Introduction to Safeguarding in the International Aid Sector

Learn about safeguarding policies and procedures in the aid sector

This course will help those working in NGOs and development and humanitarian agencies to better understand the causes of harm, abuse, and exploitation.

You’ll learn what power and responsibility you and others in your organisation have for addressing these issues, and how to help change organisational approaches to safeguarding.

Discover the key principles of safeguarding

A strong safeguarding policy is key for all international aid organisations and their staff working with and for children, young people, and vulnerable adults.

On this course, you’ll learn about the different forms of harm, abuse and exploitation that may be suffered by those coming into contact with your organisation.

You’ll develop your understanding of the associated indicators of these issues, and identify the safeguarding risks for those you work or come into contact with.

Implement an effective safeguarding framework in your organisation

Using evidence-based safeguarding standards, you’ll learn how to put effective systems and structures in place to reduce the safeguarding risks associated with your work.

By designing preventative, reporting and response mechanisms for handling safeguarding issues, you’ll build the skills to develop a culture of accountability in your organisation and in communities, that encourages people to report and respond to safeguarding concerns appropriately.

Access safeguarding training from international development experts at the OU

This course is created by The Open University and led by a world-leading safeguarding trainer who has worked with many of the world’s leading international aid and humanitarian agencies.

The course material was developed with advisors from BOND and the CHS Alliance, as well as with insights from a senior academic specialist in safeguarding.

This course is designed for all staff in development and humanitarian agencies working in global development, most likely in international and national non-governmental organisations (NGOs).

If you work in such an organisation in human resources, protection, compliance, or monitoring and evaluation, this course will support you in taking on the role of Safeguarding Lead or Officer for your organisation.

It is widely acknowledged that there is no certified, advanced level, or comprehensive safeguarding training for Safeguarding Leads, and this course will support the career pathways for aid workers looking at becoming a safeguarding specialist.

This course is intended for 18+ only.

This online course has been funded by UK aid from the UK government; however the views expressed do not necessarily reflect the UK government’s official policies.

Please note: this course is facilitated by Phillippa Ramsden, Hazel Sloan and Yianny Ioannou from 24 January until 6 March 2022.

This course is designed for all staff in development and humanitarian agencies working in global development, most likely in international and national non-governmental organisations (NGOs).

If you work in such an organisation in human resources, protection, compliance, or monitoring and evaluation, this course will support you in taking on the role of Safeguarding Lead or Officer for your organisation.

It is widely acknowledged that there is no certified, advanced level, or comprehensive safeguarding training for Safeguarding Leads, and this course will support the career pathways for aid workers looking at becoming a safeguarding specialist.

This course is intended for 18+ only.

This online course has been funded by UK aid from the UK government; however the views expressed do not necessarily reflect the UK government’s official policies.

Please note: this course is facilitated by Phillippa Ramsden, Hazel Sloan and Yianny Ioannou from 24 January until 6 March 2022.

• Identify the risks associated with those who work for, or are engaged with, your organisation when they are in contact with others.
• Summarise and explain the different forms of harm, abuse and exploitation and associated indicators that may be suffered by people with whom your organisation works.
• Apply a safeguarding framework based on international standards and donor requirements to improve on safeguarding policies, procedures, and practice.
• Design appropriate preventative, reporting and response mechanisms to handle safeguarding concerns.
• Develop a safeguarding culture of accountability in your organisation and in communities for safeguarding concerns to be reported and responded to appropriately.