037-209-6005 info@ruwaghana.org

RUWA-GHANA SAFEGUARDING POLICY

ADOPTED: JANUARY, 2022

Introduction

RUWA-Ghana is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all individuals we work with, including our staff, volunteers, partners, and the communities we serve. Our safeguarding policy is designed to prevent, respond to, and protect individuals from harm, including sexual exploitation, abuse, harassment, and other forms of misconduct.

1. Policy Statement

RUWA-Ghana has a zero-tolerance policy towards any form of abuse, exploitation, and harassment. We are dedicated to creating a safe environment where everyone is treated with respect and dignity. This means that we will do everything in our power to prevent these from happening, and rigorously address it each and every time it happens. One of the most important pillars of safeguarding is our Code of Conduct, which provides a framework within which all RUWA-Ghana employees, regardless of location, undertake to carry out their duties and to regulate their conduct.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all RUWA-Ghana employees, volunteers, partners, and any individuals engaged in activities under the auspices of RUWA-Ghana.

3. Key Principles

To ensure the highest standards of safety and respect, RUWA-Ghana adheres to the following key principles:

  • Zero Tolerance: We do not tolerate any form of abuse, exploitation, or harassment.
  • Prevention: We implement measures to prevent abuse and misconduct, including training, risk assessments, and clear communication of our policies.
  • Response: We have procedures in place to respond swiftly and effectively to any allegations or incidents of abuse.
  • Support: We provide support and care for survivors of abuse and ensure they have access to necessary resources.

4. Prevention Measures

Preventing abuse and misconduct is a priority for RUWA-Ghana. We take the following measures to safeguard our community:

  • Training and Awareness: Regular training for all staff and volunteers on safeguarding policies and procedures.
  • Screening: Rigorous screening processes for all new hires and volunteers to ensure they are suitable for working with vulnerable populations.
  • Risk Assessment: Continuous assessment of potential risks in our operations and activities.

5. Reporting and Response

Anyone (including RUWA-GHANA’s partners and people we work with) can raise a concern or make a complaint to RUWA-Ghana about something they have experienced or witnessed without fear of retribution.  We are committed to providing clear and accessible reporting mechanisms and a robust response system:

  • Reporting Mechanisms: Multiple channels for reporting concerns or incidents, including confidential whistleblowing lines and online reporting forms.
  • Investigation: Prompt and thorough investigation of all reports of abuse or misconduct.
  • Action: Appropriate disciplinary action against individuals found to have violated our safeguarding policies.

6. Support and Care

Supporting survivors of abuse is a critical component of our safeguarding policy:

  • Survivor Support: Providing resources and support to survivors of abuse, including counseling and medical assistance.
  • Community Engagement: Working with communities to raise awareness about safeguarding and encourage reporting of abuse.

7. Partnerships and Collaboration

Collaborating with partners enhances our safeguarding efforts:

  • Policy Alignment: Adopting and aligning with the safeguarding policies of our partners, such as Oxfam and Plan International Ghana.
  • Collaboration: Working with other organizations to strengthen safeguarding practices and share best practices.

8. Monitoring and Evaluation

Regular monitoring and evaluation ensure the effectiveness of our safeguarding policy:

  • Regular Reviews: Periodic review of our safeguarding policy and procedures to ensure they remain effective and up-to-date.
  • Feedback Mechanisms: Encouraging feedback from staff, volunteers, and community members to improve our safeguarding efforts.

Conclusion

RUWA-Ghana is dedicated to maintaining a safe and respectful environment for all. Our safeguarding policy reflects our commitment to protecting individuals from harm and ensuring that everyone we work with can live free from abuse and exploitation. For more information or to report a concern, please contact RUWA-Ghana’s safeguarding focal person at: HUDU HAFIZ, Safeguarding Officer, RUWA-GHANA, Telephone: 0241767289, email: hudu@ruwaghana.orghafiz.hudu71@gmail.com OR info@ruwaghana.org