Safeguarding Policy

1. Who this applies to

Our Trustees, Directors, staff, volunteers, trainers, consultants and partners, in every programme, in person and online.

2. Our commitments

• We do not tolerate abuse, exploitation, sexual exploitation and abuse, harassment, or physical or psychological harm.
• We apply appropriate screening to staff and volunteers. Volunteers must be 18 or older.
• We require appropriate conduct from everyone who represents SMIRD.
• We obtain appropriate consent for participation, and for photos, videos and stories, especially from parents or guardians of children.
• We protect confidential information about children and vulnerable people.
• We give particular care to children, young people, women and girls, persons with disabilities, displaced persons, older persons and marginalised communities.

No person may use SMIRD programmes to exploit, abuse or harm children or vulnerable persons.

3. How to raise a concern

If anyone is in immediate danger, contact the police or local emergency services first.

To report a safeguarding concern about SMIRD or anyone connected with our work, email info.smird@gmail.com with the subject "Safeguarding – Confidential". You may also call +234 7045000270. You can report anonymously, and you do not need proof to raise a concern.

4. What happens next

• We acknowledge your report and keep it confidential, sharing it only with those who need to know.
• We assess the concern, put the safety of the person at risk first, and investigate appropriately.
• We take corrective action and, where required, report to the relevant authorities.
• We protect anyone who reports in good faith from retaliation.

5. Other concerns

You can use the same channel to report fraud, corruption, discrimination, misuse of resources or other serious misconduct. Our full safeguarding procedures are available on request.