Safeguarding POLICY
Interpretation
St Francis Leprosy Guild is referred to in this Safeguarding Policy as ‘SFLG’.
Scope
This Safeguarding Policy applies to all SFLG’s employees, trustees, volunteers, contractors, consultants or anyone else who may represent SFLG in any capacity (referred to as SFLG “Representatives”) and partner organisations ("Partners") in all countries where SFLG funding is deployed or where staff or other Representatives may be operating or visiting.The Safeguarding Policy is based on UK legislation as well as relevant international NGO commitments, including but not limited to the Bond Safeguarding Guidelines, United Nation Guidelines and National Guidelines. SFLG looks in particular to our Partners to understand and be compliant with this Safeguarding Policy insofar as it is not in conflict with local legislation (notwithstanding which, “child” is defined by SFLG as a person under 18 years of age; and “adult” as a person over 18 years of age as recognised in the international definition of the child outlined in the United Nations Convention on the rights of the Child "UNCRC").
Definition
Under the scope of this Safeguarding Policy, "safeguarding” means protecting peoples' health, wellbeing and human rights, and enabling them to live free from harm, abuse and neglect. In our sector and work, we understand it to mean protecting people, including children and vulnerable adults, from harm that arises from coming into contact with SFLG Representatives or programmes.
Purpose
The purpose of this Safeguarding Policy is to outline the steps that must be taken to protect, as far as possible, people, particularly children, vulnerable adults and the communities that we serve, from any harm that may be caused due to their contact with SFLG or our Representatives. This contact includes but is not limited to the conduct of SFLG Representatives and refers to the design and implementation of SFLG’s programmes and activities. The Safeguarding Policy lays out the commitments made by SFLG and its Representatives of their responsibilities in relation to Safeguarding.
Principles
SFLG recognises the personal dignity and rights of all people but particularly those who come into contact with the organisation and/or any of its Representatives. including but not limited to project participants, communities we serve, staff and volunteers. This Safeguarding Policy requires that all Representatives and Partners throughout the world are, and will remain committed to safeguarding all people who come into contact with SFLG, upholding the rights of every individual to be treated with dignity and respect. SFLG believes that all people should be valued, supported and protected from harm and discrimination regardless of their race, nationality, ethnicity, religion, gender, sex, sexual orientation, age and other identities they may hold.
SFLG is committed to fostering a Culture of Safeguarding where all are safe from harm, exploitation and abuse and where every person is encouraged and enabled to enjoy the fullness of life with dignity and respect.
SFLG will ensure that it appoints at least one Designated Safeguarding Lead but recognises that safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility, with the Board of Trustees holding ultimate accountability. The Board of Trustees will not be influenced by those who may have special interests and should always place the interests of the organisation and the people we exist to serve before any personal interest of the trustees. The Board of Trustees will act independently in its safeguarding decision-making as well as ensuring that it is legally aligned with the law of the United Kingdom and any international law that may apply.
Awards of grants and/or project contracts will be made on the basis that a partner organisation has a sound approach to safeguarding and has adopted, and abides by, appropriate policies and procedures. If a Safeguarding Incident, defined here as an incident that intentionally or unintentionally causes harm to another individual, is reported, SFLG will work with the implementing organisation to support any investigations into an alleged breach of the policy. Where required, we will ensure the approach is survivor-focused and will protect the person raising the Safeguarding Incident and all others who may be affected.
Promoting a Culture of Safeguarding
SFLG will promote a Culture of Safeguarding by embodying and adopting in practice the following values and attitudes:
In all cases applied with:
Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility
SFLG will promote a Culture of Safeguarding and support Partners and Representatives when Safeguarding Incidents occur but also in building the capacity of their systems and processes to honour SFLG’s commitment to localisation.
Who is most at risk in our organisation?
SFLG recognises that anyone in receipt of our charitable funds or supported by our programmes is or may be or may become vulnerable due to their connection with leprosy/Hansen’s Disease. SFLG considers those mentioned below to be acutely more vulnerable and/or chronically marginalised within the international community:
But also from the view point of SFLG
The following are also at risk
What are the key risks?
The list below covers key abuses and harms of which the groups listed above are at risk; it is not an exhaustive list.
