplement home education. This policy outlines how we listen to, value, and act on participant voice, ensuring our approach remains responsive, inclusive, and co-designed.

2. Principles
We are committed to:
  • Recognising diverse communication: Participants express themselves in many ways — through words, actions, creativity, play, movement, and more. All forms of expression are valid and meaningful.
  • Honouring autonomy: We support participants to make choices about what, how, and with whom they engage, with gentle guidance from facilitators.
  • Co-creation: Participants help shape their own experiences. From group agreements to session themes, their input informs our collective journey.
  • Inclusion and access: All participants, especially those with communication differences or additional needs, are supported to express themselves in ways that work for them.

3. Aims
This policy aims to:
  • Empower participants to explore and express their ideas, needs, and interests.
  • Embed participant input into the design, delivery, and review of sessions and projects.
  • Foster safe, trusting environments where participants feel heard and respected.
  • Continuously evolve our practice based on what participants share and show us.

4. How We Listen to Participants
We offer a variety of flexible, non-pressured ways for participants to share their voice, including:
  • Optional check-ins/check-outs: Opportunities to reflect, celebrate, or signal needs at the beginning and end of sessions.
  • Attuned observation: Facilitators notice and interpret both verbal and non-verbal communication.
  • Freedom to choose: Participants can opt in or out of projects, suggest themes, select materials, or set their own pace.
  • Project design collaboration: Participants co-plan and adapt projects with facilitator support.
  • Shared group agreements: Expectations are created together and revisited regularly.
  • Creative feedback tools: Feedback may be offered through drawing, talking mats, suggestion jars, visual prompts, or informal conversations.
  • One-to-one conversations: Individual check-ins are available for those who want them.

5. Acting on Participant Voice
We commit to:
  • Reflecting on feedback in team debriefs and making responsive changes.
  • Being transparent about how participant input shapes what we do — including when change isn’t possible and why.
  • Involving participants in problem-solving when challenges arise.

6. Supporting All Participants to Be Heard
We recognise that some participants may need more time, support, or alternative formats to express themselves. We will:
  • Build trusting relationships based on safety and consent.
  • Wherever possible (as we operate in different venues) we will offer and encourage the use of outdoor, quiet, low-demand spaces for processing and reflection.
  • Use visual or sensory tools where helpful.
  • Work with families and supporters to understand individual needs and preferences.
  • Respect the right not to speak — silence and observation can also be powerful forms of voice.