Safeguarding

Tombore Solidarity Innovation (TSI) is committed to protecting every person who comes into contact with our work from harm caused by our staff, volunteers, partners or programmes.

This policy applies to all staff, volunteers, trainers, teachers, contractors, governing body members, visitors and partner organisations, and covers all our programmes: livelihoods, education, peacebuilding and trauma healing, and girl empowerment.

We will prevent harm, respond quickly to every concern, and put people's safety and dignity first.

TSI has zero tolerance for sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment (SEAH).

• No one may ask for sex or any favour in return for aid, materials, training places, jobs or certificates. These services are free and are a right, never a trade.
• Sexual activity with anyone under 18 is prohibited, regardless of local custom.
• Staff who see, hear about or suspect exploitation or abuse must report it. Staying silent is itself a breach of this policy.

Everyone working with TSI must treat community members with respect, listen to them, and never use their position for personal benefit.

• Staff must not use abusive language, threats or violence.
• Staff must not discriminate based on ethnicity, gender, disability, religion, displacement status or political view.
• Staff must not accept gifts or favours from participants.
• Staff must not be alone with a child or vulnerable adult behind closed doors. Activities take place in open, visible places with at least two adults present.

TSI treats every role as a safeguarding role. Before anyone joins our team we:

• Speak to at least two referees, including a former employer, school or respected community leader.
• Confirm identity through our Community Liaison Officers.
• Include at least one safeguarding question in every interview.
• Require every new worker to complete safeguarding induction and sign the Code of Conduct before starting.

Everyone has a duty to report any concern or suspicion that a person has been harmed, exploited or abused by someone linked to TSI. A concern does not need proof; reporting is not accusing.

• Reports can be made to a Safeguarding Focal Point, the Executive Director, or through any feedback channel (suggestion box, face-to-face meeting, or phone).
• Anonymous reports are accepted and reviewed.
• TSI will not punish anyone who reports in good faith. Retaliation is itself misconduct.

A survivor-centred response puts the safety, rights and wishes of the person who experienced harm at the centre of every decision.

• First, we make sure the person is safe.
• Second, we listen without judgement and do not blame.
• Third, we explain the help that is available and let the person decide.

We never force a survivor to report, tell family or authorities, or repeat their story. Information stays confidential and is shared only with informed consent.

Children in the Nuba Mountains have lived through conflict, displacement and loss. TSI accepts a special duty to keep them safe. A child is anyone under 18 years old.

• We carry out extra checks for every role involving contact with children.
• We maintain safe learning spaces with good light, clean water and separate latrines.
• We offer child-friendly reporting routes, including trusted teachers, the Girls' Council and suggestion boxes.
• We respond quickly and carefully to any disclosure of harm, always acting in the child's best interests.

Safeguarding is built into how TSI designs and runs activities, not added later.

• Before any new activity begins, we complete a risk assessment asking who could be harmed, how, and what will prevent it.
• Classes and trainings take place in visible, accessible places during daylight, with at least two adults present.
• Activities are designed so women, girls, older people and people with disabilities can take part safely.