Safeguarding requirements
All SFLG Representatives and Partners will commit to protecting people from harm and acting proactively to prevent exposure to the key risks listed above. All SFLG Representatives and Partners will commit to adopting appropriate procedures for Safeguarding in line with this Policy, SFLG’s Staff and Volunteer Code of Conduct and any relevant national or organisational policies.
To this end, SFLG and its Partners will:
Within SFLG, the Chair of Trustees and Executive Team share the responsibility to ensure that this Safeguarding Policy is accepted and adopted by all Representatives and by all Partners to whom SFLG grants are awarded.
Protecting people from harm is central to our organisational culture and SFLG will ensure a full discussion takes place at the AGM, and will be included as a recurring agenda point at each trustee meeting. The Designated Safeguarding Leads will meet with the relevant Executive Team at least quarterly and reserve the right to call urgent meetings when required.
Process (see flowchart below)
As stated above, at every AGM, SFLG will provide an opportunity to discuss safeguarding matters thoroughly, and will ensure there is at least one Designated Safeguarding Lead in post who will be named in our Annual Report. The Designated Safeguarding Lead(s) will undergo training on safeguarding at least every two years on performing the role of Designated Safeguarding Lead. The Designated Safeguarding Lead(s) will undertake a thorough review at least every two years, in the form of a Safeguarding Self-Assessment of the organisation. The Designated Safeguarding Lead is currently Clare Barton as of May 2023.
All Representatives will be trained on how they should respond to concerns about a person’s welfare and/or allegations made against staff or volunteers. This training should include alerting the Designated Safeguarding Lead(s) and following the reporting procedure (Reporting Form) and ensuring that any findings are shared with SFLG. All reports of Safeguarding Incidents will be stored in a central incident log in an encrypted folder on the SFLG central drive.
In the case of any concern, all Representatives commit to acting quickly, ensuring we stop or minimise any further harm or damage. Any concerns must be raised to the Designated Safeguarding Leads via [email protected] within 24 hours. Reporters can be kept anonymous. Reporters commit to following the Reporting Procedure outlined in Reporting Form. SFLG will work in partnership with those raising concerns and will provide appropriate support when and where required.
All Representatives of SFLG will ensure consent is recorded in the SFLG Media Consent Form (Media Consent Form), before obtaining any photographs or videos of project participants. All images must ensure dignity at all times and must comply with the SFLG Media Policy and the Bond Ethical Media Guidelines.
All UK-based staff who intend to have direct contact with Project Participants and Partners must hold a valid DBS certificate (which should be an Enhanced DBS certificate, where necessary, if the requisite qualifications are met). This included Trustees. SFLG will cover the expense for these.
If any UK staff, trustees or contractors of SFLG are deployed overseas they must meet minimum safeguarding training requirements and attend a safety and security briefing before being permitted to travel. This will be at the discretion of the Programmes Manager, who reserves the right to prevent a deployment happening if the requirements are not met.
SFLG requires that each Partner will provide a named Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), who must be separate to the CEO and/or Director. The DSL will undergo training on safeguarding at least once every two years and will ensure that other staff members are trained as appropriate. The DSL will provide evidence of such trainings on request.
All Partners will, to the best of their ability, verify the suitability of staff members to work with vulnerable adults and children. This will include background checks, police checks, referencing etc where possible.
Each Partner will have a process for dealing with allegations of safeguarding abuses, which will include reporting and complaints mechanisms. This mechanism will be shared with their key SFLG point of contact.
Partners will also share any discrepancies between their policy and SFLG’s to ensure both organisations are working in partnership to ensure the safety and protection of the communities we serve.
All Representatives and Partners must be trained on how they should respond to concerns about a person’s welfare and/or allegations made against staff or volunteers in line with their own policy and that of SFLG’s.
Partners will ensure that all Safeguarding Incident logs are stored appropriately and securely.
By applying for a grant from SFLG, Partners consent to on-site monitoring visits and due diligence enquiries as outlined in their separate Project Funding Agreements.
Whistleblowing
Whistleblowing is an important part of fostering a Culture of Safeguarding. When a Representative and/or Partner wishes to report improper behaviour of a staff member either of SFLG or a Partner, they should follow SFLG’s Whistleblowing Policy. All Partners will also share with SFLG all whistleblowing procedures that they maintain and details of all complaints or information made or provided thereunder.
