At Save the Children South Africa, safeguarding children and adults is our top priority across all our programmes. We aim to ensure that everyone who engages with our organisation is kept safe. Our commitment is to prevent deliberate or accidental harm caused by staff, representatives or programmes.
HOW WE WORK TO PREVENT MISCONDUCT
We focus on prevention and make it easy for children, parents, communities and staff to report concerns. Our reporting channels are accessible and tailored to local contexts, and we involve relevant authorities when needed.
Our staff act as safeguarding champions, ensuring community feedback is heard and acted on. Senior leadership and safeguarding focal points build a strong safeguarding culture through awareness-raising and support. A dedicated team manages all safeguarding reports and oversees investigations.
SOME OF THE STEPS WE TAKE TO ENSURE THAT CHILDREN & ADULTS ARE SAFEGUARDED
- We listen to children and adults and include their feedback in our work.
- We ensure communities and staff know our behaviour standards and how to report concerns.
- We provide clear, accessible, and anonymous reporting channels, including for people with disabilities.
- All staff undergo criminal record and reference checks during recruitment.
- Staff receive safeguarding induction and refresher training at least every two years.
- All representatives understand their safeguarding duties and reporting requirements.
- We risk‑assess activities and follow strong mitigation plans.
- We integrate safer programming practices into all programme stages.
- We prevent opportunities for abuse by ensuring children are never left alone with a staff member.
- We respond quickly and in a survivor‑focused manner to all concerns.
- We learn from all incidents and implement improvements.
- We report serious concerns to law enforcement and donors where appropriate.
OUR SAFEGUARDING POLICIES
We have a range of safeguarding policies that guide our commitment to protecting children, adults, and staff under our Safeguarding Framework. These include the Child Safeguarding Policy, Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA) Policy, Code of Conduct, and the Anti-Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying Policy. These policies form the foundation of all our safeguarding practices.
HOW TO REPORT A SAFEGUARDING CONCERN
We do not tolerate any form of abuse or misconduct. If you have a safeguarding concern about Save the Children, our programmes, staff, representatives, or a child, please report it immediately.
If you don’t support it, report it. You can use any of these reporting options:
- WhatsApp: 0860 004 004
- Online: behonest.co.za
- Toll‑free: 0860 604 605
- Email: [email protected]
HOW DOES OUR INCIDENT REPORTING PROCESS WORK
When a concern is reported, we act immediately. A dedicated team ensures all reports are handled confidentially, quickly, and effectively. After addressing any urgent needs of the survivor, an investigation is conducted and findings are shared with Senior Management and HR to ensure appropriate disciplinary action is taken.
