MineHaus Safeguarding & Safety Policy

Last updated: Q1 2026 by Alfryyd Smith, Safeguarding Lead

1. Safeguarding Statement

MineHaus is a community-focused, family-friendly Minecraft network with an international player base.

Safeguarding on MineHaus is led in accordance with UK safeguarding principles, recognising that safeguarding is about prevention, early identification of risk, and appropriate response, rather than claiming complete protection from harm.

We acknowledge that online communities carry inherent risks, particularly for children and young people. No single rule or system can eliminate those risks. Our approach focuses on layered safeguarding, awareness, and clear escalation.

2. What Safeguarding Means on MineHaus

On MineHaus, safeguarding means:

• Acting in the best interests of children and vulnerable individuals

• Reducing the likelihood of grooming, exploitation, or harm

• Encouraging early reporting and intervention

• Responding proportionately, consistently, and responsibly

Safeguarding does not mean:

• Guaranteeing safety in all circumstances

• Relying on single rules as protective measures

• Monitoring private communications without cause

• Replacing the role of parents or guardians

3. Scope of This Policy

This policy applies to:

• All MineHaus players

• All MineHaus paid staff

• All MineHaus unpaid staff and volunteers

Across all MineHaus-managed spaces, including:

• In-game chat

• Official Discord servers

• Other official MineHaus platforms

We recognise that safeguarding concerns may involve off-platform interactions where they relate to MineHaus community members or activity.

4. Recognised Safeguarding Risks

In line with UK safeguarding guidance, we acknowledge that:

• Age can be inferred through behaviour, language, or voice

• Grooming can occur without explicit age disclosure

• Harmful behaviour may begin in public spaces and move into private messages

• Safeguarding concerns may exist even when no explicit rule has been broken

Safeguarding decisions are therefore based on patterns of behaviour, context, and risk, not solely on isolated incidents.

5. Safeguarding Measures

MineHaus uses a layered safeguarding approach, including:

• Community rules that limit unnecessary sharing of personal information

• Active moderation and staff oversight

• Clear internal escalation routes for safeguarding concerns

• Encouraging reporting of behaviour that feels unsafe or inappropriate

• Awareness of grooming indicators and boundary-testing behaviour

• Consideration of reports involving off-platform contact when relevant

These measures are intended to reduce risk and support early intervention, not to imply absolute protection.

6. Reporting Safeguarding Concerns

Safeguarding concerns can be raised by anyone, including:

• Players

• Parents or guardians

• Staff or volunteers

Concerns may include:

• Inappropriate or grooming-like behaviour

• Persistent unwanted contact

• Attempts to move conversations into private or external spaces

• Any interaction that causes concern for a player’s safety or wellbeing

Reports should be made to MineHaus staff or through designated safeguarding contact routes.
You do not need certainty or proof to raise a concern.

All concerns are handled confidentially and proportionately.

7. Staff, Volunteers, and Safeguarding Responsibilities

All MineHaus paid staff and unpaid volunteers:

• Have a responsibility to remain vigilant

• Must escalate safeguarding concerns rather than handling them independently

• Are expected to act in a child-centred and safety-first manner

• Must follow MineHaus safeguarding procedures regardless of role seniority

Safeguarding concerns must never be dismissed due to lack of certainty or handled informally.

8. Safeguarding Lead

MineHaus has a designated Safeguarding Lead responsible for oversight of safeguarding matters.

Safeguarding Lead:
Alfryyd Smith
(Known within the MineHaus community as Alfie or DucksAnonymous)
of Bath, United Kingdom

The Safeguarding Lead:

• Oversees safeguarding concerns and escalation

• Coordinates appropriate responses

• Ensures consistency and accountability in safeguarding decisions

The Safeguarding Lead holds an Enhanced DBS check (UK).

9. International Context

While MineHaus operates internationally, safeguarding decisions are guided by UK safeguarding principles, with appropriate consideration given to:

• The international nature of the community

• Platform limitations

• Proportionate and reasonable responses

Where serious concerns arise, MineHaus may signpost to relevant external support or reporting pathways appropriate to the situation.

10. Transparency, Review, and Improvement

MineHaus is committed to:

• Being transparent about safeguarding expectations

• Reviewing safeguarding practices regularly

• Learning from feedback and incidents

This policy will be reviewed periodically to ensure it remains appropriate and effective.

Final Statement

Safeguarding on MineHaus is about awareness, responsibility, and action, not fear or false reassurance. We aim to create a community that is welcoming while remaining realistic about online risks.