Breach of Policy
Upon signing the acknowledgement of this Safeguarding Policy, all SFLG Representatives and Partners commit to upholding the highest standards possible in regard to Safeguarding. Failure to comply with the Safeguarding Policy may result in appropriate disciplinary action from SFLG itself or from relevant authoritative bodies that SFLG may have to report to. Where possible, SFLG will work in partnership with the organisations involved to support them through investigations and due process that may arise. SFLG reserves the right to and in appropriate cases will investigate all incidents reported to us thoroughly. This investigation includes deploying relevant third parties to aid in this process. SFLG has committed to a survivor-driven approach to safeguarding matters.
References
Recommended Training Bodies
Download Reporting a Safeguarding Incident form
Download Media Consent Form
June 2024
Approved and ratified by Trustees: June 2024
For Review: June 2025
St Francis Leprosy Guild is referred to in this Safeguarding Policy as ‘SFLG’.
Scope
This Safeguarding Policy applies to all SFLG’s employees, trustees, volunteers, contractors, consultants or anyone else who may represent SFLG in any capacity (referred to as SFLG “Representatives”) and partner organisations ("Partners") in all countries where SFLG funding is deployed or where staff or other Representatives may be operating or visiting.The Safeguarding Policy is based on UK legislation as well as relevant international NGO commitments, including but not limited to the Bond Safeguarding Guidelines, United Nation Guidelines and National Guidelines. SFLG looks in particular to our Partners to understand and be compliant with this Safeguarding Policy insofar as it is not in conflict with local legislation (notwithstanding which, “child” is defined by SFLG as a person under 18 years of age; and “adult” as a person over 18 years of age as recognised in the international definition of the child outlined in the United Nations Convention on the rights of the Child "UNCRC").
Definition
Under the scope of this Safeguarding Policy, "safeguarding” means protecting peoples' health, wellbeing and human rights, and enabling them to live free from harm, abuse and neglect. In our sector and work, we understand it to mean protecting people, including children and vulnerable adults, from harm that arises from coming into contact with SFLG Representatives or programmes.
Purpose
The purpose of this Safeguarding Policy is to outline the steps that must be taken to protect, as far as possible, people, particularly children, vulnerable adults and the communities that we serve, from any harm that may be caused due to their contact with SFLG or our Representatives. This contact includes but is not limited to the conduct of SFLG Representatives and refers to the design and implementation of SFLG’s programmes and activities. The Safeguarding Policy lays out the commitments made by SFLG and its Representatives of their responsibilities in relation to Safeguarding.
Principles
SFLG recognises the personal dignity and rights of all people but particularly those who come into contact with the organisation and/or any of its Representatives. including but not limited to project participants, communities we serve, staff and volunteers. This Safeguarding Policy requires that all Representatives and Partners throughout the world are, and will remain committed to safeguarding all people who come into contact with SFLG, upholding the rights of every individual to be treated with dignity and respect. SFLG believes that all people should be valued, supported and protected from harm and discrimination regardless of their race, nationality, ethnicity, religion, gender, sex, sexual orientation, age and other identities they may hold.
SFLG is committed to fostering a Culture of Safeguarding where all are safe from harm, exploitation and abuse and where every person is encouraged and enabled to enjoy the fullness of life with dignity and respect.
SFLG will ensure that it appoints at least one Designated Safeguarding Lead but recognises that safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility, with the Board of Trustees holding ultimate accountability. The Board of Trustees will not be influenced by those who may have special interests and should always place the interests of the organisation and the people we exist to serve before any personal interest of the trustees. The Board of Trustees will act independently in its safeguarding decision-making as well as ensuring that it is legally aligned with the law of the United Kingdom and any international law that may apply.
Awards of grants and/or project contracts will be made on the basis that a partner organisation has a sound approach to safeguarding and has adopted, and abides by, appropriate policies and procedures. If a Safeguarding Incident, defined here as an incident that intentionally or unintentionally causes harm to another individual, is reported, SFLG will work with the implementing organisation to support any investigations into an alleged breach of the policy. Where required, we will ensure the approach is survivor-focused and will protect the person raising the Safeguarding Incident and all others who may be affected.
