Last Updated: 15 August 2025
1. Introduction
1.1 Joel Obi Foundation (“JOF”, “we”, “us”, “our”) is committed to creating a safe and supportive environment for all individuals we work with, particularly children, young people, and vulnerable adults.
1.2 This Safeguarding Policy outlines our principles, responsibilities, and procedures to prevent harm, abuse, exploitation, and neglect.
1.3 This Policy applies to all staff, volunteers, contractors, donors, and partners associated with JOF.
2. Definitions
2.1 Child: Any person under the age of 18 years.
2.2 Vulnerable Adult: An individual aged 18 or over who is at risk of harm due to disability, illness, or circumstances requiring special care.
2.3 Safeguarding: The proactive measures taken to protect people from abuse, neglect, exploitation, and harm.
2.4 Abuse: Includes physical, sexual, emotional, and psychological harm, as well as neglect and exploitation.
3. Policy Statement
3.1 JOF believes that every individual has the right to live free from harm, abuse, and exploitation.
3.2 We recognise our duty of care to protect beneficiaries, staff, and anyone connected to our activities.
3.3 We take a zero-tolerance approach to all forms of abuse.
4. Scope
4.1 This policy applies to:
- All JOF staff and volunteers.
- Contractors, consultants, and temporary workers.
- Board members and trustees.
- Partner organisations and service providers engaged by JOF.
5. Our Commitments
5.1 Prevention: Implement proactive measures to reduce risks.
5.2 Protection: Respond quickly to concerns, ensuring safety is the priority.
5.3 Participation: Empower individuals to speak up without fear.
5.4 Partnership: Collaborate with relevant agencies to safeguard effectively.
6. Safeguarding Measures
6.1 Safe Recruitment: All personnel undergo background checks, reference verification, and safeguarding training before engagement.
6.2 Training: Ongoing safeguarding awareness and child protection training are provided for all staff and volunteers.
6.3 Codes of Conduct: Staff and volunteers must comply with JOF’s Code of Conduct, including boundaries for appropriate behaviour.
6.4 Digital Safety: Protection of individuals in online interactions, including privacy controls and content moderation.
7. Types of Abuse
We recognise the following categories of abuse:
7.1 Physical Abuse – Inflicting physical harm.
7.2 Sexual Abuse – Any sexual activity with a child or vulnerable person.
7.3 Emotional Abuse – Behaviour causing psychological harm.
7.4 Neglect – Failure to meet basic needs.
7.5 Exploitation – Using someone for personal or financial gain.
8. Reporting Concerns
8.1 All concerns must be reported immediately to JOF’s Safeguarding Officer via safeguarding@joelobifoundation.com.
8.2 Reports may also be made anonymously if necessary.
8.3 We will take all concerns seriously, investigate promptly, and take appropriate action.
9. Responding to Allegations
9.1 Allegations against staff, volunteers, or partners will be handled confidentially and in line with legal requirements.
9.2 Where appropriate, matters will be referred to law enforcement or child protection services.
9.3 The safety of the individual at risk will always be the primary concern.
10. Confidentiality
10.1 All safeguarding matters will be handled in strict confidence, except where disclosure is required to protect someone from harm or comply with the law.
11. Monitoring and Review
11.1 This policy will be reviewed annually or following any safeguarding incident.
11.2 Feedback from staff, beneficiaries, and stakeholders will be considered during each review.
12. Contact Information
Lagos, Nigeria