Safeguarding Policy

Love Burundi – a charity providing study grants to support students at Bujumbura Christian University

Safeguarding Policy

1. Scope and purpose of this policy

This document is the Safeguarding Children, Young People and Vulnerable Adults Policy for Love Burundi, which will be followed by all volunteers, Board members and beneficiaries of the organisation and followed and promoted by those in the position of leadership within the organisation. This policy relates both to Love Burundi’s responsibility for the safeguarding of children, young people and vulnerable adults in the UK, and how we work with our partners to address safeguarding in Burundi. It is this partnership with which we begin.

Because all our work in Burundi is carried out through our partners, namely the Anglican Church in Burundi, and the Bujumbura Christian University (BCU), we acknowledge our responsibility to work together with them to ensure that safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults is essential to our shared mission. In Burundi children’s rights and women’s movements have had a significant impact in recent years. In a context of extreme and widespread poverty and of occasional outbreaks of violent conflict, the churches are active in the pursuit of peacebuilding, reconciliation and empowerment of women and children. Equipping Burundi’s future church and community leaders for a ministry which safeguards the dignity of women and children especially where imbalances of power make them most vulnerable is essential to our motivation as a charitable trust, and we seek to reflect this as we journey with the Anglican Church in Burundi and with Bujumbura Christian University.

Love Burundi expects its partner organisations to maintain safeguarding arrangements that are appropriate to their context and legal framework. Any safeguarding concerns arising through partner organisations that relate to beneficiaries of Love Burundi must be reported promptly through agreed reporting channels and shared with the Board of Trustees where appropriate.

1. We share this policy with key leaders at BCU and seek their input into shaping its development and implementation. We report on this in our annual report to the Charity commission.
2. When reviewing sponsored students’ progress reports we ask that these be prepared with specific reference to an understanding good practice in safeguarding in the Burundi context.
3. With our partners we find ways of celebrating the achievement and learning of students in relation to peacebuilding, economic and educational empowerment, health and welfare, and, in this context, all that is done to affirm human dignity and to keep children safe.
4. We commit with our partners to mutual reporting (UK to Burundi, Burundi to UK) of safeguarding issues on an annual basis.

2. Safeguarding Statement

Love Burundi recognises its responsibility to safeguard and promote the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults. The charity is committed to being an inclusive organisation that values, respects, and supports the diversity of its trustees, volunteers, partners, and beneficiaries.

Love Burundi believes that every child, young person, and vulnerable adult has the right to be protected from harm, wherever they are located. The charity is committed to providing those acting on its behalf with appropriate safeguarding guidance, support, and training to help them fulfil their safeguarding responsibilities effectively.

3. Prevention

Love Burundi is committed to creating a safe and supportive environment where children, young people, and vulnerable adults are protected from harm. Prevention is central to effective safeguarding, and the charity will take reasonable steps to reduce the risk of abuse in all aspects of its work.

To support this commitment, Love Burundi will:

• Promote a culture of safeguarding, ensuring that trustees, volunteers, and representatives understand their responsibilities and feel confident in reporting concerns.
• Provide safeguarding guidance and support to enable individuals to recognise and respond appropriately to concerns about abuse or neglect.
• Follow safer recruitment practices, including references, vetting, and DBS checks where appropriate.
• Encourage open communication so that children, young people, and vulnerable adults feel able to raise concerns and seek support.
• Provide safeguarding information and updates appropriate to the roles of trustees and volunteers.

4. Online and Digital Safeguarding

Where communication takes place through email, social media, messaging platforms, video conferencing, websites, or digital media, trustees and volunteers must maintain professional boundaries and follow safe working practices. The sharing of personal contact details, inappropriate communications, or images that could place a child or vulnerable adult at risk is prohibited.

5. Emergency action to ensure safety

Immediate action may be required where a child, young person, or vulnerable adult is at risk of harm. The safety and wellbeing of the individual must always be the priority.

