Safeguarding Policy

1. Statement of Intent

LifeSpring believes that no one should ever experience abuse, harm, or exploitation. We are committed to safeguarding the welfare of all beneficiaries, staff, volunteers, and contractors. This policy is designed to meet the standards of the UK Charity Commission while respecting the operational realities and community-based nature of our work in Uganda.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all trustees, employees, volunteers, and contractors. In this policy, "Safe Recruitment" refers to the process of ensuring that those we work with are fit to hold positions of trust.

3. Safe Recruitment: The Four-Pillar Integrity Framework

LifeSpring utilizes a multi-layered vetting process to ensure the highest standards of integrity. All personnel must complete the following four pillars before commencing work:

• Pillar 1: Identity Verification: Provision of an appropriate form of identification (such as a National ID, Passport, or a formal Letter of Introduction from a Local Council leader), verified in person by LifeSpring management.

• Pillar 2: Community-Based Verification: Provision of three written references from the following specific sources:

  1. A Local Religious Leader (to verify character and community standing).

  2. A Local Headteacher (to verify professional conduct).

  3. A Person of Standing in the Community (e.g., an Elder or LC1 leader who has known the candidate for at least three years).

• Pillar 3: Life History Interview: A structured, in-depth interview conducted by a LifeSpring Trustee or Lead to verify the individual’s personal history, values, and consistency of character.

• Pillar 4: Sworn Statutory Declaration: As a final layer of accountability, the candidate must sign a formal Fitness to Work Declaration in the presence of a Commissioner for Oaths (Advocate). In this legal document, the candidate formally declares they have no history of criminal convictions, pending charges, or safeguarding concerns.

Note: This framework is supplemented by an annual internal Self-Declaration of Fitness to maintain ongoing eligibility.

4. Code of Conduct (Operational Safety)

To prevent the opportunity for harm, all team members must adhere to the following:

• The Two-Person Rule: No staff member or contractor shall be alone and unobserved with a child or an adult at risk. Work must always be conducted in open view or in the presence of another adult.

• Physical Contact: Physical contact must be culturally appropriate, non-intrusive, and always initiated by the beneficiary.

• Photography & Dignity: Photos must always portray beneficiaries in a dignified manner. Photos of children must not be used if they reveal sensitive personal locations or if the child is in a state of distress. No photos may be taken on personal devices for private use.

5. Reporting Procedures

If any person suspects abuse or a breach of this policy:

1. Safety First: Ensure the immediate safety of the person at risk.

2. Immediate Local Report: Notify the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) within 24 hours.

   • In-Country DSL: Odeke Michael

3. UK Oversight: The DSL must share all reports and concerns with the UK Trustees immediately.

4. Detailed Review: The UK Trustees will conduct a detailed review of all incidents to determine appropriate actions, support for the victim, and potential disciplinary measures.

5. Escalation: The Trustees are responsible for reporting "Serious Incidents" to the UK Charity Commission and, where appropriate, local authorities.

6. Governance and Review

This policy is reviewed annually by the Trustees. We prioritize the Four-Pillar Integrity Framework to ensure a high-trust, community-verified workforce that protects the interests of our beneficiaries and the integrity of the charity.