Tearfund is committed to maintaining the highest possible standards of integrity, accountability and openness as an organisation.
Tearfund staff across the world – along with staff of the partner organisations who help us to fulfil this work – are obliged to conduct themselves in keeping with these high standards.
As Christians, we believe that every human has immeasurable value and deserves to be treated with dignity and respect.
Whether you are a member of staff (at Tearfund or a partner organisation), a beneficiary, or a member of the public, the following guidance will help you report any concerns you may have about the behaviour of Tearfund staff or representatives.
Safeguarding
Full policy available as a PDF here
Tearfund is committed to promoting the security and wellbeing of the communities we work with, our volunteers and staff. We are committed to the safety, security and dignity of all children and adults who come into contact with our work.
Staff and representatives must ensure that their behaviour promotes and allows children and adults to live free from sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment, including, but not restricted to:
- emotional abuse (including the abuse of power/trust and any form of coercion)
- physical abuse
- sexual abuse and sexual exploitation
- neglect
- discrimination
- human trafficking
Tearfund staff and representatives are required to understand the importance of protecting and safeguarding children and adults by:
- upholding the dignity and respect of children and adults
- taking preventative steps to ensure a safe environment for children and adults
- responding quickly and appropriately to concerns raised
Any allegation or concern regarding the sexual exploitation, abuse or harassment of a child or an adult must be treated seriously and be reported within 24 hours of becoming aware of the issue/concern. A concern can arise, for example, when abusive behaviour is observed or suspected, when an allegation is made or disclosed, or where there are indicators (signs and symptoms) of suspected abuse.
There are two ways to report a concern:
- Email directly to [email protected]
- Use our 24/7 Safecall service – both telephone and email – details can be found below. Please use the relevant local Safecall telephone number if you are concerned that the alleged victim is in imminent danger.
All calls and emails to Safecall are treated in complete confidence by an independent team, who will not disclose your name to Tearfund without your explicit permission. If you telephone, and wish to remain anonymous, Safecall will make follow up arrangements with you. All concerns raised or reported with Safecall will be shared with Tearfund at a senior leadership level, and will be investigated thoroughly. Action will be taken in line with our policies.
Whistleblowing
Full policy available as a PDF here
When someone discovers information which they believe shows serious malpractice, unacceptable behaviours, practices or wrongdoing by Tearfund staff and representatives – including staff working for our partners, it is essential that the individual is able to report concerns internally without fear of reprisal, and independent of immediate line management.
Examples of wrongdoing covered by whistleblowing include:
- Criminal offence e.g. fraud, theft, bribery
- The breach of a legal obligation e.g. failure to have the right insurance
- A miscarriage of justice
- A danger to the health and safety of any individual
- Damage to the environment
- The deliberate concealment of information tending to show any of the above five matters
If you have any concerns or allegations about the conduct of a Tearfund staff member or representative, including partner staff, please contact our whistleblowing channel where all comments will be dealt with in confidence. Issues will be investigated and action taken in line with Tearfund’s policies.
Contact
Phone: +44 (0)20 3906 3746
Email: [email protected]
If the concern is about a member of the Board or the Executive Team, then the following email address must be used: [email protected]
Other concerns
We would also like to hear from you if you:
- have broader questions or concerns about Tearfund’s work or ethos
- are unhappy about an interaction you have had with anyone from, or connected to, Tearfund (apart from issues of Safeguarding or Whistleblowing, which are covered above)
In these instances we are still keen to hear from you. Please use the process outlined in our Supporter Charter in the section Making a Complaint. We want you to tell us where we could be falling short of the high standards we have set for ourselves.
