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EDF Foundation Safeguarding Policy Statement
Commitment to Safeguarding
The EDF Foundation (The Education for Development Foundation) is dedicated to improving educational opportunities for underprivileged children and young people across Thailand. In our work, we engage with children, families, teachers, schools, communities, donors, and partners. Many of these children and adults may be vulnerable for various reasons.
We are committed to creating and maintaining a safe, respectful and supportive environment in which no child or adult experiences harm, exploitation, or neglect during their contacts with us.
Our Approach
The EDF Foundation as always will comply with all applicable Thai laws, as well as relevant international standards on safeguarding and child protection. We will take proactive steps to ensure that risks are minimized, incidents are properly addressed, and the rights and dignity of children and adults are upheld.
The EDF Foundation is committed to:
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Valuing, respecting and listening to children, families, and adults in all of our programs and activities.
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Maintaining strong safeguarding systems to prevent, identify, and respond to situations where abuse, neglect, or exploitation may occur.
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Sharing best practices and relevant information on safeguarding concerns with appropriate parties, ensuring involvement of children and adults where suitable.
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Conducting thorough assessments and interventions whenever there are concerns or evidence of harm or risk.
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Zero tolerance to inaction – all staff, volunteers, and partners must act immediately on any safeguarding concerns.
Responsibilities of Staff, Volunteers, and Partners
All the EDF Foundation staff, volunteers, contractors, consultants, and partners are required to:
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Uphold the values and principles of this policy in all interactions.
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Ensure their behavior reflects our Code of Conduct and safeguarding expectations.
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Report any safeguarding concerns immediately to their supervisor, Safeguarding Focal Point, or designated safeguarding authority within the Foundation.
Resources and Implementation
The EDF Foundation will provide adequate resources training, and communication to ensure that this policy is fully implemented, understood, and practiced by all staff and partners. This policy will be communicated clearly to donors, schools, and partner organizations to ensure alignment with safeguarding principles.
Review and Continuous Improvement
This policy will be reviewed annually and updated to reflect new legal, regulatory, or contextual developments, ensuring our safeguarding framework remains robust and effective.
Definitions
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Child: Anyone under the age of 18, as defined by the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC, 1989).
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Adult at Risk: Any person aged 18 years or older who may be unable to care for or protect themselves against significant harm, neglect, or exploitation, due to personal circumstances or external factors such as poverty, disability, illness, conflict, or disaster.
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Staff: Includes all personnel engaged by the EDF Foundation, whether paid or unpaid, permanent or temporary, as well as volunteers, contractors, and consultants.
Reporting Concerns
The EDF Foundation requires all staff, volunteers, and partners to report safeguarding concerns immediately. Reports can be directed to the Safeguarding Focal Point within the Foundation.
For further information or to raise a concern, please contact:
[email protected]
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