Safeguarding Policy for Anthony Udokwu’s Foundation – Yahweh

Policy Title: Safeguarding and Protection of Vulnerable Persons

Approval Date: 5/5/2025; Next Review Date: 4/5/2026

Approved By: Board of Trustees

 

 

Introduction

Anthony Udokwu’s Foundation – Yahweh is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all people who come into contact with our work, especially children, orphans, persons with disabilities, and individuals in crisis, including those in high-risk international regions.

We believe that every person, regardless of age, gender, disability, religion, ethnicity, or background, has the right to be protected from harm, abuse, and exploitation.

 

Scope of this Policy

This policy applies to:

• All Foundation trustees and volunteers
• All activities, programmes, and interactions, both in-person and virtual.

 

Definitions

• Safeguarding: Protecting people's health, wellbeing, and human rights, and enabling them to live free from harm, abuse, and neglect.
• Vulnerable adults: Persons aged 18 or over who are unable to protect themselves due to age, illness, disability, or circumstances.
• Children: Any individual under the age of 18.
• Abuse: Includes physical, sexual, emotional, and financial abuse, neglect, bullying, exploitation, and trafficking.

 

Safeguarding Commitment

The Foundation is committed to:

• Providing a safe environment for all beneficiaries, especially vulnerable groups.
• Preventing abuse wherever possible and responding swiftly and appropriately if concerns arise.
• Ensuring all staff and volunteers are properly vetted, trained, and supervised.
• Upholding the highest standards of conduct in all our work, both in the UK and abroad.

 

 

Key Safeguarding Measures

5.1. Recruitment & Vetting

All trustees and volunteers who work directly with vulnerable people must:

• Provide references.
• Undergo enhanced DBS checks (UK) or local equivalents in other countries.
• Sign a declaration of suitability.

Example: Before assigning a volunteer to deliver food parcels to orphans, we ensure they have a clean DBS record and complete our induction training.

 

Training

All personnel will receive mandatory safeguarding training at induction and annual refresher training.

Specialised modules will cover:

• Working with disabled persons
• Child protection protocols
• Cultural sensitivity in high-risk countries

Example: Staff preparing to visit communities in conflict-affected areas will receive context-specific training including trauma awareness and how to handle disclosures of abuse.

 

 

Code of Conduct

All personnel must agree to and follow a Safeguarding Code of Conduct, which prohibits:

• Inappropriate physical contact
• Isolation of a child or vulnerable adult
• Sexual remarks or relationships with beneficiaries
• Taking photographs without consent
• Discriminatory, humiliating, or intimidating behaviour

 

 

Reporting Concerns

• We maintain a clear and confidential reporting structure:
• Any concern must be reported to the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) within 24 hours.
• If criminal behaviour is suspected, authorities will be informed immediately.
• A record will be maintained securely and reviewed.

Example: If a child shows signs of physical injury or fear, the staff member must report this directly to the DSL using our standard safeguarding incident form, which is attached in the last pages of this document.

 

 

International Safeguarding & High-Risk Areas

When working in high-risk countries (as identified by the FCDO), the Foundation will:

• Avoid sending personnel to areas where travel is not advised.
• Work through trusted local partners who have their own safeguarding policies.
• Require written risk assessments before overseas missions.
• Ensure emergency contacts and evacuation procedures are in place.

Example: If distributing supplies in a country where sexual violence is widespread, we will partner with vetted NGOs with experience in that area, ensuring female staff are accompanied and trained in safety protocols.

 

 

Responsibilities

Board of Trustees: Ultimate accountability for safeguarding. Ensures policies are in place and reviewed.

Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL): Oversees implementation, manages incidents, provides advice and training.

Volunteers: Must know and follow this policy, attend training, and report concerns.

 

 

Review and Monitoring

This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if required by law or incident.

Incidents will be logged and reviewed to identify improvements.

Training attendance will be monitored and refresher sessions scheduled.