Promoting a Culture of Safeguarding
SFLG will promote a Culture of Safeguarding by embodying and adopting in practice the following values and attitudes:
- Openness and transparency.
- Respect.
- Responsibility and accountability.
- Compassion and support.
- Justice and integrity
- Honesty and humility.
- Impartiality.
In all cases applied with:
- Questioning and challenging.
- Learning and changing.
Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility
SFLG will promote a Culture of Safeguarding and support Partners and Representatives when Safeguarding Incidents occur but also in building the capacity of their systems and processes to honour SFLG’s commitment to localisation.
Who is most at risk in our organisation?
SFLG recognises that anyone in receipt of our charitable funds or supported by our programmes is or may be or may become vulnerable due to their connection with leprosy/Hansen’s Disease. SFLG considers those mentioned below to be acutely more vulnerable and/or chronically marginalised within the international community:
- Children and young people under the care of SFLG programmes.
- Vulnerable adults under the care of SFLG programme.
- Project Participants who identify as disabled and/or elderly.
- Minority groups and identities.
But also from the view point of SFLG
- Any other people who come into contact with SFLG through its work.
- Staff and volunteers of SFLG Partners.
The following are also at risk
- Third parties associated with our Partners.
- School/church/community groups.
- SFLG Representatives.
What are the key risks?
The list below covers key abuses and harms of which the groups listed above are at risk; it is not an exhaustive list.
- Sexual harassment, abuse and exploitation.
- Criminal exploitation.
- Modern day slavery.
- Negligent treatment.
- Self-neglect.
- Physical or emotional abuse.
- Bullying or harassment or violence in any form.
- Health and safety breaches.
- Commercial exploitation.
- Extremism and radicalisation.
- Forced marriage.
- Human trafficking.
- Female genital mutilation.
- Discrimination on any of the grounds in the UK Equality Act 2010 or as a result of any ‘protected characteristic' or any other identity they may hold.
- Abuse of power.
- Data breaches, including those under the UK General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR).
Safeguarding requirements
All SFLG Representatives and Partners will commit to protecting people from harm and acting proactively to prevent exposure to the key risks listed above. All SFLG Representatives and Partners will commit to adopting appropriate procedures for Safeguarding in line with this Policy, SFLG’s Staff and Volunteer Code of Conduct and any relevant national or organisational policies.
To this end, SFLG and its Partners will:
- Ensure all staff have access to, are familiar with, and know their responsibilities under this policy; design and undertake all programmes and activities in a way that protects people from any risk of harm that may arise from their coming into contact with SFLG or Partners (as appropriate). This includes the way in which information about individuals in our programmes is gathered and communicated.
- Implement stringent safeguarding procedures when recruiting, managing and deploying staff and associated personnel.
- Ensure staff receive training on safeguarding at a level commensurate with their role in SFLG or Partner organisation; and
- follow up on reports of safeguarding concerns promptly and according to due process including legal processes where required.
Within SFLG, the Chair of Trustees and Executive Team share the responsibility to ensure that this Safeguarding Policy is accepted and adopted by all Representatives and by all Partners to whom SFLG grants are awarded.
Protecting people from harm is central to our organisational culture and SFLG will ensure a full discussion takes place at the AGM, and will be included as a recurring agenda point at each trustee meeting. The Designated Safeguarding Leads will meet with the relevant Executive Team at least quarterly and reserve the right to call urgent meetings when required.
Process (see flowchart below)
As stated above, at every AGM, SFLG will provide an opportunity to discuss safeguarding matters thoroughly, and will ensure there is at least one Designated Safeguarding Lead in post who will be named in our Annual Report. The Designated Safeguarding Lead(s) will undergo training on safeguarding at least every two years on performing the role of Designated Safeguarding Lead. The Designated Safeguarding Lead(s) will undertake a thorough review at least every two years, in the form of a Safeguarding Self-Assessment of the organisation. The Designated Safeguarding Lead is currently Clare Barton as of May 2023.
