Safeguarding Policy

1. Policy Statement

Twahirah Islamic Charity Organisation (TICO) is committed to creating and maintaining a safe and respectful environment for all individuals, especially children, women, persons with disabilities, and vulnerable adults who benefit from our programs. This policy ensures that all staff, volunteers, partners, and stakeholders uphold the highest standards of protection, accountability, and integrity.

2. Purpose

This policy seeks to:

• Prevent harm, abuse, neglect, exploitation, or discrimination of any kind.
• Establish clear roles, responsibilities, and procedures for safeguarding.
• Promote awareness of safeguarding principles among all stakeholders.
• Ensure compliance with Uganda’s Children Act, the Data Protection and Privacy Act 2019, and international safeguarding standards.

3. Scope

This policy applies to:

• All TICO staff, Board members, contractors, interns, and volunteers.
• All implementing partners, donors, suppliers, and consultants.
• All individuals engaged in TICO programs, whether in Uganda or online.

4. Guiding Principles

• Zero Tolerance for Abuse – Any form of abuse, neglect, exploitation, or harassment is prohibited.
• Best Interests First – Children and vulnerable groups’ welfare take priority in all decisions.
• Accountability & Transparency – Concerns are addressed promptly and fairly.
• Inclusivity – Equal respect for all, regardless of religion, gender, age, disability, or background.
• Confidentiality – All reports and personal data are handled securely.

5. Key Definitions

• Child: Anyone under 18 years.
• Vulnerable Adult: A person unable to protect themselves due to age, disability, or economic status.
• Abuse: Physical, emotional, sexual harm, neglect, exploitation, or discrimination.

6. Roles & Responsibilities

• Board of Directors: Oversight and approval of safeguarding policy.
• Executive Director: Overall responsibility for implementation.
• Safeguarding Focal Person: Designated staff for handling reports and follow-up.
• All Staff & Volunteers: Must comply and report any safeguarding concerns.

7. Code of Conduct

All TICO personnel and associates must:

• Treat all individuals with dignity and respect.
• Avoid harmful or inappropriate behavior.
• Never engage in sexual activity with children or vulnerable adults.
• Not exchange money, goods, or services for sexual favors.
• Avoid situations that may be misinterpreted (e.g., being alone with a child in a private setting).

8. Safeguarding Measures

• Recruitment & Screening – Background checks and safeguarding commitments for staff and partners.
• Training – Regular safeguarding and child protection training.
• Safe Program Design – Every project must assess and mitigate safeguarding risks.

9. Reporting & Response

• Allegations must be reported immediately to the Safeguarding Focal Person or Executive Director.
• Reports will be investigated confidentially and fairly.
• Serious cases will be referred to the Uganda Police Force and relevant authorities.
• Whistleblowers are protected from retaliation.

10. Partnership Compliance

All partners, contractors, and service providers must:

• Sign TICO’s safeguarding commitment.
• Apply safeguarding measures in their operations.
• Report any safeguarding concerns to TICO without delay.

11. Data Protection

TICO protects personal data of beneficiaries, staff, and partners in line with the Data Protection and Privacy Act 2019 and internal data security procedures.

12. Monitoring & Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or after any safeguarding incident. Compliance will be monitored through regular audits, spot checks, and evaluations.

13. Sanctions

Breaches of this policy may result in disciplinary action, including dismissal, termination of partnership agreements, and legal action where necessary.