8. Related Documents

• Trustee Declaration of Eligibility
• Code of Conduct for Staff and Volunteers
• Safeguarding Incident Report Form
• Risk Assessment Policy
• Whistleblowing Policy

 

Contact Details

Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL):
Cynthia Chidalu Nlagu
studentmanager@anthonyudokwufoundationyahweh.co.uk
+2348069286931

 

Chair of Trustees (for escalations):
Anthony Ugochukwu Udokwu
ceo@anthonyudokwufoundationyahweh.co.uk
+447405670169

 

 

Safeguarding Support Documents

Code of Conduct for Staff and Volunteers

 

All staff, volunteers, and representatives of the Foundation must adhere to the following standards to ensure the safety and dignity of all beneficiaries, especially vulnerable individuals:

• Treat all beneficiaries with respect and dignity.
• Never engage in sexual relationships or inappropriate behaviour with beneficiaries.
• Avoid being alone with a child or vulnerable adult where your actions cannot be observed.
• Do not give personal gifts or show favouritism.
• Report any safeguarding concerns immediately to the Designated Safeguarding Lead.
• Maintain professional boundaries in all communications.
• Use language that is respectful and inclusive at all times.
• Obtain proper consent before taking photos or sharing beneficiary stories.
• Cooperate with safeguarding investigations and training requirements.
• Uphold confidentiality, unless reporting a safeguarding concern.

 

 

Risk Assessment Policy

Anthony Udokwu’s Foundation – Yahweh

1. Introduction

This policy sets out the approach Anthony Udokwu’s Foundation – Yahweh will take to manage risks associated with its activities, particularly those involving vulnerable beneficiaries in the UK and abroad. Our aim is to identify, evaluate, and mitigate risks to ensure the safety of beneficiaries, volunteers, and the integrity of our operations.

 

2. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to:

• Promote a culture of safety and awareness.
• Ensure legal compliance and alignment with Charity Commission requirements.
• Reduce the likelihood and impact of foreseeable risks.
• Provide clear procedures for risk assessment and management.
•  

3. Scope

This policy applies to:

• All programmes, activities, and operations conducted by the Foundation.
• All trustees, staff, volunteers, contractors, and third-party partners.

 

4. Types of Risks Considered

• Safeguarding and protection of vulnerable persons
• Health and safety in the workplace and field
• Financial loss, fraud, and mismanagement
• Reputational damage
• Compliance and legal risks
• Political and environmental risks in high-risk areas
• Operational risks (e.g., program failure, staff shortages)

 

5. Risk Assessment Procedure

Risk assessments will be conducted:

• Before launching new projects or programmes.
• When working in new geographic regions.
• Following any safeguarding concerns or incidents.
• As part of regular annual reviews.

The process includes:

5. Identifying potential risks.
5. Evaluating the likelihood and impact.
5. Determining risk level (High, Medium, Low).
5. Planning actions to reduce, manage, or eliminate the risk.
5. Recording the assessment and reviewing it regularly.

 

6. High-Risk Country Operations

When operating in countries classified by the FCDO as high-risk:

• Activities will be suspended in areas under active travel advisories.
• Local partners will be vetted and required to follow equivalent safeguarding protocols.
• Emergency communication plans will be in place.
• Staff will undergo safety training and travel only when cleared.

 

7. Responsibilities

Trustees: Ensure risk assessments are conducted and reviewed.

Volunteers: Report potential risks and comply with mitigation plans.

 

8. Review and Monitoring

Risk assessments will be stored securely and reviewed at least annually or following major incidents. Changes in law, location, or programme design may trigger a policy or assessment update.

