Safeguarding Policy

Last updated: August 2026

1. Introduction

Auschidys Disability Africa is committed to creating and maintaining a safe, inclusive, and protective environment for all individuals who come into contact with our work. We recognise that persons with disabilities, children, and vulnerable adults are at increased risk of abuse, exploitation, neglect, and harm. This Safeguarding Policy outlines our commitment to safeguarding and protecting everyone we serve, and sets out the responsibilities of all staff, volunteers, partners, and representatives.

This policy applies to all activities undertaken by Auschidys Disability Africa, regardless of location, and to all individuals engaged in our work, including staff, volunteers, board members, consultants, and partner organisations. It is guided by Kenyan law, including the Kenya Constitution 2010, the Children Act, 2010, the Persons with Disabilities Act, 2003, the Sexual Offences Act, 2006, the Counter-Trafficking in Persons Act, 2010, and the Protection Against Domestic Violence Act, 2015, as well as international frameworks including the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) and the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD).

This Safeguarding Policy should be read alongside our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.

2. Our Commitment

Auschidys Disability Africa is committed to:

  • Protecting all individuals, especially children and vulnerable adults, from all forms of abuse, exploitation, neglect, and harm.
  • Creating and maintaining a safe and inclusive environment where everyone is treated with dignity and respect.
  • Ensuring that all staff, volunteers, and partners understand their safeguarding responsibilities and are equipped to fulfil them.
  • Responding promptly, sensitively, and effectively to all safeguarding concerns and allegations.
  • Continuously improving our safeguarding practices through learning, reflection, and accountability.
  • Embedding safeguarding into all aspects of our programming, operations, and organisational culture.
  • Working in partnership with families, communities, and other organisations to create protective environments for all.

3. Scope

This policy applies to:

  • All Auschidys Disability Africa personnel, including staff members, board members, volunteers, interns, consultants, and contractors, regardless of their employment status or duration of engagement.
  • All Auschidys programmes and activities, including education, health, livelihood, advocacy, and caregiver empowerment initiatives, whether conducted in person or online.
  • All partner organisations with whom we collaborate, who are expected to adhere to safeguarding standards consistent with this policy.
  • All interactions with beneficiaries, families, communities, donors, and stakeholders.
  • All locations where Auschidys operates, including offices, programme sites, schools, health facilities, and community venues.

4. Definitions

Term Definition
Child Any person under the age of 18 years, as defined by the Children Act, 2010.
Vulnerable Adult Any person aged 18 years or older who is or may be in need of community care services by reason of disability, age, illness, or other circumstances, and who is or may be unable to take care of themselves or protect themselves against significant harm or exploitation.
Abuse A single or repeated act or lack of appropriate action occurring within any relationship where there is an expectation of trust, which causes harm or distress to a person, or violates their human rights.
Harm Ill-treatment or the impairment of health or development, including physical, psychological, and emotional damage.
Safeguarding All measures taken to protect people from harm and abuse, and to promote their welfare and wellbeing.
Protection The specific actions taken in response to concerns about abuse or harm, including investigation, intervention, and support.
Perpetrator Any person who has committed abuse or harm against another person.
Allegation A claim or assertion that someone has been abused or harmed.

5. Types of Abuse and Harm

We recognise that abuse and harm can take many forms, including but not limited to:

5.1 Physical Abuse

Causing physical harm, injury, or pain to another person, including hitting, shaking, burning, or inappropriate restraint. It also includes administering harmful substances or withholding essential care.

5.2 Sexual Abuse

Forcing or enticing a person to take part in sexual activities, whether or not they understand what is happening. Includes rape, sexual assault, sexual exploitation, and inappropriate touching or exposure.

5.3 Emotional and Psychological Abuse

Persistent emotional maltreatment that causes severe and persistent adverse effects on a person’s emotional development or mental health. Includes intimidation, belittling, humiliation, isolation, and constant criticism.

5.4 Neglect

The persistent failure to meet a person’s basic physical, emotional, or psychological needs, including adequate food, clothing, shelter, medical care, emotional support, and supervision.

5.5 Financial and Material Abuse

The illegal or improper use of a person’s property, finances, or other assets. Includes theft, fraud, exploitation, and coercion in relation to financial matters.

5.6 Discrimination

Unfair treatment based on a person’s race, gender, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, or other protected characteristics. Includes harassment, exclusion, and denial of rights and services.

5.7 Institutional Abuse

Abuse that occurs within an institution, organisation, or system, where the culture, policies, or practices fail to protect individuals and may actively cause harm.

5.8 Online and Digital Abuse

Abuse that occurs through digital platforms, including cyberbullying, online harassment, grooming, image-based abuse, and the non-consensual sharing of private images.

