Our Safeguarding Policy

1. Statement of Commitment

Hope to Live Charity Organization is committed to creating and maintaining a safe, respectful, inclusive, and protective environment for all individuals we engage with, including older persons, vulnerable households, community members, staff, volunteers, consultants, partners, and stakeholders.

The organization has zero tolerance for all forms of abuse, neglect, exploitation, harassment, discrimination, intimidation, sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA), sexual harassment (SH), bullying, and any conduct that violates the dignity, rights, or wellbeing of individuals.

Hope to Live recognizes its responsibility to safeguard vulnerable populations and ensure that all organizational activities, partnerships, programs, and engagements are implemented in ways that protect people from harm.

2. Purpose of the Policy

This policy establishes the safeguarding principles, responsibilities, prevention measures, reporting mechanisms, and response procedures that guide the organization in preventing and responding to safeguarding concerns and misconduct.

The policy applies to:

  • Board members
  • Staff
  • Volunteers
  • Consultants
  • Interns
  • Community facilitators
  • Partner organizations
  • Contractors
  • Any individual representing or associated with Hope to Live Charity Organization
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3. Definitions

Safeguarding

Actions, policies, and practices designed to protect people from abuse, exploitation, neglect, harassment, and harm.

Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (SEA)

Any actual or attempted abuse of a position of vulnerability, trust, or power for sexual purposes.

Sexual Harassment (SH)

Any unwelcome sexual advance, request for sexual favor, or other verbal, non-verbal, or physical conduct of a sexual nature.

Abuse

Physical, emotional, psychological, sexual, or financial mistreatment, neglect, or harm.

Exploitation

The misuse of power, trust, or vulnerability for personal, financial, political, or other gain.

4. Code of Conduct

All representatives of Hope to Live Charity Organization are expected to:

  • Treat all individuals with dignity, respect, and fairness.
  • Promote inclusion and non-discrimination.
  • Maintain professional boundaries at all times.
  • Refrain from any form of abuse, exploitation, harassment, or harmful conduct.
  • Protect confidentiality and privacy of individuals and communities.
  • Report safeguarding concerns immediately through established reporting mechanisms.
  • Comply fully with organizational safeguarding standards and procedures.

Any breach of this Code of Conduct may result in disciplinary action, termination of engagement, referral to authorities, or other appropriate measures.

5. Recruitment, Screening and Capacity Strengthening

Hope to Live integrates safeguarding considerations into recruitment, onboarding, and partnership engagement processes through:

  • Background and reference checks where applicable
  • Safeguarding orientation and awareness
  • Code of Conduct acknowledgement
  • Continuous safeguarding training and capacity strengthening
  • Partner safeguarding engagement and accountability discussions

6. Reporting and Complaints Mechanisms

Hope to Live maintains confidential, accessible, and survivor-centered reporting mechanisms for safeguarding concerns, complaints, and incidents.

Concerns may be reported through:

  • Designated safeguarding focal persons
  • Organizational leadership
  • Direct supervisors
  • Email reporting channels
  • Written or verbal complaints
  • Partner referral pathways

Reports may involve:

  • Abuse
  • Sexual exploitation and abuse
  • Sexual harassment
  • Neglect
  • Financial exploitation
  • Bullying
  • Discrimination
  • Misconduct
  • Abuse of authority
  • Retaliation
  • Any safeguarding concern

7. Response and Investigation Procedures

All safeguarding concerns are handled promptly, confidentially, fairly, and in accordance with organizational procedures and applicable laws.

The organization will:

  • Assess immediate safety risks
  • Protect confidentiality
  • Prevent retaliation
  • Conduct appropriate review and investigation processes
  • Provide referrals or support where necessary
  • Take corrective, disciplinary, or legal action where appropriate

Serious safeguarding concerns may be escalated to the Board, relevant authorities, donors, or partner institutions as required.

8. Confidentiality and Information Protection

Hope to Live is committed to protecting the privacy, dignity, and confidentiality of individuals involved in safeguarding concerns. Information will only be shared on a need-to-know basis and in accordance with safeguarding responsibilities and legal obligations.

9. Communication and Awareness

The organization communicates safeguarding expectations and reporting pathways to staff, volunteers, partners, community stakeholders, and beneficiaries through:

  • Induction processes
  • Trainings and workshops
  • Community engagement forums
  • Partnership agreements
  • Organizational communication materials
  • Safeguarding awareness sessions

10. Monitoring, Review and Accountability

Hope to Live regularly reviews and strengthens its safeguarding systems, policies, reporting mechanisms, and organizational practices to ensure continuous improvement and alignment with emerging safeguarding standards and donor expectations.

All staff, partners, and representatives share responsibility for promoting a culture of safeguarding, accountability, dignity, and respect throughout the organization’s work and partnerships.

11. Reporting Contacts

Safeguarding concerns may be reported confidentially through:

Email: concerns@hopetolivekenya.org
CEO Office: oscar@hopetolivekenya.org
Governance/Board Contact: governance@hopetolivekenya.org

 

Where a concern involves a designated safeguarding focal person or organizational leadership, reports may be escalated directly to the Board or appropriate oversight mechanisms.

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