 

9. Appendix: Sample Risk Assessment Table

Example format (to be completed per project):

| Risk Description | Likelihood | Impact | Risk Level | Mitigation Measures | Responsible Person |
|------------------|------------|--------|-------------|----------------------|---------------------|
| Abuse of a beneficiary by a volunteer | Medium | High | High | Mandatory DBS check, safeguarding training | Project Lead |

 

 

 

 

 

 

Whistleblowing Policy
Anthony Udokwu’s Foundation – Yahweh

1. Policy Statement

Anthony Udokwu’s Foundation – Yahweh is committed to conducting its activities with honesty, integrity, and transparency. This Whistleblowing Policy provides a mechanism for trustees and volunteers to raise concerns about potential wrongdoing safely and confidentially.

 

2. Purpose

This policy aims to:

• Encourage trustees and volunteers to report suspected misconduct.
• Outline the process for handling whistleblowing disclosures.
• Provide assurance that whistleblowers will be protected.
•  

3. Scope

Applies to all trustees, volunteers, and anyone working on behalf of the Foundation.

 

4. What Should Be Reported

• Criminal offences
• Breach of legal or regulatory obligations
• Safeguarding breaches
• Misuse of Foundation resources
• Acts of dishonesty, fraud, or corruption
• Dangerous practices endangering others
• Any attempt to conceal wrongdoing
•  

5. Reporting Channels

You can report concerns via:

• Chair of Trustees (for escalations):
  Anthony Ugochukwu Udokwu
  ceo@anthonyudokwufoundationyahweh.co.uk
  +447405670169
• In person: To the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)

Anonymous reports are accepted, but named reports are preferred for follow-up and protection.

 

6. How the Foundation Will Respond

• All disclosures will be acknowledged within 3 working days.
• An investigation will begin within 7 working days.
• Findings will be discussed with the reporter unless anonymity was requested.
• Corrective actions will be taken if wrongdoing is confirmed.
•  

7. Protection for Whistleblowers

• You will not suffer any retaliation or victimisation for reporting in good faith.
• Confidentiality will be maintained as far as possible.
• Any retaliation against whistleblowers will be treated as a disciplinary matter.
•  

8. False Allegations

Allegations made in bad faith may result in action being taken against the individual making the claim.

 

9. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually by the Board of Trustees or sooner if needed.

Approved by the Board of Trustees
Date: 05 May 2025

 

 

 

 

 

Volunteer Code of Conduct Anthony Udokwu’s Foundation – Yahweh

 

Purpose

 

This Code of Conduct sets the standard of expected behaviour for all volunteers working with Anthony Udokwu’s Foundation – Yahweh. Volunteers must act in a manner that promotes the safety, dignity, and rights of all individuals, particularly children and adults at risk.

 

General Conduct

• Treat everyone with dignity, equality, and respect.
• Remain professional in all interactions.
• Represent the Foundation positively in all settings.
•  

Safeguarding Responsibilities

• Follow the Foundation’s Safeguarding Policy at all times.
• Never engage in abusive, exploitative, or discriminatory behaviour.
• Report any safeguarding concerns immediately to the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL).
• Do not make promises of confidentiality if someone discloses abuse.
•  

Boundaries and Relationships

• Avoid private, unobserved one-on-one time with children or vulnerable individuals.
• Do not exchange personal contact information with beneficiaries.
• Do not engage in romantic or sexual relationships with beneficiaries.
•  

Use of Media and Communication

• Obtain written consent before taking photos or videos of beneficiaries.
• Do not post or share images or information about beneficiaries online without prior approval.
•  

Confidentiality

• Maintain confidentiality unless a safeguarding concern requires disclosure.
• Do not share sensitive information outside of appropriate channels.
•  

Health and Safety

• Follow all Foundation guidance on risk and safety protocols.
• Report any health or safety hazards encountered during voluntary work.
•  

Commitment to the Role

• Attend induction and safeguarding training sessions.
• Follow instructions from the Chair or Coordinating Trustee.
• Inform the Foundation in advance if unable to fulfil any agreed commitments.

 

Declaration

I, the undersigned, have read, understood, and agree to follow the Anthony Udokwu’s Foundation – Yahweh Volunteer Code of Conduct.

Name: ________________________________________

Signature: _____________________________________
Date: ____________________