SmileSmile

Our Safeguarding Policy

Together We Smile Foundation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of every child we work with. The safety, dignity, and wellbeing of children are central to all our activities, decisions, and relationships. We recognise that children may be vulnerable to abuse, neglect, exploitation, or harm. We take our safeguarding responsibilities seriously and act to ensure that child protection is embedded across our programs, operations, and governance.

Our Safeguarding Commitment

We commit to:

  • Placing children’s safety above all other considerations
  • Creating safe environments for children to learn, grow, and thrive
  • Preventing harm through awareness, training, and clear procedures
  • Responding promptly and appropriately to safeguarding concerns
  • Acting in the best interests of the child at all times

Safeguarding is the responsibility of everyone involved with Together We Smile Foundation.

Legal and Policy Framework

Our safeguarding practices are informed by Nigerian child protection laws and policies, including:

  • The Child Rights Act (2003), which establishes the rights of the child and places the best interests of the child as paramount in all actions concerning them.
  • The Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act (2015), which provides protection against physical, sexual, emotional, and psychological abuse, as well as neglect and exploitation.
  • The National Child Protection Policy, which guides prevention, reporting, and response to child protection risks.

We also work in alignment with relevant state and local child protection structures, including the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development and Local Government social welfare services.

Scope of This Policy

This policy applies to:

  • Board members
  • Staff and volunteers
  • Program leads and partners
  • Anyone acting on behalf of Together We Smile Foundation

It covers all activities, including outreach programs, learning initiatives, mentorship, events, and community engagement.

Safeguarding Structure and Oversight

Together We Smile Foundation has a designated Safeguarding Lead responsible for overseeing safeguarding practice and responding to concerns.
The Safeguarding Lead: James Johnson

  • Reports directly to the Executive Director
  • Staff and volunteers
  • Has access to the Board of Trustees when required
  • Acts independently to prioritise child protection

This structure ensures clear accountability and appropriate escalation of safeguarding concerns.

Code of Conduct

All staff and volunteers are expected to:

  • Treat children with respect, dignity, and care
  • Maintain appropriate professional boundaries
  • Avoid behaviour that could place a child at risk or be misinterpreted
  • Report safeguarding concerns immediately
  • Follow safeguarding guidance and training provided

Failure to comply may result in removal from duties and, where appropriate, referral to relevant authorities.

Reporting Safeguarding Concerns

Any safeguarding concern, suspicion, or disclosure must be reported immediately to the Safeguarding Lead.
All concerns will be:

  • Taken seriously
  • Handled sensitively and confidentially
  • Responded to promptly and appropriately

Where necessary, concerns will be referred to relevant child protection or statutory authorities in line with Nigerian law.

Recruitment, Training, and Volunteers

We are committed to safer recruitment and engagement practices, including:

  • Appropriate screening and vetting of staff and volunteers
  • Safeguarding induction and ongoing training
  • Clear supervision and role responsibilities
  • No one will work directly with children without understanding their safeguarding obligations.

Review and Accountability

This safeguarding policy is reviewed regularly to ensure it remains effective, relevant, and aligned with Nigerian law and best practice.

Our Promise to Children

Every child has the right to be safe, heard, respected, and protected.

Together We Smile Foundation will always act in the best interests of the child.