SAFEGUARDING CHILDREN AND VULNERABLE ADULTS

1. Statement of Intent Humanitas Initiative is committed to providing a safe and secure environment for all participants. We believe that every individual has the right to be protected from harm, regardless of their background or identity. This policy outlines the procedures we follow to ensure the safety of children and vulnerable adults during our workshops and consultancy sessions.

2. Code of Behaviour Professional Conduct: I will maintain professional boundaries at all times. Supervision: All workshop sessions involving minors will be conducted in the presence of a staff member from the hosting organisation or a verified professional. Communication: All professional interactions and scheduling will be conducted via official email to maintain a transparent record.

3. Procedures for Reporting Concerns Observation: I will remain vigilant for any signs of physical, emotional, or psychological harm. Recording: Any disclosure or incident will be recorded factually and immediately in a private incident log. Referral: I will report any concerns directly to the Designated Safeguarding Lead of the partner organisation or relevant local authorities without delay.

4. Recruitment and Training Vetting: I will maintain an up to date Enhanced AccessNI check. Training: I am committed to regular safeguarding training to ensure compliance with Northern Ireland's regional standards.

EQUALITY, DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION

Our Commitment Humanitas Initiative is dedicated to fostering a community where diversity is celebrated and integration is an active, ongoing conversation. We are committed to dismantling prejudice and promoting cultural intelligence across the Causeway Coast and Glens borough.

Our Methodology To achieve our mission we utilise an active integration approach in all our facilitated workshops. This ensures equality by: Normalising Mistakes: We create a safe space where participants can navigate cultural misunderstandings without fear of judgment. Psychological Safety: We ensure that every participant, regardless of their cultural or ethnic background, feels empowered to speak and be heard. Shared Wisdom: We use storytelling and local proverbs to identify shared values, bridging the gap between international experiences and local Northern Ireland traditions.

Inclusive Delivery Accessible Content: We ensure our curriculum and workshops are delivered in a way that is accessible to people of all abilities and backgrounds. Venue Neutrality: We work with hosting organisations to ensure that all sessions take place in neutral, safe, and physically accessible environments. Language Awareness: We use clear communication strategies to support participants for whom English is an additional language.

Zero Tolerance While we encourage open dialogue, we maintain a zero tolerance policy for intentional harassment, hate speech, or discriminatory behaviour.

HEALTH AND SAFETY

1. Statement of General Policy Humanitas Initiative recognises its responsibility to provide a safe and healthy environment for all workshop participants and partners. Our goal is to prevent accidents and maintain a professional standard of delivery in every community space we occupy.

2. Risk Assessment Procedures Site Inspections: Before delivering a workshop I will conduct a visual risk assessment of the venue. Hazard Identification: I will identify potential risks such as trip hazards from equipment or blocked fire exits. Mitigation: I will take immediate action to minimise risks, such as using cable covers for the projector or ensuring the hosting organisation has briefed me on fire assembly points.

3. Managing Group Safety Capacity Control: We will adhere to the maximum occupancy limits of any venue we use. Participant Briefing: At the start of every session, participants will be informed of the nearest exits and any specific safety rules of the building. Incident Reporting: Any accidents or near misses will be recorded in an official accident book and the hosting organisation will be notified immediately.

4. Specialist Equipment Safety Electrical Safety: Any equipment purchased through the Enterprise Fund, laptop and projector, will be maintained in good working order. Manual Handling: Care will be taken when transporting the mobile workshop setup to ensure personal safety and the safety of those nearby.

CONFLICT OF INTEREST

1. Purpose The purpose of this policy is to protect the integrity of Humanitas Initiative's decision making process and to enable our partners and funders to have confidence in our integrity.

2. Defining Conflict of Interest A conflict of interest arises when the personal interests of the founder or a connected person could influence, or be perceived to influence, business decisions. This includes: Financial Interests: Receiving a personal financial benefit from a business transaction. Personal Relationships: Awarding contracts or business to friends or family members without a transparent procurement process.

3. Disclosure and Management Declaration: I am committed to declaring any potential conflicts of interest to partners or funders as soon as they arise. Procurement Integrity: When purchasing equipment through grants like the Enterprise Fund, I will follow official procurement guidelines, ensuring that quotes are obtained from independent suppliers. Record Keeping: A Register of Interests will be maintained to document any declared conflicts and the actions taken to manage them.

4. Gift and Hospitality I will not accept gifts or hospitality that could be perceived as influencing my professional judgment or the delivery of Humanitas workshops.

PRIVACY POLICY

Humanitas Initiative is committed to protecting your personal data in compliance with UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018. We collect only the minimum data necessary to deliver our services. Data is stored securely, never sold to third parties, and retained only for as long as necessary. Participants have the right to access, rectify, or request erasure of their data at any time by contacting contact@thehumanitasinitiative.org

WORKPLACE POLICY

Humanitas Initiative operates as a mobile, community-based social enterprise. We are committed to safeguarding, equality, inclusion, and dignity in every space we work. After all, we are all humans.

Policies