MAF believes that it is never acceptable for anyone to experience abuse of any kind. We strive to maintain excellence in the care of all those with whom we come into contact and for whom we are responsible.
MAF recognises that some people are more vulnerable than others and may have more care and support needs for example because of age, disability, poverty or lack of formal education.
As an organisation we are committed to:
- Valuing all children and vulnerable adults and doing our best to ensure their safety wherever they are involved with MAF.
- Ensuring that all MAF staff are carefully selected and appropriately trained in matters relating to safeguarding as appropriate to their role.
- Having a safeguarding policy and appropriate safeguarding procedures in place, and reviewing these on a regular basis.
- Complying with legal requirements in reporting abuse and cooperating fully with any subsequent investigations.
How to report a safeguarding concern
If you have any concerns in relation to a safeguarding matter in MAF please report them by email to safeguarding@mafint.org
Introduction
MAF believes that it is never acceptable for anyone to experience abuse of any kind. We strive to maintain excellence in the care of all those with whom we come into contact and for whom we are responsible.
MAF recognises that some people are more vulnerable than others and may have more care and support needs for example because of age, disability, poverty or lack of formal education. This policy and associated procedures and guidelines are solely concerned with the safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults.
This policy shall be reviewed every two years. Amendments, updates and other changes required in order to improve the policy and maintain currency will be incorporated in later versions.
A printed copy of this policy shall be kept in each MAF programme and support office. It is also stored digitally on the MAF Intranet.
All MAF staff are required to comply with this policy regardless of where they are serving and whether they are assigned directly to MAF or seconded from another organisation.
All MAF staff, including adult dependants living in or visiting a programme, shall be given a copy of this Policy and guidelines and will be required to indicate, in writing, their acceptance of them and their commitment to following all aspects.
Statement of Commitment to Safeguarding
As an organisation we are committed to:
- Valuing all children and vulnerable adults and doing our best to ensure their safety wherever they are involved with MAF.
- Ensuring that all MAF staff are carefully selected and appropriately trained in matters relating to safeguarding as appropriate to their role.
- Having a safeguarding policy and appropriate safeguarding procedures in place, and reviewing these on a regular basis.
- Complying with legal requirements in reporting abuse and cooperating fully with any subsequent investigations.
- Extending the requirement for safeguarding to those organisations or individuals with whom MAF has formal implementing partner arrangements within the delivery of aid and development activity.
Staff Conduct
MAF expects all MAF staff to comply with its code of conduct and exhibit a lifestyle which reflects its beliefs as a Christian organisation and which supports its purpose, vision and values. This includes proper moral and ethical conduct towards all children and vulnerable adults, in all circumstances and in all relationships.
All MAF staff have a responsibility to seek to prevent any form of abuse, to raise any ongoing concerns, and to report any abuse discovered or suspected.
Zero Tolerance
MAF has a zero tolerance approach to bullying, harassment and the abuse and exploitation of children and vulnerable adults. Where a case is raised it will be investigated accordingly. If there is a case to be answered and the perpetrator is a staff member it will be dealt with under the disciplinary policy (this may lead to the termination of the employment contract for gross misconduct) and if appropriate forwarded to the police.
Management of Safeguarding
This Safeguarding Policy shall be approved by the Board of Trustees prior to its implementation and following any significant revision. The Board will nominate a trustee to take responsibility for safeguarding.
The Chief Executive Officer shall appoint an Organisation Safeguarding Co-ordinator (OSC) who shall be responsible for ensuring this policy and standards are implemented throughout the organisation.
The OSC shall:
- Ensure that appropriate safeguarding training is delivered to all staff
- Assist with any reports and investigations relating to safeguarding as appropriate
- Report in compliance with international legislation regarding safeguarding issues
- Review this policy, procedures and guidelines not less than once every two years; and
- Inform all staff of updates to this policy.
Visitors
All visitors to MAF facilities and premises are the responsibility of the person(s) inviting and/or hosting them. Where a visitor will be staying / residing on a staff ‘housing compound’, the visitor(s) shall be provided with copies of the appropriate policy and information and be suitably briefed on matters relating to safeguarding as appropriate to the circumstances.
Where visitors are taken into a remote community, the visitor(s) shall be provided with copies of the appropriate policy and information and be suitably briefed by the person inviting and/or hosting them on matters relating to safeguarding as appropriate to the circumstances and they shall be required to sign a copy of the safeguarding agreement.