• Call 999 if emergency medical assistance is required.
• Contact the Police immediately on 999 if an individual is in immediate danger.
• Report the concern to a Trustee as soon as it is safe to do so and within 24 hours.

6. Recognition of abuse

Abuse and neglect are forms of maltreatment that can affect children, young people, and vulnerable adults. Abuse may occur through the infliction of harm or through a failure to act to prevent harm. It can take place in family, community, institutional, or online settings and may be perpetrated by someone known to the individual or, less commonly, by a stranger. Abuse may be carried out by an adult or by another child or young person.

Physical Abuse: Physical abuse is the deliberate causing of physical harm to a child, young person, or vulnerable adult. It may include hitting, shaking, throwing, poisoning, burning, scalding, drowning, suffocating, or other acts that result in injury. Physical abuse may also occur when illness is fabricated or deliberately induced by a parent, carer, or another person in a position of responsibility.

Emotional Abuse: Emotional abuse is the persistent emotional maltreatment of a child, young person, or vulnerable adult that adversely affects their emotional wellbeing and development. It may involve making a person feel worthless, unloved, inadequate, or frightened, exposing them to the mistreatment of others, imposing inappropriate expectations, limiting opportunities for social development, or subjecting them to serious or persistent bullying. Emotional abuse may occur on its own but is often present alongside other forms of abuse.

Sexual Abuse: Sexual abuse involves forcing, persuading, pressuring, or enticing a child, young person, or vulnerable adult to take part in sexual activities. It may involve physical contact, including penetrative and non penetrative acts, or non contact activities such as involving an individual in sexual images or sexual activity. The person may not fully understand what is happening or be able to give informed consent. Sexual abuse may be perpetrated by an adult or by another child or young person.

Neglect: Neglect is the persistent failure to meet a child’s or vulnerable adult’s basic physical, emotional, or psychological needs, resulting in, or likely to result in, significant harm to their health, wellbeing, or development. Neglect may occur during pregnancy as a result of maternal substance misuse. Following birth, neglect may include a parent or carer failing to:

• provide adequate food, clothing, and shelter
• protect from physical or emotional harm
• provide appropriate supervision and care
• ensure access to necessary medical treatment
• respond appropriately to emotional needs

Individuals involved with Love Burundi must remain alert to the possibility of abuse or neglect. Harm may occur within families, communities, organisations, or through individuals connected to the charity. Everyone has a responsibility to recognise concerns, respond appropriately, and report them in accordance with this policy.

7. Procedure in cases of suspected abuse

All trustees, volunteers, and representatives of Love Burundi have a responsibility to recognise, respond to, and report safeguarding concerns involving children, young people, and vulnerable adults. Any concern, suspicion, allegation, or disclosure of abuse must be taken seriously and acted upon in accordance with this policy. Where possible, concerns should be discussed openly and honestly with parents or carers. However, you must not discuss concerns with parents or carers in the following circumstances:

When sexual abuse is suspected: If you believe a child, young person, or vulnerable adult may be experiencing sexual abuse, you must not discuss your concerns with a parent or carer, as doing so may place the individual at further risk or compromise potential evidence.

When organised or multiple abuse is suspected: If concerns involve more than one child, young person, or vulnerable adult, or indicate a network of abusers, you must not discuss the matter with parents or carers, as this may alert those involved and compromise safeguarding action.

When there are concerns about Female Genital Mutilation (FGM): You must not discuss concerns with parents or carers if doing so may place the child at increased risk of harm, particularly where concerns relate to planned travel, family arrangements, or community pressure.

When fabricated or induced illness is suspected: If a parent or carer is believed to be fabricating, exaggerating, or inducing illness, you must not discuss your concerns with them, as this may increase the risk to the child or compromise safeguarding enquiries.

When informing a parent or carer may place someone at risk: If a parent or carer is believed to present a risk to the child, volunteer, or others, you must not discuss concerns with them, as this may increase the risk of harm.

