Child Safety Policy

1. Purpose and Commitment

At United Nationals Countryless Children (UNCC), the care, safety, and protection of children, persons with disabilities, the elderly, and other vulnerable adults are at the heart of everything we do.
UNCC recognises that all individuals have the right to live free from abuse, neglect, exploitation, and discrimination.

We take this responsibility seriously and maintain a zero-tolerance approach to any form of harm, violence, or exploitation committed by staff, volunteers, or partners.

2. Scope

This policy applies to:

• All UNCC employees, contractors, and volunteers;

• Members of the Board of Directors;

• Partner organisations, service providers, and implementing agencies working on behalf of UNCC;

• Visitors or representatives engaged in UNCC-approved programs or community activities.

3. Policy Principles

UNCC’s safeguarding framework is grounded in the Humanitarian Principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality, and independence, as well as the ACNC Governance Standards and relevant Australian child protection laws.

We commit to:

1. Preventing harm — through risk assessment, screening, training, and safe programming.

2. Protecting people — by ensuring safe environments for all beneficiaries and staff.

3. Reporting concerns — through mandatory and transparent reporting systems.

4. Responding effectively — through immediate action, investigation, and accountability.

4. Policy Statements

• UNCC condemns all forms of abuse or exploitation of children or vulnerable adults.

• Every staff member, volunteer, or partner must act to prevent and report suspected abuse.

• UNCC complies with mandatory reporting obligations under Australian law.

• All programs must be designed to avoid causing or contributing to harm to those we serve.

5. Recruitment and Screening

UNCC implements strict recruitment and vetting procedures to ensure the safety of all program participants:

• National Police Checks and Working with Children Checks (or state equivalent) are required for all staff, contractors, and volunteers prior to engagement.

• Where police checks cannot be obtained (e.g., international deployments), equivalent risk-based screening is conducted.

• Behaviour-based interview questions and reference checks are used to identify safeguarding awareness and attitudes.

• All new personnel undergo orientation on UNCC’s safeguarding standards, Code of Conduct, and disciplinary procedures.

6. Training and Awareness

All UNCC personnel and partners must complete safeguarding induction and refresher training.
Training includes:

• Recognising signs of abuse and neglect;

• Understanding reporting obligations;

• Maintaining professional boundaries and safe behaviour;

• Cultural awareness and inclusion principles.

Supervisors are responsible for ensuring that team members understand and uphold these standards at all times.

7. Partner and Program Safeguards

UNCC’s humanitarian work is implemented in collaboration with community partners. To ensure safe delivery of aid:

• All partners must sign and adhere to UNCC’s Safeguarding Agreement before program implementation.

• UNCC conducts risk assessments for new projects and partner engagements.

• Police or security checks are required for all individuals distributing aid or interacting directly with children or vulnerable adults.

• UNCC maintains protocols for safe media and communications, including consent for photographs, recordings, or stories involving beneficiaries.

8. Reporting and Whistleblowing

UNCC maintains confidential reporting procedures for safeguarding concerns.

• Any staff member, volunteer, or community participant who suspects abuse or policy breaches must report immediately to a designated Safeguarding Officer or senior manager.

• Anonymous and confidential disclosures can also be submitted via UNCC’s Whistleblower Reporting System.

• All reports are investigated promptly, impartially, and with respect for privacy and due process.

There are no exceptions to mandatory reporting of suspected abuse or exploitation.

9. Conduct and Disciplinary Action

All staff, contractors, and volunteers must sign the UNCC Code of Conduct and comply with this policy.
Violations of safeguarding standards may result in:

• Termination of employment or engagement;

• Notification to relevant authorities;

• Criminal prosecution where appropriate.

10. Media, Communication and Data Protection

• Images, videos, or personal stories of beneficiaries may only be used with informed consent.

• Identifying details of children or vulnerable persons are not to be published.

• Data protection and privacy laws must be strictly followed in storing or sharing personal information.

11. Monitoring and Review

UNCC reviews this policy every two (2) years or sooner if required by legal, operational, or ACNC governance changes.
Monitoring of safeguarding compliance forms part of UNCC’s internal audit and annual reporting processes.

12. Contact and Access

For information about UNCC’s safeguarding commitments, visit:
www.uncc.agency → Contact Us at www.uncc.agency

13. Board Approval

This Child and Adult Safeguarding Policy were reviewed and approved by the Board of Directors of United Nationals Countryless Children (UNCC).

Approved By:

Chairperson, Board of Directors
Date: 01/01/2025

Endorsed By:

Executive Director / Chief Executive Officer
Date: : 01/01/2025

Next Review Date: : 01/01/2025