6. Responsibilities of All Personnel

All Auschidys Disability Africa personnel have a responsibility to:

  • Treat all individuals with dignity, respect, and compassion.
  • Understand and comply with this Safeguarding Policy and associated procedures.
  • Create and maintain a safe and inclusive environment for all.
  • Remain vigilant and attentive to signs of abuse, harm, or potential risk.
  • Report any safeguarding concerns or allegations promptly and through the appropriate channels.
  • Cooperate fully with any safeguarding investigations.
  • Refrain from any behaviour that could be interpreted as abusive, exploitative, or harmful.

7. Code of Conduct

All Auschidys Disability Africa personnel must adhere to the following Code of Conduct:

7.1 Do:

  • Treat everyone with respect, dignity, and fairness.
  • Listen to and take seriously the concerns of children and vulnerable adults.
  • Maintain appropriate professional boundaries at all times.
  • Provide a positive example through your own behaviour and attitudes.
  • Report any concerns about abuse or harm immediately.
  • Respect the confidentiality of any safeguarding concerns, sharing information only on a need-to-know basis.
  • Work collaboratively with families, communities, and partners to create safe environments.

7.2 Do Not:

  • Engage in any form of physical, sexual, emotional, or financial abuse of any person.
  • Develop inappropriate relationships with children or vulnerable adults.
  • Use language or behaviour that is discriminatory, derogatory, or humiliating.
  • Ignore or dismiss any safeguarding concerns raised by others.
  • Promise confidentiality to anyone disclosing abuse, as it may be necessary to share information to protect them or others.
  • Engage in any activity that could compromise the safety or wellbeing of those we serve.

8. Recruitment and Vetting

Auschidys Disability Africa is committed to safe recruitment practices to ensure that all personnel are suitable to work with children and vulnerable adults. Our recruitment process includes:

  • Clear role descriptions outlining safeguarding responsibilities.
  • Structured interviews exploring candidates’ attitudes and values regarding safeguarding.
  • Verification of identity and qualifications.
  • Two professional references, including safeguarding checks where appropriate.
  • Background checks, including criminal record checks, where permitted and appropriate under Kenyan law.
  • An induction process that includes training on this Safeguarding Policy.

We apply the same standards to volunteers, consultants, and partners.

9. Training and Awareness

Auschidys Disability Africa is committed to ensuring that all personnel are equipped to understand and implement this Safeguarding Policy. Our training approach includes:

  • Induction Training: All new personnel receive safeguarding induction training as part of their onboarding.
  • Annual Refresher Training: All personnel receive annual refresher training on safeguarding principles and procedures.
  • Specialised Training: Staff in designated safeguarding roles receive additional specialised training.
  • Community Training: We work with communities, families, and beneficiaries to raise awareness of safeguarding and how to report concerns.

All training is delivered in accessible formats, including sign language interpretation, braille, and plain language materials, to ensure inclusion of persons with disabilities.

10. Reporting and Responding to Concerns

We are committed to responding to all safeguarding concerns promptly, sensitively, and effectively.

10.1 Reporting Channels

Safeguarding concerns can be raised through the following channels:

  • Directly to the Designated Safeguarding Lead: Concerns can be reported in person, by phone, or in writing.
  • To a Line Manager or Supervisor: Personnel can raise concerns with their line manager or supervisor.
  • Through the Confidential Reporting Mechanism: A confidential and anonymous reporting mechanism is available for those who prefer not to disclose their identity.
  • To External Authorities: Concerns may also be reported directly to relevant authorities, including the police, the Children’s Department, or the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner.

10.2 What to Report

Any concern about possible abuse, harm, or unsafe practice should be reported, including:

  • Observed or suspected abuse or harm.
  • Disclosure of abuse or harm by a beneficiary, family member, or other person.
  • Concerns about the behaviour of personnel, partners, or others.
  • Concerns about unsafe practices, environments, or systems.

10.3 How to Respond to a Disclosure

If someone discloses abuse to you:

  • Listen – Listen carefully and patiently. Allow the person to speak at their own pace.
  • Believe – Take the disclosure seriously. Do not dismiss or question the person’s account.
  • Reassure – Reassure the person that they did the right thing by telling you.
  • Do not promise confidentiality – Explain that you may need to share the information to keep them and others safe.
  • Record – Make a clear, factual record of what was said, using the person’s own words where possible.
  • Report – Immediately report the disclosure to the Designated Safeguarding Lead.

11. Investigation and Action

Upon receiving a safeguarding concern, Auschidys Disability Africa will:

  • Assess – Conduct an initial assessment to determine the nature and urgency of the concern.
  • Protect – Take immediate protective action to ensure the safety of the individual(s) at risk.
  • Investigate – Conduct a thorough and impartial investigation, in accordance with our investigation procedures.
  • Refer – Where necessary, refer the matter to external authorities, including the police or Children’s Department.
  • Support – Provide appropriate support to the individual who experienced harm, including psychosocial support and referrals to other services.
  • Act – Take appropriate disciplinary or corrective action against any personnel found to have breached this policy.
  • Learn – Review and update our practices to prevent future incidents.

