Helena Hope Foundation

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Safeguarding and Protection Policy

Effective Date: July 30th 2026

1. Purpose

Helena Hope Foundation (“the Foundation”) is committed to protecting the safety, dignity, rights, and wellbeing of all people who participate in or benefit from its activities.

This Safeguarding and Protection Policy establishes the principles and procedures the Foundation will follow to prevent abuse, exploitation, neglect, and harm, particularly involving:

  • Children.
  • Young people.
  • Women.
  • Elderly persons.
  • Persons with disabilities.
  • Vulnerable and disadvantaged communities.

The Foundation is committed to creating safe environments where all beneficiaries, volunteers, staff, partners, and community members are treated with respect.

2. Scope

This policy applies to:

  • Trustees.
  • Employees.
  • Volunteers.
  • Contractors.
  • Partners.
  • Consultants.
  • Anyone representing Helena Hope Foundation.

All individuals working with or representing the Foundation are expected to uphold safeguarding principles.

3. Commitment to Safeguarding

Helena Hope Foundation has zero tolerance for:

  • Child abuse.
  • Sexual exploitation or abuse.
  • Domestic violence.
  • Physical abuse.
  • Emotional abuse.
  • Neglect.
  • Exploitation.
  • Discrimination.
  • Harassment.
  • Any behaviour that places vulnerable persons at risk.

The Foundation will take appropriate action where safeguarding concerns arise.

4. Safeguarding Principles

The Foundation will:

  • Put the safety and wellbeing of beneficiaries first.
  • Treat every person with dignity and respect.
  • Listen to concerns raised by beneficiaries.
  • Act promptly when concerns are identified.
  • Maintain confidentiality while ensuring appropriate reporting.
  • Work with relevant authorities and professional organisations where required.

5. Protection of Children and Vulnerable Persons

Where activities involve children or vulnerable persons, the Foundation shall ensure:

  • Safe programme environments.
  • Appropriate supervision.
  • Responsible behaviour from volunteers and representatives.
  • Clear boundaries between beneficiaries and Foundation representatives.

Individuals representing the Foundation must never:

  • Engage in inappropriate relationships with beneficiaries.
  • Exploit their position of trust.
  • Use their role for personal advantage.
  • Request inappropriate personal information or contact.

6. Recruitment and Selection

Where applicable, the Foundation shall take reasonable steps to ensure that individuals working with vulnerable groups are suitable.

This may include:

  • Reference checks.
  • Identity verification.
  • Background checks where available and appropriate.
  • Safeguarding training.

7. Code of Conduct

All representatives of Helena Hope Foundation must:

  • Treat beneficiaries respectfully.
  • Communicate professionally.
  • Maintain appropriate boundaries.
  • Avoid behaviour that could cause harm or create risk.

Representatives must not:

  • Abuse their position of authority.
  • Exploit vulnerable individuals.
  • Exchange money, gifts, or favours for inappropriate reasons.
  • Engage in any form of abuse or exploitation.

8. Reporting Safeguarding Concerns

Anyone who becomes aware of a safeguarding concern must report it promptly.

Concerns may include:

  • Suspected abuse.
  • Harm to a child or vulnerable person.
  • Unsafe behaviour.
  • Exploitation.
  • Misconduct by a Foundation representative.

Reports should be made to:

Safeguarding Lead:
Name: Helena Oluwaseun Shorinolu

Alternative Contact:
Name: Stella Olubumni Shorinolu Opayemi
Contact: info@helenahopefoundation.org

9. Handling Reports

When a concern is reported, the Foundation shall:

  • Record the concern appropriately.
  • Treat information sensitively.
  • Assess the level of risk.
  • Take appropriate action.
  • Refer matters to relevant authorities or professionals where necessary.

The Foundation will not ignore safeguarding concerns.

10. Confidentiality and Information Protection

Safeguarding information shall only be shared with individuals who need the information to protect beneficiaries or manage the matter appropriately.

Personal information shall be handled responsibly and securely.

11. Partner Organisations

Any organisation partnering with Helena Hope Foundation shall be expected to respect safeguarding principles.

Where appropriate, partnership agreements should include safeguarding responsibilities.

12. Community Awareness

The Foundation may provide awareness programmes relating to:

  • Child protection.
  • Domestic violence prevention.
  • Women’s safety.
  • Health and wellbeing.
  • Community protection.

13. Trustee Responsibility

The Trustees are responsible for ensuring:

  • Safeguarding systems are maintained.
  • Concerns are addressed properly.
  • Representatives understand their responsibilities.
  • The Foundation continuously improves its protection measures.

14. Review of Policy

This policy shall be reviewed periodically by the Trustees and updated where necessary to reflect:

  • Legal requirements.
  • Donor expectations.
  • Best practice standards.
  • Lessons learned from Foundation activities.

Approved Sealed by:

Founder and Trustee

Name: Helena Shorinolu and Mrs Stella Shorinolu Opayemi

Date: July 30th 2026

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