Ensuring Safety and Trust: Safeguarding and Protection Leadership in NGOs Training Course

Introduction

In the critical work of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), upholding the safety and dignity of beneficiaries, staff, and partners is not merely a policy requirement but a fundamental ethical imperative. Safeguarding refers to an organization's responsibility to protect people from harm, abuse, exploitation, and neglect, while protection encompasses broader efforts to prevent and respond to violence, coercion, and deprivation of rights. For NGO leaders, establishing and embedding a robust safeguarding and protection culture is paramount to maintaining trust, mitigating risks, and ensuring the integrity of their mission, especially when working with vulnerable populations.

This intensive training course is meticulously designed to equip NGO leaders, managers, and practitioners with a comprehensive and practical understanding of how to champion, implement, and oversee effective safeguarding and protection frameworks within their operations. From developing survivor-centered policies and fostering a speak-up culture to mastering safer recruitment practices, managing sensitive investigations, and ensuring accountability, you will gain the expertise to create environments where all individuals are respected and safe from harm. This empowers you to build organizational resilience, enhance ethical practice, and strategically contribute to a safer and more protective sector.

Target Audience

  • Executive Directors and Senior Leaders of NGOs.
  • Safeguarding Focal Points and Leads.
  • Human Resources Managers and Recruitment Specialists.
  • Program Managers and Project Coordinators.
  • Field Team Leaders and Country Directors.
  • Compliance, Risk Management, and Legal Officers.
  • Training and Organizational Development Specialists.
  • Board Members with oversight responsibilities for safeguarding.

Duration: 10 days

Course Objectives

Upon completion of this training course, participants will be able to:

  • Understand the core concepts, principles, and legal/ethical frameworks of safeguarding and protection.
  • Grasp the specific risks of harm, exploitation, and abuse in NGO operations, particularly for vulnerable groups.
  • Analyze the critical role of leadership in fostering a proactive safeguarding culture.
  • Comprehend effective strategies for developing, implementing, and monitoring safeguarding policies and procedures.
  • Evaluate different approaches to safer recruitment, onboarding, and ongoing staff management.
  • Develop practical skills in responding to safeguarding concerns, conducting investigations, and managing disclosures.
  • Navigate the complexities of accountability, reporting, and learning from safeguarding incidents.
  • Formulate comprehensive safeguarding action plans for their respective organizations.
  • Understand the importance of survivor-centered approaches and support mechanisms.
  • Champion a continuous improvement mindset for safeguarding and protection.

Course Content

  1. Foundations of Safeguarding and Protection
  • Defining safeguarding, protection, and Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA).
  • Core principles of safeguarding: "Do No Harm," accountability, participation, non-discrimination.
  • Understanding power dynamics and their role in exploitation and abuse.
  • The moral, ethical, and legal imperative for safeguarding in NGOs.
  • Overview of international standards and frameworks (e.g., IASC, CHS Alliance).
  1. Risks of Harm, Exploitation, and Abuse in NGO Contexts
  • Identifying specific safeguarding risks in humanitarian and development settings.
  • Types of harm: physical, emotional, sexual, neglect, financial exploitation.
  • Vulnerable groups and heightened risks: children, women, persons with disabilities.
  • Recognizing signs and indicators of abuse and exploitation.
  • Understanding the impact of harm on individuals and communities.
  1. Leadership for a Safeguarding Culture
  • The critical role of leadership in driving safeguarding commitment and practice.
  • Fostering a "speak-up" culture where concerns can be raised safely.
  • Embedding safeguarding into organizational values, mission, and strategy.
  • Promoting transparency and accountability from the top down.
  • Leading by example: personal conduct and ethical behavior.
  1. Developing and Implementing Safeguarding Policies and Procedures
  • Essential components of a comprehensive safeguarding policy.
  • Creating clear codes of conduct and expected behaviors.
  • Establishing internal reporting mechanisms and whistleblowing policies.
  • Developing procedures for handling concerns, disclosures, and incidents.
  • Integrating safeguarding across all organizational policies (HR, finance, programs).
  1. Safer Recruitment and People Management
  • Best practices for safer recruitment: background checks, references, interviews.
  • Safeguarding during induction, onboarding, and training.
  • Continuous monitoring of staff conduct and performance.
  • Managing volunteers, consultants, and associated personnel.
  • Creating a culture of vigilance and shared responsibility.
  1. Responding to Safeguarding Concerns and Incidents
  • Initial steps upon receiving a safeguarding concern or disclosure.
  • Prioritizing the safety and well-being of the survivor.
  • Principles of a survivor-centered approach.
  • Conducting preliminary assessments and risk management.
  • Distinguishing between different types of concerns and appropriate responses.
  1. Investigating Safeguarding Allegations
  • Principles of fair, impartial, and timely investigations.
  • Planning and managing an investigation process.
  • Interviewing techniques for sensitive situations.
  • Gathering and documenting evidence ethically and securely.
  • Decision-making processes based on investigation findings.
  1. Accountability, Reporting, and Learning
  • Internal accountability for safeguarding failures.
  • External reporting requirements to donors and authorities.
  • Remedial actions, disciplinary procedures, and support for perpetrators (if applicable).
  • Learning from incidents: conducting root cause analyses and strengthening systems.
  • Communicating lessons learned to prevent future harm.
  1. Survivor-Centered Approaches and Support
  • Providing immediate and ongoing support to survivors of harm.
  • Ensuring access to medical, psychosocial, legal, and safety services.
  • Respecting survivor choices and agency throughout the process.
  • Protecting confidentiality and preventing re-victimization.
  • Building a network of trusted referral services.
  1. Monitoring, Evaluation, and Continuous Improvement in Safeguarding
  • Developing indicators for measuring safeguarding effectiveness.
  • Regular auditing and review of safeguarding policies and practices.
  • Utilizing feedback mechanisms from communities and staff.
  • Adapting safeguarding strategies based on lessons learned and evolving risks.
  • The evolving landscape of safeguarding and future challenges for NGOs.

CERTIFICATION

  • Upon successful completion of this training, participants will be issued with Macskills Training and Development Institute Certificate

TRAINING VENUE

  • Training will be held at Macskills Training Centre. We also tailor make the training upon request at different locations across the world.

AIRPORT PICK UP AND ACCOMMODATION

  • Airport pick up and accommodation is arranged upon request

TERMS OF PAYMENT

Payment should be made to Macskills Development Institute bank account before the start of the training and receipts sent to info@macskillsdevelopment.com

For More Details call: +254-114-087-180

 

Ensuring Safety And Trust: Safeguarding And Protection Leadership In Ngos Training Course in Peru
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