From our CEO, Susanne Legena, “Everything we do in communities, and with children and young people – whether in Australia or overseas – is based on trust and the principle of doing no harm. That is why we don’t just say that safeguarding is what we do, we say it is a crucial part of who we are. Which is why safeguarding sits at the heart of our engagement with communities. We get it right most of the time, but there are times when we don’t. I strongly encourage anyone either within the organisation or outside of it to speak up and report any concerns they have and know that these will be taken seriously and acted on. That is our promise to the communities that we work with and to all of our supporters.”
Here are a few of the ways we work to keep people safe:
- visible and committed leaders who role model our organisational values and behaviours
- clear policies and codes of expected behaviour
- informing and empowering all children, young people and communities about their rights, how to report concerns and the behaviour they can expect from those associated with us
- creating a culture of awareness and prevention amongst staff and anyone connected with our work
- collaborating with partners in our safeguarding efforts and ensuring they meet minimum standards
- safe engagement processes and clear sanctions for those who abuse or harm
- risk assessment, analysis and mitigation.
We believe that everyone has the right to live a life free from violence and are committed to ensuring that all possible and necessary steps are taken to realise the rights of and to actively safeguard from harm; all children, young people and communities that we work with both in Australia and overseas.
Reporting
If you have a concern, suspicion or know of/have witnessed an incident of abuse or harm to a child, young person or anyone in the community that is perpetrated by anyone associated with Plan International Australia (PIA), please let us know.
Concerns can be raised through the following channels:
- inform a Plan International Australia representative
- contact the Safeguarding Focal Point directly: [email protected]
- contact Plan International’s anonymous third party whistleblowing mechanism: www.safecall.co.uk or make a report online.
It is mandatory for anyone connected to Plan International Australia (staff, volunteers, consultants etc) to confidentially report all concerns, suspicions of allegations of abuse/harm/violence and/or any breaches of our safeguarding policies.
We will take all concerns and reports of abuse and harm including sexual exploitation, abuse or harassment seriously and will investigate and act on these reports immediately, with the highest priority, and in accordance with the guiding principles. PIA will ensure that any investigations will be carried out by experienced and qualified professionals who are trained on sensitive, confidential investigations and a victim/survivor centred approach.
Read more about our commitments and accountabilities
- Safeguarding Policy
- Preventing Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment Policy
- Whistleblowing Policy
Compliance and policy review
Our Risk Assurance Team monitor compliance of our safeguarding policies annually, reporting to our Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and the Board.
Our policies are reviewed every three years. Our Safeguarding Delegate manages this in consultation with survivors, partners, communities (where appropriate) and staff, Executive Team and the Board. All policy reviews are approved by the Executive Team and the Board.
Our work is also guided by other codes of conduct and regulations.