Anthony Udokwu's Foundation-Yahweh

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.

This policy applies to:

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

• 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.

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

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