When the parent or carer may be the source of harm: Do not discuss concerns with a parent or carer if they are suspected of causing or contributing to abuse, neglect, or exploitation, as this may place the individual at further risk or hinder safeguarding enquiries.

If you have a safeguarding concern about a child, a young person or a vulnerable adult, you must seek advice. Decisions should never be taken in isolation. You should not manage the concern alone. Any concern, suspicion, allegation, or disclosure relating to safeguarding must be reported to a member of the Board of Trustees within 24 hours of becoming known. Where there is an immediate risk of harm, emergency services and relevant safeguarding agencies must be contacted without delay.

Safeguarding concerns can be reported to:

Mr John Fairbairn

 Email: finances@loveburundi.org

Mrs Christine Muneza

 Email: info@loveburundi.org  

Love Burundi Safeguarding Lead:

Malcolm Macnaughton

Email: Safeguarding@loveburundi.org

Mobile: +44 7933 344746

8. What to do if a child, young person, or vulnerable adult talks to you about abuse or neglect

A child, young person, or vulnerable adult may choose to disclose abuse or neglect directly, or they may begin to share information spontaneously. If this happens, you must:

• Listen carefully and remain calm.
• Allow them to speak at their own pace and in their own words.
• Do not ask leading questions or attempt to investigate.
• Make an accurate written record of what was said, including the date, time, location, people present, and the individual's exact words wherever possible.
• Use their own words and do not interpret or alter what has been said.
• Explain that you cannot promise confidentiality and may need to share the information with people who can help keep them safe.
• Reassure them that they have done the right thing by speaking up.
• Explain what will happen next and that you will seek appropriate help and support.
• Report the concern in accordance with this policy.
• Do not ask them to repeat their account to others unless required by safeguarding professionals.

Concerns may arise through your observations or information received from others, even where a child, young person, or vulnerable adult has not spoken to you directly. In these situations, it may be appropriate to respond calmly and sensitively, using open, non leading questions to clarify what has been observed or shared. You should not investigate the matter yourself. Any concerns must be recorded and reported in accordance with this policy.

If you have concerns about the safety or welfare of a child, young person, or vulnerable adult, you must share those concerns and seek advice. Your first step should be to report the concern to a member of the Board of Trustees.

You should then consult with the relevant Social Care team or safeguarding agency where:

• you remain unsure whether a safeguarding concern exists
• there is disagreement about the level of risk or required action
• you are unable to obtain prompt advice from a Trustee

Consultation is not the same as making a referral. It is intended to help determine whether a referral to Social Care, the Police, or another appropriate agency is required.

9. Make a Referral

A referral involves sharing information with Social Care, the Police, or another appropriate agency where there are concerns about the safety or welfare of a child, young person, or vulnerable adult. Parents or carers should normally be informed that a referral is being made, unless one of the circumstances outlined above applies.

The absence of parental consent or the inability to inform parents or carers must not delay or prevent a referral. Where appropriate, Social Care or the Police will advise on how and when parents or carers should be informed.

You should make a referral in the following circumstances:

• Where a child, young person, or vulnerable adult is at risk of harm from a family member or another person known to them, contact the relevant Social Care service.
• Where a child, young person, or vulnerable adult is at risk of harm from a person unknown to them, contact the Police.
• Where concerns relate to an adult in a position of trust, follow the procedure set out in the section Allegations Against Adults Who Work with Children and Young People.
• Where a child, young person, vulnerable adult, or family requires additional support or early help, contact the appropriate Local Authority or support service.

10. Information required when making a referral

When making a referral, provide as much information as possible. However, a lack of information must never delay or prevent action where there are safeguarding concerns.

Where available, be prepared to provide:

• Your name, role, and contact details.
• The name, date of birth, address, and contact details of the child, young person, or vulnerable adult.
• Details of any parents, carers, siblings, household members, or other significant individuals.
• Relevant information about ethnicity, language, disability, health needs, or vulnerabilities.
• Details of any professionals involved with the individual or family, such as healthcare, education, or social care services.
• A clear description of the concerns, including what has been observed, disclosed, or reported.
• Information about any immediate risks and whether urgent action is required.
• Any support or protective measures that may be needed.
• Whether parents or carers have been informed of the referral and, if not, the reasons why.

