Safeguarding Policy

1. Policy Statement

Achebe Hope Foundation is committed to providing a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for everyone we serve and work with. We have zero tolerance for all forms of abuse, exploitation, neglect, harassment, discrimination, or any conduct that places children, vulnerable adults, volunteers, staff, or community members at risk.

Safeguarding is a shared responsibility, and every individual associated with the Foundation is expected to uphold the highest standards of care and protection.

2. Our Commitment

We are committed to:

• Promoting the safety, dignity, and wellbeing of every individual.
• Preventing abuse, exploitation, and harm in all our programmes and activities.
• Responding promptly and appropriately to safeguarding concerns.
• Creating a culture of respect, accountability, and transparency.
• Continuously strengthening our safeguarding practices through training and policy reviews.

3. Who This Policy Applies To

This policy applies to everyone representing or engaging with Achebe Hope Foundation, including:

• Board Members
• Staff
• Volunteers
• Interns
• Ambassadors
• Consultants
• Partners
• Contractors
• Beneficiaries
• Programme Participants
• Visitors attending Foundation activities

4. Safeguarding Principles

Our safeguarding approach is guided by the following principles:

• Every person has the right to be safe and treated with dignity.
• The welfare of children and vulnerable adults is paramount.
• All safeguarding concerns will be taken seriously.
• Everyone has a responsibility to report concerns.
• Confidentiality will be maintained while ensuring appropriate action is taken.
• Decisions will always prioritize the safety and wellbeing of those affected.

5. Preventing Abuse & Exploitation

Achebe Hope Foundation works proactively to prevent harm by:

• Conducting appropriate screening for staff and volunteers where applicable.
• Providing safeguarding guidance before programmes and events.
• Maintaining professional boundaries with beneficiaries.
• Requiring respectful behaviour from everyone representing the Foundation.
• Promoting safe reporting channels for concerns or misconduct.

6. Reporting Safeguarding Concerns

Anyone who witnesses, suspects, or experiences abuse, neglect, exploitation, harassment, or any safeguarding concern is encouraged to report it immediately.

Reports will be handled promptly, respectfully, confidentially, and without retaliation against anyone making a genuine report.

7. Investigation Procedures

All safeguarding reports will be reviewed fairly and objectively.

Where necessary, the Foundation will:

• Conduct an internal review or investigation.
• Take immediate steps to protect individuals who may be at risk.
• Cooperate with relevant authorities where required by law.
• Implement appropriate disciplinary or corrective actions where misconduct is established.

8. Responsibilities of Staff & Volunteers

Everyone working with Achebe Hope Foundation is expected to:

• Treat every individual with dignity and respect.
• Follow all safeguarding policies and procedures.
• Report safeguarding concerns without delay.
• Avoid behaviour that could place themselves or others at risk.
• Participate in safeguarding training where required.

Failure to comply with this policy may result in disciplinary action or termination of engagement with the Foundation.

9. Training & Awareness

Achebe Hope Foundation is committed to building a strong safeguarding culture through ongoing education.

Staff, volunteers, and relevant partners will receive appropriate safeguarding information, guidance, and training to help them understand their responsibilities and recognize potential risks.

10. Review of the Policy

This Safeguarding Policy will be reviewed periodically to ensure it remains effective, relevant, and aligned with legal requirements and international best practices.

Updates will be communicated to all relevant stakeholders as necessary.

11. Contact the Safeguarding Team

If you have a safeguarding concern, need advice, or wish to report an incident, please contact the Foundation immediately.

Achebe Hope Foundation
Email: achebehopefoundation@gmail.com
Telephone: +234 803 093 7894, +234 707 826 2553

All reports will be treated with seriousness, confidentiality, and respect, and appropriate action will be taken to protect those involved.