Safeguarding statement

The Foundation is committed to the protection of children, vulnerable adults and every person who comes into contact with our work. No programme begins delivery before our Safeguarding Policy is adopted and in force, and no exception to this is permitted for any reason, including funding deadlines.

Our principles

• The welfare of the child or adult at risk is paramount, and outweighs the reputation of the Foundation, the interests of any individual, and the continuation of any programme.
• All children have an equal right to protection, regardless of sex, disability, ethnicity, religion, displacement status or family circumstance.
• Concerns are acted on, not weighed. Nobody is required to be certain, or to hold proof, before reporting.
• Support is never conditional. No person's access to our support depends on their silence, their compliance, their appearance in our materials, or their relationship with any member of our team.

Who this applies to

All trustees, staff, volunteers, interns, consultants, contractors, ambassadors, visitors and partner personnel acting in the Foundation's name, in all Foundation activity, whether or not on Foundation premises and whether or not in working hours.

Images and information

Written consent is obtained from a parent or carer before photographing or filming any child, including in wide shots. A child's full name is never published alongside their image. No image showing a person in distress, undressed, or in any way that would embarrass them in adulthood is published. Consent may be withdrawn at any time and the material removed.

Support is never conditional on appearing in photographs, film or fundraising material, and anyone may decline without consequence.

Zero tolerance

The Foundation has zero tolerance of sexual exploitation, sexual abuse and sexual harassment. We adopt the six core principles on protection from sexual exploitation and abuse established by the Inter-Agency Standing Committee, and our response is survivor-centred. Sexual activity with any person under the age of eighteen is prohibited regardless of the local age of majority or consent, and a mistaken belief about age is not a defence.

How to report a concern

Concerns may be raised by telephone, by email, in person or in writing, and may be raised anonymously. They may be raised without going through the person whose conduct is in question. We will acknowledge, investigate and respond.

Read how to raise a concern, and what happens next.