Safeguarding children & vulnerable participants

1. Purpose and scope

This draft covers all Foundation activities, events, visits, digital engagement and partner-delivered work involving children or people at increased risk of harm. Safety takes priority over organisational reputation, fundraising or programme targets.

2. Preparation before an activity

Designate a trained safeguarding lead and an alternate, complete an activity risk assessment and confirm appropriate supervision and reporting routes. Check suitability and any legally required screening before assigning roles. Explain participation arrangements to caregivers and participants in language they can understand. Participation or media consent must not be coerced by a promise of assistance.

3. Expected conduct

Treat participants respectfully. Prohibit abuse, exploitation, harassment, humiliating punishment, sexual misconduct and exchanges of assistance for personal favours. Avoid isolated, unobservable contact with children; use approved supervision and communication arrangements. Do not publish identifying information or photographs without the required permission and a risk assessment.

4. Receiving a concern

Listen without leading questions, record essential facts accurately and do not promise absolute secrecy. Take immediate steps to reduce danger and seek appropriate emergency assistance when required. Escalate promptly to the designated lead or alternate. Do not attempt an unqualified investigation or confront an alleged perpetrator in a way that increases risk.

5. Referral and confidentiality

Identify applicable reporting duties and appropriate statutory referral routes without delay; an internal process must not obstruct a required external report. Share information only with people who need it to protect participants or fulfil a duty. Keep records securely, restrict access and arrange appropriate support. Protect good-faith reporters from retaliation.

6. Implementation and review

Before adoption, confirm the named lead and alternate, emergency and statutory contacts, screening requirements, event and transport procedures, consent templates and secure records. Train staff and volunteers, include safeguards in partner agreements and review incidents for learning. Until these arrangements are confirmed, this document is a draft framework, not a claim that all safeguards are operational.

Reference framework

Prepared with reference to the Department of Social Development’s NPO Codes of Good Practice and the Information Regulator’s POPIA resources. Review against the Foundation’s circumstances and applicable requirements before adoption.