Effective Date: 08/05/2025
Review Date: 08/05/2025
Approved by: Board of Trustees

1. Policy Statement
The Global Health Access Trust ("the Trust") is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all individuals, particularly children, young people, and vulnerable adults who come into contact with our services, funded programmes, or charitable activities.

We believe that everyone has the right to live free from abuse, exploitation, and neglect. The Trust has a zero-tolerance approach to abuse in any form.

2. Scope
This policy applies to:

- All trustees, officers, and employees

- Contractors, volunteers, and third-party partners

- Any individual or organisation receiving funding from the Trust

- All programme or grant activity involving contact with service users

3. Legal Framework
This policy is aligned with the following legislation and guidance:

- The Children Act 1989 and 2004

- The Care Act 2014

- The Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006

- Working Together to Safeguard Children (HM Government)

- Charity Commission guidance on safeguarding

4. Definitions
Child: Anyone under the age of 18

Vulnerable adult: A person aged 18 or over who may be unable to protect themselves from harm or exploitation

Abuse: A violation of an individual’s human and civil rights, including physical, emotional, sexual, and financial abuse or neglect

5. Responsibilities
Trustees have ultimate accountability for safeguarding within the Trust

Safeguarding Lead: One trustee will be appointed as the Safeguarding Lead to oversee implementation and review

All personnel must complete safeguarding induction training and report any concerns immediately

6. Safeguarding Procedures
All concerns, disclosures, or allegations must be reported without delay to the Safeguarding Lead

The Safeguarding Lead will assess risk and contact statutory authorities where necessary

Accurate records will be kept securely and confidentially

Incidents will be reviewed and discussed at Board level as part of risk management

7. Safer Recruitment
The Trust ensures that all trustees, staff, and volunteers involved in programme delivery are:

- Subject to background checks (e.g. DBS checks where appropriate)

- Properly referenced and inducted

- Aware of safeguarding expectations and policy

8. Partnerships and Due Diligence
Any funded partner or organisation must:

- Provide their safeguarding policy

- Demonstrate compliance with local safeguarding laws

- Cooperate fully in reporting and resolving safeguarding issues

9. Whistleblowing
All individuals connected to the Trust are encouraged to report any concerns relating to misconduct or abuse. Whistleblowers will be protected from reprisal under the Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998.

10. Review and Training
This policy is reviewed annually or following any significant safeguarding event. Trustees and key personnel must complete safeguarding training and refreshers as necessary.

Contact Details
Designated Safeguarding Lead:
Dr Jagdev Thukral
Subject Line: Safeguarding Concern – Confidential