11. Action to be taken following the referral

Following a referral, you must keep a clear, accurate, and confidential record of the concern, the information shared, and any action taken. Any decisions made by Social Care, the Police, or other agencies, including decisions not to take further action, should also be recorded together with the reasons given.

All safeguarding concerns, referrals, and subsequent actions must be reported to a Trustee and recorded in accordance with this policy.

12. Allegations against adults who work with children and young people

If you have information which suggests that an adult who works with children and young people, whether in a paid or unpaid capacity, has:

• behaved in a way that has harmed, or may have harmed, a child or young person
• possibly committed a criminal offence against a child or young person
• committed an offence that is related to the welfare or safety of a child
• behaved in a way that indicates that they may be unsuitable to work with children or young people

You should speak immediately with a member of the Board of Trustees. This person will make a referral to the LADO (Local Authority Designated Officer).

13. Whistleblowing

Love Burundi encourages trustees, volunteers, beneficiaries, and partners to raise concerns about the conduct or behaviour of any person connected with the charity. Concerns raised in good faith will be taken seriously, investigated appropriately, and handled confidentially where possible. No individual will be disadvantaged for raising a genuine safeguarding concern.

14. Confidentiality

Information relating to safeguarding concerns will be treated confidentially and shared only on a need to know basis. However, confidentiality cannot be guaranteed where information needs to be shared in order to protect a child, young person, or vulnerable adult from harm.

15. Safeguarding Records

All safeguarding records will be kept securely, treated as confidential, and accessed only by those with a legitimate safeguarding need. Records will be accurate, factual, and stored in accordance with relevant legal requirements and data protection legislation. Records will be retained for an appropriate period and disposed of securely when no longer required.

16. Safer Recruitment

Love Burundi is committed to ensuring that all trustees, volunteers, and representatives are suitable to work with children, young people, and vulnerable adults. Safer recruitment practices will be followed for all roles where safeguarding responsibilities may arise.

• All prospective trustees, volunteers, and employees will be subject to appropriate recruitment and selection procedures, including the review of references and any relevant employment history.
• Volunteers must not work alone with a child, young person, or vulnerable adult. Appropriate supervision and safeguarding arrangements must always be in place.
• DBS checks will be undertaken where a role involves contact with children, young people, or vulnerable adults and where eligibility requirements are met.
• The level of DBS check required will be determined by the nature of the role. Where an Enhanced DBS check is required, it must be completed before any regulated activity begins.
• No individual may undertake regulated activity until the appropriate safeguarding checks have been completed and reviewed.
• Any trustee, volunteer, or representative travelling to Burundi on behalf of Love Burundi who may come into contact with children or vulnerable adults must have an appropriate DBS check and a safeguarding risk assessment completed before travel.
• DBS checks will be renewed and reviewed in accordance with organisational requirements and current safeguarding practice.
• Any information disclosed through safeguarding checks will be considered by the Board of Trustees when determining suitability for a role.

17. Conclusion

Love Burundi is committed to maintaining a culture of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults.

• The Board of Trustees will oversee safeguarding arrangements, review this policy annually, and ensure that safeguarding responsibilities are understood across the organisation.
• All safeguarding concerns, suspicions, allegations, or disclosures must be reported in accordance with this policy and within 24 hours of becoming known.
• Concerns regarding safeguarding practice in the United Kingdom or Burundi will be taken seriously and addressed in consultation with appropriate safeguarding agencies where required.
• Trustees, volunteers, beneficiaries, and partners may raise safeguarding concerns in good faith without fear of disadvantage or reprisal.
• Where necessary, safeguarding concerns may be referred to statutory agencies, the Charity Commission, or other appropriate authorities.

Policy Owner: Board of Trustees

Approved: September 2026

Review Date: September 2027