All Representatives will be trained on how they should respond to concerns about a person’s welfare and/or allegations made against staff or volunteers. This training should include alerting the Designated Safeguarding Lead(s) and following the reporting procedure (Reporting Form) and ensuring that any findings are shared with SFLG. All reports of Safeguarding Incidents will be stored in a central incident log in an encrypted folder on the SFLG central drive.
In the case of any concern, all Representatives commit to acting quickly, ensuring we stop or minimise any further harm or damage. Any concerns must be raised to the Designated Safeguarding Leads via [email protected] within 24 hours. Reporters can be kept anonymous. Reporters commit to following the Reporting Procedure outlined in Reporting Form. SFLG will work in partnership with those raising concerns and will provide appropriate support when and where required.
All Representatives of SFLG will ensure consent is recorded in the SFLG Media Consent Form (Media Consent Form), before obtaining any photographs or videos of project participants. All images must ensure dignity at all times and must comply with the SFLG Media Policy and the Bond Ethical Media Guidelines.
All UK-based staff who intend to have direct contact with Project Participants and Partners must hold a valid DBS certificate (which should be an Enhanced DBS certificate, where necessary, if the requisite qualifications are met). This included Trustees. SFLG will cover the expense for these.
If any UK staff, trustees or contractors of SFLG are deployed overseas they must meet minimum safeguarding training requirements and attend a safety and security briefing before being permitted to travel. This will be at the discretion of the Programmes Manager, who reserves the right to prevent a deployment happening if the requirements are not met.
SFLG requires that each Partner will provide a named Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), who must be separate to the CEO and/or Director. The DSL will undergo training on safeguarding at least once every two years and will ensure that other staff members are trained as appropriate. The DSL will provide evidence of such trainings on request.
All Partners will, to the best of their ability, verify the suitability of staff members to work with vulnerable adults and children. This will include background checks, police checks, referencing etc where possible.
Each Partner will have a process for dealing with allegations of safeguarding abuses, which will include reporting and complaints mechanisms. This mechanism will be shared with their key SFLG point of contact.
Partners will also share any discrepancies between their policy and SFLG’s to ensure both organisations are working in partnership to ensure the safety and protection of the communities we serve.
All Representatives and Partners must be trained on how they should respond to concerns about a person’s welfare and/or allegations made against staff or volunteers in line with their own policy and that of SFLG’s.
Partners will ensure that all Safeguarding Incident logs are stored appropriately and securely.
By applying for a grant from SFLG, Partners consent to on-site monitoring visits and due diligence enquiries as outlined in their separate Project Funding Agreements.
Whistleblowing
Whistleblowing is an important part of fostering a Culture of Safeguarding. When a Representative and/or Partner wishes to report improper behaviour of a staff member either of SFLG or a Partner, they should follow SFLG’s Whistleblowing Policy. All Partners will also share with SFLG all whistleblowing procedures that they maintain and details of all complaints or information made or provided thereunder.
Breach of Policy
Upon signing the acknowledgement of this Safeguarding Policy, all SFLG Representatives and Partners commit to upholding the highest standards possible in regard to Safeguarding. Failure to comply with the Safeguarding Policy may result in appropriate disciplinary action from SFLG itself or from relevant authoritative bodies that SFLG may have to report to. Where possible, SFLG will work in partnership with the organisations involved to support them through investigations and due process that may arise. SFLG reserves the right to and in appropriate cases will investigate all incidents reported to us thoroughly. This investigation includes deploying relevant third parties to aid in this process. SFLG has committed to a survivor-driven approach to safeguarding matters.
References
- Keeping Children Safe: Children Safeguarding Standards and how to implement them
- Lepra: Code of Conduct; Safeguarding Children and Vulnerable adult Policy; Dignity at Work Policy; Whistleblowing Policy
- Bond Safeguarding Policy
- Bond Whistleblowing Policy
- Bond Ethical Guidelines
- Charity Commission Guidelines on Safeguarding & Protecting People for Charities & Trustees
- The Leprosy Mission International Safeguarding Policy
- United Nation Convention on the Rights of the Child
Recommended Training Bodies
Download Reporting a Safeguarding Incident form
Download Media Consent Form
June 2024
Approved and ratified by Trustees: June 2024
For Review: June 2025
Safeguarding Process Flowchart
