Safeguarding Policy

1. Our Commitment to Safeguarding

At Guardians of Vision Foundation (GVF), safeguarding is central to everything we do. We are committed to creating a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for everyone who comes into contact with our organization, including children, young people, vulnerable adults, beneficiaries, volunteers, employees, trustees, partners, donors, and members of the public.

We believe that every individual has the right to be treated with dignity, respect, and compassion and to be protected from all forms of abuse, neglect, exploitation, discrimination, harassment, intimidation, and harm.

2. Purpose of this Policy

This policy aims to:

• Protect children, young people, vulnerable adults, and all beneficiaries who participate in our programmes.
• Promote a culture of safety, respect, accountability, and integrity.
• Ensure all staff, volunteers, trustees, consultants, and partners understand their safeguarding responsibilities.
• Provide clear procedures for reporting and responding to safeguarding concerns.
• Minimize risks during all Foundation activities, including community outreaches, screenings, training programmes, and public events.

3. Who This Policy Applies To

This policy applies to everyone working with or representing Guardians of Vision Foundation, including:

4. Our Safeguarding Principles

Guardians of Vision Foundation is committed to:

• Respect and Dignity: Treating every individual fairly, respectfully, and without discrimination.
• Safety First: Ensuring the safety and wellbeing of beneficiaries always take priority over organizational interests.
• Zero Tolerance: Not tolerating any form of abuse, exploitation, neglect, harassment, bullying, or inappropriate conduct.
• Accountability: Responding promptly, fairly, and transparently to safeguarding concerns.
• Inclusion: Providing equal protection regardless of age, gender, disability, ethnicity, religion, or socioeconomic background.
• Confidentiality: Managing safeguarding information responsibly while sharing it only with those who need it to protect individuals or meet legal obligations.

5. Our Commitment During Outreach Programmes

During all community eye health outreaches and Foundation activities, we are committed to:

• Providing a safe and welcoming environment.
• Respecting the dignity and privacy of every beneficiary.
• Obtaining appropriate consent before examinations, photography, or use of personal information.
• Ensuring children are accompanied by a parent, guardian, or authorized caregiver where appropriate.
• Maintaining professional boundaries between staff, volunteers, and beneficiaries.
• Preventing discrimination, intimidation, abuse, or exploitation.

6. Expected Standards of Behaviour

Everyone representing Guardians of Vision Foundation is expected to:

• Act honestly, professionally, and respectfully.
• Treat beneficiaries with dignity and compassion.
• Avoid any behaviour that could place another person at risk.
• Report safeguarding concerns immediately.
• Protect confidential information.
• Follow all Foundation policies and procedures.

Strictly Prohibited Behaviours:

• Physical, emotional, sexual, or psychological abuse.
• Harassment or bullying.
• Exploitation or abuse of power.
• Discrimination and neglect.
• Inappropriate relationships with beneficiaries.
• Misuse of Foundation resources.
• Any conduct that compromises the safety or dignity of another person.

7. Reporting Safeguarding Concerns & Recruitment

Everyone has a responsibility to report safeguarding concerns relating to abuse, neglect, harassment, bullying, sexual or financial exploitation, unsafe conduct, or inappropriate behaviour. Reports will be treated seriously, handled confidentially, and investigated promptly. No individual will suffer retaliation for reporting a safeguarding concern in good faith.

Recruitment and Training Standards:

Guardians of Vision Foundation is committed to safe recruitment practices. Where appropriate, we will:

• Verify qualifications and professional credentials.
• Conduct reference checks.
• Provide safeguarding orientation and training.
• Require all staff and volunteers to comply with our Code of Conduct.

Safeguarding awareness forms part of volunteer and staff induction and ongoing development.

8. Working with Partners, Privacy & Contact Us

Working with Partners: We expect all organizations, institutions, contractors, and partners working with us to uphold safeguarding standards consistent with this policy, and may request evidence of their policies prior to partnership.

Privacy and Confidentiality: Personal information obtained during activities is handled responsibly in accordance with our Privacy Policy. Information relating to safeguarding concerns is shared only when necessary to protect individuals or comply with legal obligations.

Policy Review: This policy is reviewed periodically to reflect changes in legislation, best practices, or Foundation activities.

Contact Us:

For safeguarding enquiries or to report a safeguarding concern, please contact:

Guardians of Vision Foundation remains committed to ensuring that every person we serve, work with, or encounter through our programmes is treated with dignity, protected from harm, and empowered to thrive in a safe and respectful environment.