Members agreement

How we work together

BDEF stands for Bristol Disability Equality Forum. BDEF CIO is the organisation’s official name registered on the Charity Commission.

This agreement was created by BDEF members at 27th March 2025 members meeting for BDEF members, but it is also to be used by BDEF staff and trustees.

As part of the BDEF community, it is all our responsibility to work towards upholding these ways of working. As a member, you are agreeing to uphold these practices.

General considerations

Work to the Social Model of Disability i.e. Disabled by barriers not body

Try to use identity-first Social Model of Disability language such as ‘Disabled people’ rather than ‘people with disabilities’.

People do not have to disclose impairment or medical history/diagnosis. If you want to then that is your personal choice however this is not needed as standard.

Creating psychological safety

Contributing to psychological safety within BDEF means committing to:

No discriminatory language, i.e. no racist, Disablist, sexist, xenophobic, classist, transphobic, homophobic, bi-phobic, ageist language or conversation to be tolerated and to be challenged.

Make sure all conversation is constructive and not personal to individuals, whilst still having space for people to talk passionately and raise legitimate concerns.

Assume good intent with people’s words.

Respect people’s opinions.

Treat each other with respect and autonomy.

Respect the confidentiality of individuals at BDEF meetings. BDEF news can be shared but do not share personal or individual’s details (you can ask individuals for their permission to share their story).

Make sure all conversation is constructive and not personal to individuals, whilst still having space for people to talk passionately and raise legitimate concerns.

Accept everyone’s needs without challenge, including conflicting access needs.

Communication

Flapping or snapping instead of clapping so that it is more accessible to people with a hearing impairment whilst still being inclusive for people with visual impairments.

One speaker at a time to make sure that no one is talked over and everyone has an opportunity to speak if they would want to. If you are able to indicate in some way you would like to speak, that would be good but there is no need to if you are not able to.

Make sure no one dominates, leaving room for everyone to talk (if they want to).

Use inclusive and accessible language. This includes using full wording rather than acronyms and explaining the meaning of complicated words when they must be used.

BDEF meetings or sessions

Should always be held in an accessible space, including physical access and sensory adjustments such as loop systems. If the space isn’t accessible for you, tell the BDEF staff – they will want to know!

Check in at start of every meeting, to find out how everyone is arriving into the session.

Have some scrap paper to jot down notes on to support those with brain fog or anxiety – means they can write down thoughts as they occur rather than having to remember points of discussion for later.

Having options for someone to speak on your behalf so that if you don’t want to or can’t speak at a given moment in time, your voice can still be represented.

Having tasks as visual prompts in meetings to make sure people can keep on task.

Always have an optional introduction for everyone for people to opt into or opt out of.

Ensure that everything is optional, which people are free to opt into or opt out of.

Include a break always on the agenda.

Speaking on behalf of BDEF

Only act or speak on behalf of BDEF CIO with consent from BDEF Director and/or Chair(s) of Trustees.

If there is something that you would like to work on and would like BDEF’s support OR if there is something worrying you about BDEF, the BDEF staff and trustees will want to know. Please contact us. 

Displinary and complaints

BDEF CIO is and should remain a safe space for Disabled people which is why we have this member’s agreement. If someone isn’t working to this agreement, BDEF will look into this. Please read our Member Disciplinary Procedure.

If you would like to make a formal complaint, please read our Member or Public Complaints Procedure.