12. Confidentiality and Information Sharing

We recognise that safeguarding matters are sensitive and require careful handling of information. We are committed to:

  • Sharing information only on a need-to-know basis.
  • Protecting the identity and privacy of individuals involved in safeguarding concerns.
  • Complying with the Kenya Data Protection Act, 2019 and our Privacy Policy in all information handling.
  • Balancing the need for confidentiality with the duty to protect individuals at risk of harm.

Information may be shared with external authorities where necessary to protect individuals from harm or to comply with legal obligations.

13. Preventing and Responding to Allegations Against Personnel

Allegations of abuse or harm against Auschidys Disability Africa personnel will be taken seriously and dealt with in accordance with our disciplinary procedures. This applies to all personnel, including staff, volunteers, board members, and partners.

Upon receiving an allegation against personnel:

  • We will act immediately to protect the individual(s) at risk.
  • We will conduct a fair and impartial investigation, in consultation with external authorities where appropriate.
  • We will take appropriate disciplinary or protective action, including suspension or dismissal.
  • We will refer the matter to the police or other authorities where criminal conduct is alleged.

14. Safeguarding and Persons with Disabilities

Auschidys Disability Africa recognises that persons with disabilities face heightened risks of abuse and harm. Our safeguarding approach is inclusive and disability-responsive, including:

  • Ensuring that safeguarding information is accessible in multiple formats, including braille, sign language, and plain language.
  • Training personnel and partners on the specific safeguarding risks faced by persons with disabilities.
  • Working with disabled persons’ organisations to strengthen safeguarding practices.
  • Ensuring that accessible and safe reporting mechanisms are available for persons with disabilities.
  • Advocating for the rights and protection of persons with disabilities through our programmes and partnerships.

15. Safeguarding in Partnerships

When working with partner organisations, we require that they:

  • Have a safeguarding policy consistent with the principles of this policy.
  • Ensure their personnel are trained in safeguarding.
  • Have safe reporting mechanisms in place.
  • Cooperate fully with any safeguarding investigations.
  • Where partners do not have adequate safeguarding arrangements, we will provide support and capacity building.

All partnership agreements include safeguarding clauses and requirements.

16. Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning

We are committed to continuously improving our safeguarding practices through:

  • Monitoring – Regular monitoring of our safeguarding procedures and compliance.
  • Review – Annual review of this Safeguarding Policy and associated procedures.
  • Learning – Learning from safeguarding incidents and implementing improvements.
  • Audit – Periodic safeguarding audits to assess our performance and identify areas for improvement.
  • Feedback – Encouraging feedback on our safeguarding practices from beneficiaries, partners, and personnel.

17. Designated Safeguarding Lead

Auschidys Disability Africa has designated a Safeguarding Lead with primary responsibility for overseeing our safeguarding work. The Safeguarding Lead:

  • Receives and responds to all safeguarding concerns.
  • Oversees safeguarding investigations.
  • Ensures that all personnel receive appropriate safeguarding training.
  • Reviews and updates the Safeguarding Policy and procedures.
  • Serves as the primary point of contact for external authorities on safeguarding matters.

The Safeguarding Lead can be contacted at safeguarding@auschidys.org.

18. Breaches of this Policy

Any breach of this Safeguarding Policy will be taken seriously and may result in disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal or termination of engagement. Criminal conduct will be referred to the relevant authorities.

Retaliation against any person who raises a safeguarding concern in good faith is strictly prohibited.

19. Whistleblowing

Auschidys Disability Africa supports and protects whistleblowers who raise legitimate concerns about wrongdoing, including safeguarding matters. Our whistleblowing procedures provide a safe and confidential route for personnel and others to raise concerns.

Concerns can be raised directly to the Safeguarding Lead or through our confidential reporting mechanism.

20. Contact Us

If you have any questions about this Safeguarding Policy, or wish to raise a safeguarding concern, please contact us:

Auschidys Disability Africa
Athi River, Kenya
Email: info@auschidys.org
Phone: +254 720901815
Website: www.auschidys.org

For safeguarding concerns specifically, please contact our Safeguarding Lead:

Email: safeguarding@auschidys.org

21. External Reporting

If you are unable or unwilling to report a safeguarding concern through Auschidys Disability Africa, you may report directly to the following authorities:

Kenya Children’s Department
Nairobi, Kenya
Phone: 020 271 9629
Email: info@children.go.ke

Kenya Police – Gender and Child Protection Desk
National Police Service
Phone: 999 / 112
Website: www.nationalpolice.go.ke

National Council for Persons with Disabilities
Nairobi, Kenya
Phone: 020 272 6177
Email: info@ncpwd.go.ke

This Safeguarding Policy reflects our unwavering commitment to protecting all individuals who come into contact with our work, and to creating a world where everyone is safe, respected, and empowered.