Safeguarding and Other Policies

Purpose, Definition and Scope of Safeguarding

Rainforest Saver is obliged to ensure that safeguarding policies are implemented across all its projects globally. Safeguarding aims to protect people, particularly children and vulnerable adults, together with all beneficiaries of our projects, from harm, abuse and neglect which could be detrimental to their health, well-being and human rights. This includes harm arising from:

• The conduct of people associated with Rainforest Saver, specifically partners and project leaders, trustees, volunteers, researchers and contractors engaged on Rainforest Saver projects anywhere in the world.
• The design and implementation of Rainforest Saver’s programmes and activities.

Zero tolerance towards abuse

Rainforest Saver has zero tolerance towards abuse and exploitation towards children and adults, including sexual exploitation and sexual harassment.  Everyone we come into contact with, regardless of age, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation or ethnic origin, is entitled to protection from all harm, abuse, neglect and exploitation.  

A) Prevention:

Rainforest Saver will:

• Ensure all partners, project leaders and others engaged in Rainforest Saver supported activities understand their responsibilities under this safeguarding policy, and receive appropriate guidance
• Conduct its programmes and activities in a way that helps protect people from any risk of harm.

Rainforest Saver partners and project leaders and others engaged in Rainforest Saver supported activities shall not:

• Subject a child or adult to physical, emotional or psychological abuse, or neglect
• Exploit or sexually abuse children or vulnerable adults (including in exchange for payment, through trafficking or systemic use of child labour)
• engage in sexual activity with anyone under the age of consent, as defined by the UK or local criminal code, whichever is lower.

B) Reporting a concern – Whistleblowing

Partners, project leaders and others engaged in Rainforest Saver supported activities are obliged to report any concerns or suspicions regarding safeguarding violations. Rainforest Saver will provide a safe, confidential and accessible procedure for reporting safeguarding concerns, and investigate reports received promptly.  A local nominated safeguarding associate will ensure this. A Trustee will be nominated to investigate complaints.

C) Response

Rainforest Saver will:

• apply appropriate disciplinary measures to staff found in breach of the policy.
• support victims of harm by any of its associates.

ANNEX B: RAINFOREST SAVER POLICY TO PREVENT BRIBERY, CORRUPTION AND MONEY LAUNDERING

Purpose and scope

This policy aims to establish controls to ensure compliance with all applicable anti-bribery regulations and to ensure that Rainforest Saver is conducting its projects in a socially responsible manner. This policy applies to Trustees, staff, partners, project leaders and volunteers.

Definition of bribery and corruption

Bribery is the offering, promising, giving, accepting or soliciting of an advantage as an inducement for action which is illegal or a breach of trust. Such advantage may be commercial, contractual, regulatory or personal.  Bribery may include payments, gifts or hospitality; any offer or acceptance of hospitality must be entered on a designated local register for annual review by Rainforest Saver.

It may be the case that bribes are demanded from Rainforest Saver associates in order for officials to facilitate or expedite an entirely legal procedure. In these circumstances payment may be demanded under duress which might be regarded as extortion rather than bribery.

Corruption is defined as the abuse of entrusted power for private gain.

Definition of money-laundering

Rainforest Saver has opted to comply with the underlying spirit of the UK’s Money Laundering Regulations 2007. Money Laundering involves actions aimed at integrating the proceeds of crime, or terrorist funds, into the mainstream economy including through donations. It requires Rainforest Saver to check donors’ identity and retain all relevant documentation relating to donations.

Zero tolerance towards bribery, corruption and money-laundering

It is our policy to conduct all of our business in an honest and ethical manner. We are committed to acting professionally, fairly and with integrity in all our business dealings and relationships wherever we operate. Breaches of this policy by Trustees, staff, partners, project leaders, volunteers and contractors will trigger disciplinary action up to and including being prohibited from working with Rainforest Saver or termination of contract.

Reporting a concern – Whistle blowing

Trustees, staff, partners, project leaders and volunteers have a responsibility to raise concerns about any suspicion of malpractice at the earliest possible stage. Guidance on this policy forms part of the induction process for staff, partners, and volunteers.

A designated in-country associate will be nominated as responsible overall for ensuring the implementation of the policy, which will be reviewed annually.