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Global Life Changers (GLC) SAFEGUARDING POLICY FOR CHILDREN

Global Life Changers (GLC) SAFEGUARDING POLICY FOR CHILDREN

Global Life Changers (GLC) is committed to ensuring the safety, welfare, and well-being of all children we work with. Our safeguarding policy outlines our approach to protecting children from harm, abuse, exploitation, and neglect, ensuring they are supported in a safe and nurturing environment.

    This policy aims to:
  • • Protect children from any form of harm, abuse, neglect, or exploitation.
  • • Provide clear guidelines to staff, volunteers, and partners on safeguarding responsibilities.
  • • Ensure that all children engaged in our programs feel safe and valued
  • • Comply with legal and ethical obligations regarding child protection

This policy applies to all individuals involved with GLC, including:

  • • Staff members (full-time, part-time, and contractual).
  • • Volunteers and interns.
  • • Board members and trustees.
  • • Partners, sponsors, and third-party service providers.
  • • Any individuals who interact with children under GLC programs.

  • • Best Interests of the Child: Every child has the right to be protected and supported.
  • • Zero Tolerance for Abuse: Any form of abuse or exploitation is unacceptable.
  • • Empowerment: Children should be encouraged to express concerns and feel safe to report any issues.
  • • Confidentiality: Sensitive information regarding children will be handled with strict confidentiality.
  • • Accountability: All GLC staff, volunteers, and partners are responsible for upholding safeguarding measures.

Abuse may take various forms, including but not limited to:

  • • Physical Abuse: Inflicting injury through hitting, shaking, or other forms of physical harm.
  • • Emotional Abuse: Subjecting a child to verbal threats, humiliation, or emotional neglect.
  • •Sexual Abuse: Engaging a child in inappropriate or exploitative sexual activities.
  • • Neglect: Failing to provide basic needs such as food, education, and medical care.
  • • Exploitation: Using a child for personal gain, including forced labour or trafficking.

  • • Designated Safeguarding Officer (DSO): Responsible for overseeing the implementation of this policy, handling reports, and ensuring compliance with safeguarding procedures.
  • • Staff and Volunteers: Must complete safeguarding training and adhere to the policy at all times.
  • • Partners and Third-Party Organizations: Required to comply with GLC’s safeguarding standards when working with children.

To ensure the safety of children, GLC follows strict recruitment and training measures:

  • • All staff and volunteers must undergo background checks (e.g., DBS checks in the UK).
  • • Regular safeguarding training must be provided to all team members.
  • • Individuals working directly with children must sign a code of conduct.

If a safeguarding concern arises:

  • • The concern must be reported immediately to the Designated Safeguarding Officer (DSO).
  • • Reports must be documented accurately and confidentially.
  • • If a child is in immediate danger, authorities such as the police or child protection services must be contacted.
  • • GLC commits to taking swift action, ensuring the safety of the child, and conducting necessary investigations.

All individuals associated with GLC must adhere to the following:

  • • Treat all children with dignity and respect.
  • • Maintain appropriate boundaries in all interactions.
  • • Never engage in any form of physical or verbal abuse.
  • • Avoid situations where they are alone with a child in private settings.
  • • Report any suspicious behaviour or safeguarding concerns immediately.

  • • All information related to safeguarding incidents will be handled sensitively and shared only with relevant authorities.
  • • Personal data of children must be stored securely and accessed only when necessary.

  • • This policy will be reviewed annually to ensure effectiveness and compliance with safeguarding laws and best practices.
  • • Feedback from staff, volunteers, and stakeholders will be considered in policy updates.

GLC is committed to creating a safe environment where children can thrive, free from harm and abuse. By upholding this safeguarding policy, we ensure that our mission to empower underprivileged children is carried out ethically and responsibly.

Local Child Protection Authorities & Reporting Procedures

At Global Life Changers (GLC), we are committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all children we support. Given the global nature of our work, safeguarding concerns must be reported to the appropriate child protection authorities based on the country or region in which we operate.

1. Internal Reporting Process

    If a safeguarding concern arises, all staff, volunteers, and partners must:
  • • Report immediately to GLC’s Designated Safeguarding Officer (DSO):
    • Name: Doris Moffat, Director
    • Email: dmoffatt@global-life-changers.com
    • Phone: +44 7931-4272857
  • • Complete a Safeguarding Incident Report Form within 24 hours of becoming aware of the concern.
  • • The DSO will assess the case and escalate it to the relevant local child protection authority if required.

2. UK-Based Child Protection Contacts

  • NSPCC Child Protection Helpline – 0808 800 5000 (www.nspcc.org.uk)
  • • Local Authority Children’s Services – [Insert Relevant Local Council Contact]
  • • Police (Emergency): 999 (If a child is in immediate danger)
  • Child Exploitation and Online Protection (CEOP): www.ceop.police.uk

3. International Child Protection Contacts

As GLC operates globally, safeguarding concerns must be reported to child protection agencies within each country. Below are key contacts in our active regions:

    Africa
  • Nigeria: Child Protection Network (CPN) – +234 806 209 4405
  • Kenya: Department of Children Services – 116 (Toll-Free Helpline)
  • South Africa: Childline SA – 0800 055 555
    • Asia
  • India: Childline India Foundation – 1098 (24/7 Helpline)
  • Philippines: Department of Social Welfare and Development – +63 2 931 8101
    Europe
  • European Child Protection Hotline: 116 111 (Available in most EU countries)
  • France: Enfance en Danger – 119
  • Germany: Kinderschutz-Zentrum – 0800 19 21000
    • North America
  • USA: National Child Abuse Hotline – 1-800-422-4453
  • Canada: Kids Help Phone – 1-800-668-6868
    • Latin America
  • Brazil: Disque 100 (National Child Protection Hotline)
  • Mexico: SIPINNA (National System for the Protection of Children) – 800 835 4325

4. Partnering NGOs & International Agencies

    In addition to government authorities, GLC collaborates with established NGOs and global agencies to ensure proper safeguarding:
  • UNICEF Child Protection Services: www.unicef.org/protection
  • Save the Children: www.savethechildren.net
  • World Vision International: www.wvi.org

5. Country-Specific Safeguarding Policies

For countries where GLC has active programs, we will maintain a Country-Specific Safeguarding Guide with local laws, child protection contacts, and reporting procedures. Staff and volunteers must familiarize themselves with these procedures before engaging in any activities involving children.

6. Confidentiality & Data Protection

All safeguarding concerns must be handled with the highest level of confidentiality. Reports should only be shared with authorized personnel and relevant authorities as necessary.

This policy statement came into force on 7th November 2023 Global Life Changers are committed to reviewing this policy annually. This policy is reviewed on an annual basis by the DSL and Board of Trustees. Reviewed on 2nd September 2024