Our commitment
Many of the people we serve are children, young people and adults in vulnerable situations. Their safety, dignity and well-being come first. Grace Impact Global Foundation does not tolerate abuse, exploitation or neglect of any kind, and we act on every concern.
Who this policy applies to
This policy applies to everyone who works or volunteers with the Foundation or represents it: leaders, staff, volunteers, partners working on our programmes and visitors to our activities. It protects children (anyone under 18) and adults who may be at risk of harm because of their circumstances, health or disability.
Our principles
- The welfare of the child or adult at risk always comes first.
- Everyone has an equal right to protection, whatever their age, gender, ability, background or faith.
- We listen to children and adults at risk, and take what they tell us seriously.
- We work with families, communities and the authorities to keep people safe.
- We handle concerns confidentially, sharing information only with those who need to know.
How we keep people safe
- Choosing people carefully. Anyone who will work with children or adults at risk is asked for references and, where appropriate, background checks before they start.
- Clear standards of behaviour. Everyone working on our programmes treats people with respect, avoids being alone with a child wherever that can be avoided, and never uses their position to take advantage of anyone.
- Briefing volunteers. Volunteers are told about this policy, and how to raise a concern, before they take part.
- Photographs and stories. We ask for consent before photographing people or sharing their stories, and for a parent’s or guardian’s consent for children. We do not publish a child’s full name with their photograph, or anything that shows where they live.
- Personal information. We keep information about the people we serve private and secure, as set out in our Privacy Policy.
If you are worried about someone
If a child or adult is in immediate danger, call the national emergency number 112, or the police on 191 or 18555.
If you have a concern about the safety or well-being of anyone involved in our work, or about the behaviour of anyone who works or volunteers for us, tell us straight away:
- call +233 559 393 173 and ask to speak to the person responsible for safeguarding; or
- email info@graceimpactfoundation.org with “Safeguarding” in the subject line.
You do not need proof to raise a concern. Tell us what you saw or heard, when it happened and who was involved. Please do not investigate it yourself.
What happens next
We take every concern seriously and act promptly. We keep what you tell us confidential, sharing it only with those who need to know in order to protect someone. Where the law requires it, or a person may be at risk, we refer concerns to the police or the Department of Social Welfare. Anyone who raises a concern in good faith will be supported, and will not be treated unfairly for doing so.
Reviewing this policy
We review this policy at least once a year, and whenever our work or the law changes.