Safeguarding at Includovate

What We Stand For

Guided by UN principles—protecting all children and vulnerable people

Zero tolerance for violence, abuse, bullying, and discrimination

Regular reviews ensure our policy is up-to-date and effective

At Includovate, safeguarding is at the heart of everything we do. Guided by international human rights principles, including the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, we are committed to preventing harm—such as harassment, abuse, discrimination, bullying—and protecting data privacy.

We maintain a zero-tolerance approach to violence, neglect, exploitation, and abuse against children, treating such acts as gross misconduct. Our duty of care extends to protecting girls and boys of all ages, in all their diversity, from harm and ensuring dignity and respect in all interactions.

Safeguarding in Research

Projects include child and vulnerable participant protections

Ethical approval, informed consent, and support built in from the start

Safeguarding buddy appointed for riskier projects

We design projects and policies with a child-centred approach, focusing on safety, meaningful participation, risk awareness, and privacy. Our safeguarding policy is available online and reviewed every two years to ensure its effectiveness and relevance. You can read our full Child Safeguarding Policy here.

Continuous Improvement

Our policy is reviewed every two years

We update procedures as we learn and grow

We have a Safeguarding Committee to ensure that the organisation provides a safe and secure environment for all individuals, particularly children, adults who are excluded or marginalised, and those at risk of harm. The committee oversees the development, implementation, and monitoring of safeguarding policies and procedures in Includovate projects.

Risk Assessments

Every project starts with a safeguarding risk review

Risks are tracked and reported to senior management monthly

Proactive risk management is a central component of our approach. We actively identify, mitigate, manage, and reduce risks to children associated with Includovate’s functions and programmes. Project Managers complete a Safeguarding Risk Assessment Template at the start of each project, which is regularly reassessed.

Speak Up – Confidential Reporting

If you witness or experience wrongdoing, please choose one of these reporting options:

Fill out our anonymous reporting form online: Report Wrongdoing Anonymously

Use our Incident Reporting Template, email: [email protected] for a copy

Prefer to speak instead of type? Use the voice recording button below—ideal for those who are illiterate, have disabilities, or prefer to submit their responses verbally.

Children-specific complaint procedures are also available.

We are committed to fostering an environment where concerns can be reported safely and confidentially. All reports are taken seriously and assessed with the highest priority.

How We Respond

Only our Safeguarding Committee Chair reviews complaints

All concerns handled with strict confidentiality

If needed, matters are referred to the appropriate client or authority

At Incluodvate, we promote safeguarding internally within the organisation, as well as in our projects. We believe that a well-trained team is crucial for effective safeguarding. All Includovate staff, contractors, and subcontractors undergo mandatory training on child safeguarding and the prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse.

Who We Train:

All team members—including staff, researchers, and contractors
Training covers safe behaviour, spotting harm, and reporting steps
Delivered by our Safeguarding Committee, with real-life scenarios

Recruitment for all staff, contractors, and subcontractors at Includovate requires comprehensive checks to ensure their compatibility with the Child Safeguarding Policy and suitability for working with children. These checks include values- and behaviour-based interview questions, police checks, working with children checks (if applicable), and references from three independent referees (not Includovate staff or family, with at least two from current or former clients/supervisors). A clean criminal record certificate is mandatory for all staff, particularly for roles that involve direct contact with vulnerable groups.

Safe Hiring

Rigorous background and police checks

Reference reviews and behaviour-based interviews

Required for any role involving children or sensitive information

All Includovate employees, contractors, and subcontractors are required to sign and adhere to our Child Safeguarding Code of Conduct. This code outlines expected behaviour, professional boundaries, and safeguarding responsibilities, ensuring the protection of children from intentional or unintentional harm and safeguarding Includovate and its employees from allegations of wrongdoing.

Code of Conduct

All staff sign and agree to clear rules for professional conduct

Everyone helps maintain a safe environment for children and vulnerable people

Includovate fosters an open and transparent workplace culture where staff and participants feel safe to speak up, ask questions, or report concerns without fear of reprisal or judgment. Central to this commitment are regularly facilitated group sharing sessions, which provide a safe space for team members to express their ideas, raise concerns, and build trust within the organisation. In addition, Includovate has established a grievance committee to ensure that any issues that need escalation are addressed promptly and impartially. By combining proactive sharing opportunities with a clear escalation pathway, Includovate empowers staff and participants to raise issues with confidence, knowing their concerns will be heard and addressed efficiently. Research highlights that effective grievance procedures increase trust, surface problems early, and provide significant organisational benefits, including quicker resolution times and improved staff engagement.

Open Culture

Questions and concerns are welcome—before problems escalate

Together, we keep our workplace safe for all

These approaches—safe spaces, regular sharing, and a well-publicised grievance process—underpin Includovate’s commitment to a psychologically safe, inclusive, and responsive work environment, where everyone is encouraged to speak up and contribute to continuous improvement.