Legal

Safeguarding Policy

Vision to Impact Foundation · Last reviewed: [date TBC]

1. Our commitment

Vision to Impact Foundation is committed to the safety and wellbeing of every child and young person who engages with our programmes, events or digital platforms. Safeguarding is the responsibility of every member of our team — staff, contractors and volunteers — without exception.

2. Legal framework

Our safeguarding approach is grounded in:

  • Children's Act 1998 (Act 560), Ghana — the primary statute governing the rights and protection of children.
  • The mandate and guidelines of DOVVSU (Domestic Violence and Victims Support Unit, Ghana Police Service).
  • The Department of Social Welfare, Ghana.
  • The Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), Ghana.
  • Where programmes interact with international participants: relevant UN Convention on the Rights of the Child obligations.

3. Scope

This policy applies to:

  • All foundation staff, contractors, consultants and volunteers.
  • All programmes, events and activities delivered or hosted by Vision to Impact Foundation, including Africa We Want and its strands.
  • Digital platforms and communications channels operated by the foundation.

4. Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)

Our Designated Safeguarding Lead is [DSL name — TBC], contactable at [DSL email — TBC] or [DSL phone — TBC].

The DSL is responsible for receiving and acting on all safeguarding concerns, maintaining records, and liaising with external authorities where required.

5. Recognising and reporting concerns

Any person associated with Vision to Impact Foundation who has a concern about the welfare of a child or young person must report it to the DSL immediately. Reports must not be delayed pending "certainty" — a concern, not proof, is the threshold for reporting.

Where there is immediate risk of harm, contact the Ghana Police Service / DOVVSU directly: [DOVVSU contact — TBC] or emergency services: 191/999.

The Department of Social Welfare can be reached at: [contact — TBC]. CHRAJ at: [contact — TBC].

6. Safe recruitment

All staff and volunteers working directly with children or young people will undergo appropriate background checks in line with Ghanaian law and our internal procedures, prior to appointment. References will be taken up.

7. Photography, video and digital consent

We will not publish photographs, video or identifying information about any person under 18 without explicit written consent from a parent or guardian. Consent forms will be maintained on file and are revocable at any time.

8. Breach and disciplinary action

Any breach of this policy by a staff member, contractor or volunteer may result in disciplinary action up to and including termination and referral to appropriate authorities.

9. Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or following any significant incident, change in law, or organisational change. Next review: [date TBC].

10. Contact

Designated Safeguarding Lead: [DSL name — TBC], [DSL email — TBC].

General foundation contact: [email — TBC], Vision to Impact Foundation, [address — TBC], Ghana.

All bracketed placeholders ([TBC]) must be completed before this policy is published and the site goes live.