Safeguarding Policy

1. Policy Statement

Hayat Charity is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children, young people, and vulnerable adults who come into contact with our work, whether in the UK or internationally. We believe that every person has the right to be protected from harm, abuse, and exploitation.

This policy applies to all trustees, staff, volunteers, contractors, and partner organisations acting on behalf of Hayat Charity.

2. Definitions

Child: Any person under the age of 18, regardless of nationality or location.

Vulnerable adult: Any person aged 18 or over who may be at risk of abuse or exploitation due to disability, illness, age, financial hardship, displacement, or other circumstances.

Safeguarding: The actions we take to promote the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and protect them from harm.

Abuse: Includes physical, emotional, sexual, and financial abuse, as well as neglect, exploitation, and discrimination.

3. Scope

This policy covers all activities undertaken by Hayat Charity, including:

• Overseas humanitarian and development programmes
• Partnerships with local implementing organisations
• Fundraising, communications, and public engagement in the UK
• Use of images and stories involving beneficiaries
• Online and in-person interactions with supporters, donors, and volunteers

4. Our Commitments

Hayat Charity commits to:

• Prioritising the safety and welfare of all beneficiaries in every programme decision
• Ensuring all staff, volunteers, and partners understand their safeguarding responsibilities
• Taking all safeguarding concerns seriously and responding promptly
• Operating a zero-tolerance approach to abuse and exploitation by anyone representing our organisation
• Ensuring that the communities we serve can report concerns safely and without fear of reprisal
• Reviewing this policy annually and updating it as needed

5. Roles and Responsibilities

Board of Trustees

The Board holds ultimate responsibility for safeguarding at Hayat Charity. Trustees are responsible for ensuring this policy is in place, adequately resourced, and regularly reviewed.

Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)

Hayat Charity has appointed a Designated Safeguarding Lead who is the first point of contact for all safeguarding concerns. The DSL is responsible for:

• Receiving and recording all safeguarding concerns
• Determining appropriate action and escalation
• Liaising with statutory authorities where required
• Ensuring staff and volunteers receive appropriate training

DSL contact: info@hayatcharity.org.uk

All Staff and Volunteers

Everyone working with or on behalf of Hayat Charity must:

• Be familiar with this policy and adhere to it
• Complete safeguarding awareness training as required
• Report any concerns to the DSL promptly
• Never place themselves in situations that could be misinterpreted
• Maintain appropriate professional boundaries at all times

Partner Organisations

All partner organisations delivering programmes on behalf of Hayat Charity must have their own safeguarding policies and procedures in place, consistent with local law and internationally recognised standards. We will verify this as part of our due diligence process.

6. Safe Recruitment

Anyone who has a safeguarding concern — whether about a beneficiary, colleague, volunteer, or partner — must report it promptly.

Internal reporting: Contact the Designated Safeguarding Lead at info@hayatcharity.org.uk or by post to the address above.

If the concern involves the DSL, report directly to the Chair of Trustees.

External reporting: Where a child or vulnerable adult is believed to be at immediate risk of harm, contact the relevant statutory authorities:

• In the UK: local authority children’s or adult social services, or the police (999 in an emergency)
• Internationally: relevant national child protection authorities or the UN Protection Cluster, as applicable

Hayat Charity will cooperate fully with any statutory investigation.

7. Reporting a Concern

Anyone who has a safeguarding concern — whether about a beneficiary, colleague, volunteer, or partner — must report it promptly.

Internal reporting: Contact the Designated Safeguarding Lead at info@hayatcharity.org.uk or by post to the address above.

If the concern involves the DSL, report directly to the Chair of Trustees.

External reporting: Where a child or vulnerable adult is believed to be at immediate risk of harm, contact the relevant statutory authorities:

• In the UK: local authority children’s or adult social services, or the police (999 in an emergency)
• Internationally: relevant national child protection authorities or the UN Protection Cluster, as applicable

Hayat Charity will cooperate fully with any statutory investigation.

8. Responding to Concerns

All safeguarding concerns will be:

• Taken seriously and treated with urgency
• Recorded in writing by the DSL
• Investigated in a fair, confidential, and sensitive manner
• Escalated to statutory authorities where appropriate

We will support anyone who raises a safeguarding concern in good faith, and will not penalise them for doing so.

9. Use of Images and Beneficiary Stories

Hayat Charity recognises the importance of using images and stories responsibly. We will:

• Only use images and stories of beneficiaries with appropriate informed consent
• Never use images that could identify or endanger a beneficiary
• Never use images of children in ways that could be considered inappropriate or exploitative
• Ensure all communications respect the dignity of the people we serve

10. Online Safety

Hayat Charity is committed to ensuring safe online practices. Staff and volunteers must not:

• Share personal details or images of beneficiaries on personal social media
• Engage in private online communication with beneficiaries, particularly children
• Use charity devices or accounts for personal activity that could compromise safeguarding

11. Training

All trustees, staff, and volunteers will receive safeguarding awareness training appropriate to their role. Training will be refreshed at least every two years. Records of training completed will be maintained by the DSL.

12. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually by the Board of Trustees, or sooner if there is a change in legislation, guidance, or organisational practice. All staff and volunteers will be informed of any significant updates.

13. Related Policies

This policy should be read alongside:

• Privacy Policy
• Complaints Policy
• Code of Conduct (staff and volunteers)
• Volunteer Policy

14. Contact

For any safeguarding concerns or questions about this policy:

Hayat Charity — Designated Safeguarding Lead Bartle House, Oxford Court, Manchester, M2 3WQ Email: info@hayatcharity.org.uk

In an emergency, always contact the police or emergency services first (999).