Applying the Policy in Country Offices
Our experience has underscored that it is vital to ensure that the organisational principles not compromised in the process of contextualisation. The process of dialogue and discussions used while introducing the policy is important in creating staff and partner awareness and ownership for effective implementation of the policy. We aim to work in collaboration with our partners, recognising their contextual expertise and knowledge in Safeguarding risk mitigation and management.
The following guidance can be used by Country Offices for introducing and ensuring understanding of the policy:
- Translate the policy in local/regional/national languages to ensure it is understood by all stakeholders.
- Develop awareness raising resources about the policy content in local languages, i.e. put posters up in the office, ensure that awareness raising campaigns are context specific and integral to programme design
- Disseminate and orientate the policy to all staff, partners, related personnel and volunteers through interactive discussions, workshops and trainings.
- Orientate and sensitize CARE partners to the policy and issues of sexual exploitation, harassment and abuse, and child abut through interactive discussions, workshops and training.
- Include the policy in employee induction programme/pre-departure briefings during emergencies. Implement additional training/coaching of staff with specific responsibility to facilitate wider dissemination and understanding of issues related to sexual exploitation and abuse.
- Disseminate awareness raising with aid recipients and communities that aid is free, the type of behaviours that are unacceptable for CARE and partner staff, and how to report abuse and seek support if it does happen.
- Link the policy implementation to other organisational initiatives that contribute to creating a culture of trust and security, and promoting equity and respect, thereby creating healthy work environments and work relationships.
- Monitor and review the policy implementation, and if needed, adjust training and awareness raising.
- Integrate Safeguarding into programme design – conduct a comprehensive risk assessment that is programme and context specific recognising where programmes may exacerbate the risk of SEA-CA.
- Ensure that every programme has an accessible, safe feedback and accountability mechanism that programme participants, and community members have co-designed with CARE to build trust
- Promote the use of CARE Line with all staff, partners, programme participants and community members
The overarching objective is to protect aid recipients, communities and our staff from harm by CARE and partner staff and to create a safe and respectful work environment wherever CARE is working.
Please refer to ‘Applying the Policy in Practice’ for more information.