Safe guarding policy

Fostering Integrity Foundation is committed to the safety, dignity, and wellbeing of every participant in our programmes. This policy sets out how we fulfil that commitment.

Version1.0 Adopted2026

Next ReviewAnnuallyApplies ToAll programmes and staffOur Commitment Fostering Integrity Foundation believes that every young person who participates in our programmes has the right to be safe, respected, and supported.

We take all reasonable steps to protect participants from harm, abuse, exploitation, and neglect.
This policy applies to all staff, founders, volunteers, mentors, and any third-party partners operating on behalf of the Foundation.

ScopeThis policy covers all Foundation activities including: The Global Impact Programme, including online collaboration and in-person deployment Community Impact grant activities across England The Colombia site visit and all international travel
Any communications between Foundation staff and participantsAge of Participants
Our programmes are open to sixth formers from age 17.
Participants begin the programme while they may be 17 years old.
All international travel and deployment takes place after participants have turned 18.
Participants under 18 are subject to enhanced safeguarding provisions as set out in this policy.
Designated Safeguarding LeadThe Foundation has appointed a Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) who is responsible for overseeing the implementation of this policy and handling any concerns raised.
‍Designated Safeguarding Lead: Fahima Mohmoud, Founder
Contact: info@fosteringintegrityfoundation.org
Subject line: Safeguarding Concern All safeguarding concerns must be reported to the DSL within 24 hours of being identified.
In an emergency where a participant is at immediate risk, contact emergency services (999 in the UK) first.
Safer Recruitment All individuals working directly with participants, including doctorate mentors and programme staff, are subject to the following checks before beginning work with the Foundation:Enhanced DBS check (Disclosure and Barring Service) for those working with under-18s Identity and right-to-work verification
Reference checks from a previous employer or institution

Confirmation of institutional affiliation for doctorate mentors No individual will have unsupervised access to participants under 18 until all checks are complete.
Online SafetyThe Global Impact Programme operates a shared digital platform for collaboration across all eighteen groups. The following rules apply to all platform communications:

All communications must remain professional and programme-relevant One-to-one private messaging between mentors and under-18 participants is not permitted; all communications must include at least one other Foundation staff member No personal contact details (phone numbers, personal email, social media) may be exchanged between mentors and under-18 participants

The Foundation monitors platform activity and reserves the right to remove access for any user whose conduct raises concernInternational Travel and Deployment All international travel takes place after participants have turned 18.

The Foundation will, prior to any deployment: Partner with a reputable, insured nonprofit travel agency for all logistics Ensure all participants hold valid travel insurance covering medical, emergency repatriation, and personal liabilit yConduct a pre-departure briefing covering safeguarding expectations, local context, and emergency proceduresMaintain a 24-hour emergency contact line active for the duration of all trips

Carry out risk assessments for each deployment country prior to travelRecognising and Reporting Concerns Anyone involved with the Foundation who has a concern about a participant's welfare should report it immediately.

You do not need to be certain that harm has occurred a reasonable concern is sufficient. What to ReportAny disclosure of abuse, harm, or exploitation made by a participant

Observed behaviour that suggests a participant is at risk. Any inappropriate behaviour by a staff member, mentor, or volunteer toward a participant.

Concerns about a participant's welfare arising from outside the programmeHow to Report Contact the Designated Safeguarding Lead at info@fosteringintegrityfoundation.org with the subject line Safeguarding Concern. Include the date, what was observed or disclosed, and the names of those involved. Do not investigate independently. If the concern involves the DSL, contact the Founder directly: info@fosteringintegrityfoundation.org

marked for the attention of Fahima Code of Conduct for Mentors and Staff All mentors and Foundation staff must: Treat all participants with dignity and respect at all times.

Never meet a participant under 18 alone in person outside of formally arranged programme activities
Never share personal contact details with participants under 18

Report any safeguarding concern immediately rather than attempting to handle it alone

Comply with this policy and all associated training requirements Data ProtectionAll safeguarding records are held securely and in accordance with the Foundation's Privacy Policy and UK GDPR obligations.

Records are accessible only to the DSL and, where legally required, statutory authorities. Safeguarding records are retained for a minimum of seven years.

Policy ReviewThis policy will be reviewed annually or following any safeguarding incident, change in legislation, or significant change to the Foundation's programmes.

The most current version will always be published at this address.Questions about this policy should be directed to info@fosteringintegrityfoundation.org.