Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy

1. Our commitment

C-PAID has zero tolerance for abuse, exploitation, neglect or harassment of any kind. We are committed to preventing harm, responding promptly and fairly to every concern, and putting the safety and wellbeing of the people we serve above all other considerations, including our reputation. We act in line with Nigerian law, including the Child’s Rights Act 2003, the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act 2015 and the equivalent laws in force in Oyo State and in every state where we work.

2. Who this policy protects

This policy protects:

• Children and young people under the age of 18, including those in ChildFirst, Girls Forward and Street to Future;
• Adults at risk, including women and others taking part in BuildHer, WIDE and She Thrives whose circumstances may make them vulnerable to harm or exploitation;
• Anyone who comes into contact with C-PAID through our programmes, events or communications.

3. Who must follow it

This policy applies to everyone who works with or on behalf of C-PAID: trustees, staff, volunteers, interns, consultants, contractors and visitors to our programmes. We also expect partner organisations that deliver activities with us, or on our behalf, to meet equivalent safeguarding standards.

4. How we keep people safe

1. Safe recruitment. We take up references and carry out appropriate background checks for everyone whose role brings them into contact with children or adults at risk.
2. Code of conduct. Everyone covered by this policy signs and follows our safeguarding code of conduct before they begin work.
3. Training. Staff and volunteers receive safeguarding training suited to their role, with regular refreshers.
4. Safe programme design. We assess safeguarding risks before every activity, avoid unsupervised one-to-one contact with children wherever possible, and make sure that more than one adult is present at programme sessions.
5. Consent and dignity in images and stories. We obtain informed consent before taking or using photographs, videos or stories, and for children we also obtain parental or guardian consent. We never publish information that could identify where a child lives or put anyone at risk.
6. Confidential records. Personal information about participants is stored securely and shared only when necessary to keep someone safe or where the law requires it.

5. Behaviour we will never accept

No one who represents C-PAID may:

• physically, emotionally or sexually abuse, threaten or humiliate any person;
• engage in any sexual activity or relationship with a person under 18;
• exchange money, employment, goods, services or programme benefits for sex or sexual favours;
• use their position to exploit, pressure or manipulate any participant;
• contact children privately through personal phones or social media outside agreed programme channels;
• ignore, conceal or fail to report a safeguarding concern.

Any breach will be investigated and may lead to dismissal, termination of a volunteer or partner relationship, and referral to the police or other authorities.

6. How to raise a concern

If you are worried about the safety or wellbeing of anyone involved in our work, or about the behaviour of anyone who represents C-PAID, please tell us. You do not need proof, and you do not need to be certain.

• Email: [safeguarding reporting email]
• Phone: [safeguarding phone line]
• Safeguarding Lead: [name and role]

You may raise a concern anonymously. If a child or adult is in immediate danger, please contact the police or emergency services first, then let us know.

7. What happens next

We will acknowledge every report within [48 hours] and treat it seriously, confidentially and without delay. The wellbeing and wishes of the person affected will guide our response. Where appropriate, we will connect them with medical, psychosocial or legal support. Where the law requires it, or where a crime may have been committed, we will refer the matter to the police and the relevant state authorities. Concerns about a trustee or senior leader will be handled by [the Chair of the Board of Trustees].

8. No retaliation

No one who raises a concern in good faith will face punishment, dismissal or any other disadvantage, even if the concern is not upheld. Retaliation against a person who reports is itself a breach of this policy.

9. Accountability and review

The Board of Trustees holds overall responsibility for safeguarding at C-PAID and receives regular reports from the Safeguarding Lead. This policy is reviewed at least once a year, and sooner if the law changes or our work expands. A copy of our full internal safeguarding procedures is available to funders and partners on request.