Work for Social
Work for Social is a pro bono intermediary entity. It works to promote the practice of pro bono (professional volunteering) as a tool for social change that has multiple impacts: strengthening of social entities, social awareness, empowerment for a more committed society, development of professional skills in all parties involved, among many others.
1. Introduction
This policy outlines the organization’s commitment to protecting children, ensuring their safety and well-being in all activities carried out by the organization. It provides a clear framework for preventing harm and responding to concerns about children’s welfare.
2. Scope
This CPP applies to all employees, volunteers, trainees, and third parties associated with the organization, including subcontractors and external collaborators.
3. Definitions
- Child: Any individual under the age of 18, as defined by the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC).
- Abuse: Any action that harms or risks harming a child’s physical, emotional, or psychological health, including physical abuse, sexual abuse, neglect, and exploitation.
- Personnel: Includes all employees, volunteers, trainees, and external collaborators working with the organization.
4. Protection Commitments
We are committed to:
- Implementing rigorous recruitment and vetting procedures to ensure child safety.
- Training all personnel on child protection standards and their responsibilities under this policy.
- Establishing and maintaining clear codes of conduct for working with children.
5. Safe Recruitment Procedures
To ensure the safety of children, the following steps will be strictly implemented during recruitment:
- Background Checks:
- All personnel must provide a clean criminal record certificate.
- References from previous employers or supervisors are required, particularly if the role involves working with children.
- Interviews:
- Specific questions related to child safeguarding will be included to assess attitudes and understanding.
- Commitment Declaration:
- All personnel must sign a written commitment to adhere to the CPP and code of conduct.
6. Data Protection and Informed Consent
To comply with GDPR and ensure ethical practices:
- Informed Consent:
- Before collecting data, obtaining images, or conducting interviews involving
- children, explicit consent must be obtained from parents or legal guardians.
- Children, where appropriate, should also provide assent.
- Data Handling:
- Personal information will be stored securely, with access limited to authorized personnel only.
- Images or videos of children will not be used publicly without prior consent and must not include identifying details.
- Transparency:
- All families involved in the organisation will be informed of how data will be used and their rights to access or delete information
7. Code of Conduct
Personnel must:
- Treat children with respect and dignity.
- Avoid behaviors that could be interpreted as abusive, including:
- Using inappropriate or degrading language.
- Unnecessary or inappropriate physical contact.
- Unauthorized communication or interactions outside the professional context.
- Report any suspicion of abuse or breaches of the code immediately.
Specifically, when working with children:
- Never be alone with a child in a closed space without supervision.
- Do not perform tasks involving physical contact unless absolutely necessary and with consent.
- Do not engage in any personal relationship with a minor.
8. Relevant Legislations
The organization commits to complying with:
- National legislation related to child protection in each country of operation.
- United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC).
- Council of Europe recommendations on child protection.
8. Procedures for Reporting and Managing Concerns
- Child Protection Officer (CPO):
- A designated CPO will oversee the implementation of the CPP and manage reports of abuse.
- Reporting Protocol:
- Any suspicion or allegation must be reported to the CPO immediately using a standard reporting form.
- Incident Management:
- Internal disciplinary actions will be taken against personnel breaching child safeguarding rules.
- External cases will be referred to the relevant legal authorities.
9. External Collaborators and Subcontractors
- Agreement to CPP:
- All external collaborators, such as photographers or consultants, must agree to follow the organisation’s CPP.
- Supervision:
- Activities involving children must be supervised by organisation personnel to ensure adherence to safeguarding practices.
10. Childcare Services During Organisation Activities
- Availability:
- Childcare services will be provided to ensure parents can participate in organisation activities without concern.
- Safety Standards:
- Caregivers will be thoroughly vetted, trained in child protection, and supervised at all times.
- Facilities will be child-friendly, safe, and compliant with health and safety regulations.
11. Training and Awareness
- Initial Training:
- All personnel will receive an introductory training session on this CPP during onboarding.
- Ongoing Training:
- Annual refresher sessions will cover updates to the CPP and additional relevant child protection topics.
- Awareness Materials:
- Summaries of the CPP will be distributed and prominently displayed in workplaces and on the organization’s website.
12. Review and Revision
- Frequency:
- The CPP will be reviewed every two years or as needed.
- Documentation:
- Each version of the CPP will include the adoption date and revision history.
13. Commitment and Availability
- Approval:
- This policy is signed by the organization’s directors, demonstrating their commitment to its implementation.
- Accessibility:
- The CPP will be available online on the organization’s website and in print format upon request.
Signed:
- Andrea Sánchez Angulo, legal representative for Work for Social.
>>> Click here to view the document.