Safeguarding Policy – Azam Foundation

A safeguarding policy of Azam Welfare Foundation is to protect individuals, especially vulnerable groups, from harm, abuse, and neglect while ensuring their dignity, well-being, and rights are upheld. Here’s a framework for a safeguarding policy:

1) Purpose and Scope

Purpose: The safeguarding policy is to protect women, children, elderly citizens, and other vulnerable individuals from harm, abuse, exploitation, and neglect within the organization’s programs and activities.

Scope: The policy will be applied to all members of the organization, including staff, volunteers, contractors, visitors, and service users, and across all locations where the organization operates.

2) Safeguarding Principles

Zero Tolerance of Abuse: AWF adopts a zero-tolerance stance toward abuse, neglect, or exploitation in any form.

Respect and Dignity: All individuals, regardless of their age, gender, or status, must be treated with respect and dignity.

Confidentiality and Privacy: Any personal or sensitive information shared by individuals will be kept confidential, respecting their right to privacy.

Empowerment: Provide training, support, and guidance to empower vulnerable individuals to make informed decisions about their lives.

Non-Discrimination: Ensure that there is no discrimination based on gender, age, ethnicity, religion, or disability.

3) Code of Conduct

Professional Behavior: Clear guidelines will be provided on professional behavior for all staff and volunteers, emphasizing boundaries, appropriate interactions, and respectful communication with vulnerable individuals.

Training and Awareness: All staff and volunteers must undergo safeguarding training to recognize, report, and prevent abuse, exploitation, and neglect.

Behavioral Expectations: Clear rules about physical contact, communication, and relationships should be outlined to avoid any potential risk of harm or inappropriate behavior.

4) Safeguarding Measures and Procedures

Prevention and Risk Assessment: Implement thorough background checks (e.g., criminal background checks, references) for all staff, volunteers, and any contractors working with vulnerable groups. Regular risk assessments should be carried out for programs and activities.

Safe Environment: Ensure that all program locations, activities, and spaces are safe for women, children, and elderly citizens. This includes ensuring physical safety and accessibility.

Reporting Mechanisms: Establish clear and accessible mechanisms for individuals to report any concerns or incidents of abuse, harassment, or neglect, with options for confidentiality and protection for those who come forward.

Whistleblowing Policy: Create a process for employees, volunteers, or service users to report concerns about safeguarding violations without fear of retaliation.

Handling Disclosures: Provide clear procedures for responding to disclosures of abuse or harm. Staff should be trained on how to handle such situations with sensitivity, support, and confidentiality.

5) Response and Support

Investigation Process: When a safeguarding concern arises, there should be a defined process for investigating the issue, ensuring impartiality, and providing appropriate action.

Support for Affected Individuals: Offer support services, such as counseling, health care, legal assistance, and other relevant services, to those affected by abuse or harm.

Immediate Protection: If the individual is at immediate risk of harm, measures should be taken to ensure their safety, including contacting law enforcement or child protection services if necessary.

6) Monitoring and Evaluation

Regular Review: The safeguarding policy and procedures should be reviewed regularly to ensure their effectiveness and to make improvements based on feedback and any emerging concerns or changes in law and best practice.

Data Collection and Reporting: Keep records of safeguarding concerns, investigations, and outcomes, ensuring that appropriate and anonymous reporting structures are in place.

Feedback Mechanisms: Regularly seek feedback from service users, staff, and other stakeholders on the effectiveness of safeguarding measures and adjust where necessary.

7) Accountability

Roles and Responsibilities: Clearly define the roles and responsibilities of staff, managers, and board members in safeguarding. This includes ensuring accountability for implementing the policy and procedures.

Reporting and Monitoring: Safeguarding leads or designated officers should be responsible for ensuring that the policy is adhered to and that any incidents are properly reported and addressed.

Partnership with Authorities: In the case of significant abuse or harm, the AWF has established protocols for cooperating with external agencies (e.g., police, child protection services, health authorities) as required by law.

8) Protection of Employees and Volunteers

Mental and Emotional Well-being: Provide support for staff and volunteers who may be exposed to traumatic situations, including counseling and access to mental health resources.

Boundaries: Clearly define boundaries and expectations for staff and volunteers working with vulnerable individuals, emphasizing appropriate behavior and professional ethics.

9) Informed Consent

Education and Health Services: Ensure that informed consent is obtained from individuals (or guardians, if applicable) for any health-related services, nutrition programs, or educational initiatives.

Right to Withdraw: Individuals should be informed of their right to withdraw consent at any time without negative consequences.

10) Cultural Sensitivity

Cultural Awareness: Safeguarding measures should respect cultural differences, ensuring that policies are implemented in a way that does not discriminate or stigmatize individuals based on their cultural or religious practices.

About Azam Foundation

Azam Foundation Established in 2017, as a national, non-profit and non-governmental welfare organization in Punjab, Pakistan. Registered under the Voluntary Social Welfare Agencies (Registration and Control) Ordinance, 1961 (XLVI of 1961)

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Account Details:

Bankname: SILKBANK LIMITED

Account Title: Azam Welfare Foundation

Account No:50615000417078

Branch Code: 5061

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