Diam Rek Safeguarding Policy

Diam Rek Charity is committed to safeguarding the wellbeing of all individuals we support through our wheelchair provision programmes in Senegal, The Gambia, and surrounding regions. This policy applies to all Diam Rek staff, volunteers, partners, and anyone acting on behalf of the charity who may come into contact with beneficiaries, their families, or community members.
Our activities include assessing mobility needs, providing and assembling wheelchairs, offering post-distribution support (including WhatsApp), and engaging with vulnerable individuals, including children and adults with disabilities.

1. Purpose and Scope

Safeguarding means protecting people—especially vulnerable adults and children—from harm, abuse, neglect, or exploitation that may arise during our work.

2. Guiding Principles

  • Zero tolerance for abuse: Any form of harm, exploitation, or neglect is unacceptable.

  • Respect and dignity: Every individual is treated with respect, regardless of age, gender, ability, ethnicity, religion, or social background.

  • Do no harm: All Diam Rek activities must prioritise safety and wellbeing.

  • Empowerment: We aim to support individuals’ rights to make their own choices.

  • Accountability and transparency: Concerns will be handled quickly, fairly, and confidentially.

3. Definitions

  • Child: Anyone under the age of 18.

  • Adult at risk: A person aged 18 or over who, due to disability, illness, or social circumstances, may be unable to protect themselves from harm.

  • Abuse: Includes physical, emotional, sexual, or financial harm, neglect, exploitation, or discriminatory mistreatment.

4. Safe Working Practices

4.1 Physical Interaction and Wheelchair Fitting

  • Always seek consent before touching or physically assisting someone.

  • Explain what you are doing and why, in the person’s preferred language.

  • Ensure another adult is present when fitting a wheelchair for a child or an individual who cannot give clear consent.

  • Maintain privacy and dignity, especially when making physical adjustments.

4.2 Home and Village Visits

  • Visits should ideally be done in pairs.

  • Avoid entering private spaces alone.

  • Keep clear records of all visits (date, location, name of recipient).

4.3 Digital Communication (e.g., WhatsApp Groups)

  • WhatsApp groups must be used solely for mobility and wheelchair care support.

  • Do not share personal or sensitive information publicly in a group chat.

  • Always obtain consent before adding beneficiaries to digital groups.

  • Photos, videos, or testimonials must have explicit consent before sharing.

  • Use professional, respectful language at all times.

4.4 Photography and Media

  • Obtain written or verbal consent before taking or sharing any images or videos.

  • Clearly explain how the image will be used (reports, fundraising, awareness).

  • Do not post identifiable images of children without guardian consent.

5. Roles and Responsibilities

All staff and volunteers must read and understand this policy before engaging in fieldwork and report any safeguarding concerns immediately.

A Safeguarding Lead Officer will be appointed to handle safeguarding concerns, maintain records, and ensure training.

6. Reporting Concerns

Anyone representing Diam Rek who suspects or witnesses harm, abuse, or unsafe conduct must report it immediately to the Safeguarding Lead. Reports can be made verbally or in writing and will be treated with confidentiality.
If the person is in immediate danger, local emergency services or community protection authorities must be contacted.
No one will face retaliation for raising a concern in good faith.

7. Recruitment and Training

All volunteers and staff will be briefed on safeguarding before joining activities. Background or reference checks will be conducted where feasible. Ongoing refresher training will be provided annually or after any major incident.

8. Data Protection and Confidentiality

Personal details (names, contact information, medical or disability data) will be stored securely and accessed only by authorised personnel. Information will not be shared without consent unless necessary to prevent harm.

9. Monitoring and Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or following any safeguarding incident to ensure it remains effective and culturally appropriate for Diam Rek operational contexts in West Africa.

10. Policy Approval

This Safeguarding Policy is approved by the Diam Rek Charity Board of Trustees on

[Date]
Signed: __________________________
Name: __________________________
Position: Chair / Director / Safeguarding Lead