YVEI is committed to creating environments in which children, young people, adults at risk, volunteers, staff, partners and community members are treated with dignity and protected from harm.
1. Purpose and scope
This policy applies to YVEI activities and to people acting for or representing YVEI, including volunteers, personnel, leaders, partners and service providers involved in programme delivery.
2. Safeguarding principles
- The welfare, dignity and best interests of people affected by YVEI’s work come first.
- Abuse, exploitation, harassment, discrimination and retaliation are not tolerated.
- Concerns are taken seriously and handled promptly, sensitively and as confidentially as possible.
- Programme decisions should consider age, disability, gender, culture and other factors that may affect vulnerability or access to support.
3. Expected conduct
Anyone representing YVEI must maintain appropriate boundaries, avoid exploitative relationships, use respectful language, follow safe programme procedures and never misuse authority, access, images or personal information.
4. Safer programmes and partnerships
Safeguarding should be considered when planning activities, selecting delivery settings, managing volunteers, collecting information, taking photographs and working with partners. Responsibilities should be communicated before participation begins.
5. Raising a concern
Anyone may report a safeguarding concern, including conduct by a person connected with YVEI. Reports may be sent to yveinitiative@gmail.com. If someone is in immediate danger, contact the appropriate local emergency or protection authority first.
6. How concerns are handled
YVEI should record and assess concerns, take proportionate protective action, limit information to those who need it, and refer matters to appropriate authorities or specialist services where required. A person who raises a good-faith concern must not face retaliation.
7. Confidentiality and records
Safeguarding information is sensitive. Records should be accurate, securely held, shared only for a legitimate safeguarding purpose and retained according to applicable requirements.
8. Accountability and review
Breaches may lead to removal from activities, termination of a relationship or referral to relevant authorities. YVEI should review this policy and its implementation as programmes and risks change.