Introduction

iHuman Ltd. is a registered charity with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC). We are committed to ensuring the safety, well-being, and protection of all individuals, particularly vulnerable groups, such as children and adults at risk. Our safeguarding policy outlines our approach to promoting a safe environment for everyone involved in our activities, including beneficiaries, volunteers, staff, and external partners.

This policy is aligned with ACNC regulations and sets out our commitment to protecting individuals from harm, including abuse, exploitation, bullying, and harassment.

2. Purpose and Scope

The purpose of this Safeguarding Policy is to:

• • Establish clear safeguarding procedures for iHuman Ltd. staff, volunteers, and partners.

• • Safeguard children, young people, and vulnerable adults from harm, abuse, and exploitation.

• • Provide guidance on how to identify, respond to, and report safeguarding concerns.

• • Promote a culture of safety, dignity, and respect in all iHuman Ltd. activities, including programs, services, and events.

This policy applies to all individuals working with or on behalf of iHuman Ltd., including employees, volunteers, contractors, board members, and third-party partners.

3. Child Protection

iHuman Ltd. recognizes the inherent vulnerability of children and is committed to ensuring that their safety and welfare are paramount in all our activities.

• 3.1 Key Principles

  • • Zero Tolerance of Abuse: iHuman Ltd. maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards child abuse, neglect, and exploitation.

  • • Best Interests of the Child: All actions and decisions will prioritize the well-being of children and young people in line with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC).

  • • Confidentiality and Protection: Concerns related to child protection will be handled confidentially and with due regard for the privacy and rights of the child and their family.

• 3.2 Identifying and Responding to Child Protection Concerns

  • • All staff and volunteers will receive child protection training, including recognizing the signs of abuse, neglect, and exploitation.

  • • All concerns or allegations regarding child abuse must be reported immediately to the designated Safeguarding Officer within iHuman Ltd.

  • • We will cooperate with law enforcement and child protection agencies to investigate and resolve concerns of child abuse or neglect.

  • • Confidentiality will be maintained throughout the process, ensuring that the child’s and family’s dignity is preserved.

4. Preventing Sexual Exploitation, Abuse, and Harassment (PSEAH)

iHuman Ltd. is committed to preventing all forms of sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment (PSEAH) and will take all necessary steps to protect individuals from such behavior.

• 4.1 PSEAH Principles

  • • Respect and Dignity: All individuals are entitled to be treated with respect and dignity. iHuman Ltd. will uphold the rights of individuals to live free from any form of exploitation, abuse, or harassment.

  • • Zero Tolerance: Any incidents of sexual exploitation, abuse, or harassment will not be tolerated. Violations will result in appropriate disciplinary actions, including termination of employment or partnership.

  • • Prevention and Education: iHuman Ltd. will proactively work to raise awareness and educate all stakeholders on the risks of sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment.

• 4.2 Reporting PSEAH Concerns

  • • Staff, volunteers, and beneficiaries who experience or witness any form of sexual exploitation, abuse, or harassment must report the incident immediately to iHuman Ltd.’s Safeguarding Officer or via a designated reporting channel.

  • • All reports will be taken seriously, and a thorough investigation will be conducted in line with our procedures.

5. Consent Management

• 5.1 Key Principles of Consent

  • • Informed and Voluntary Consent: Consent must be given voluntarily and based on full understanding of what is being consented to. The individual providing consent must be capable of making an informed decision.

  • • Ongoing Consent: Consent is an ongoing process. It should be obtained periodically, especially for ongoing activities or changes in the scope of involvement.

  • • Age and Capacity Considerations: For individuals who are children or may lack capacity to provide informed consent (e.g., due to a disability), consent must be obtained from a parent, guardian, or legally authorized representative.

• 5.2 Consent Procedures

  • iHuman Ltd. will ensure that all consent forms are clear, easy to understand, and appropriate for the audience (including children and vulnerable adults).

  • Consent will be documented, and records will be kept in compliance with applicable laws.

  • Individuals will be informed of their right to withdraw consent at any time without fear of retribution.

6. Bullying and Harassment

iHuman Ltd. is committed to creating an environment free from bullying and harassment, ensuring that all individuals are treated with respect and fairness.

• 6.1 Definitions of Bullying and Harassment

  • • Bullying refers to repeated, unreasonable behavior that is intended to harm, intimidate, or offend another individual.

  • • Harassment is any unwanted, uninvited, or inappropriate behavior that creates a hostile, intimidating, or offensive environment.

• 6.2 Prevention and Reporting

  • iHuman Ltd. will ensure that all staff, volunteers, and stakeholders are aware of our anti-bullying and anti-harassment stance and understand how to report incidents.

  • Bullying and harassment complaints will be handled with urgency and confidentiality, with a fair and impartial investigation process.

  • Individuals found to have engaged in bullying or harassment will face disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment or partnership.

7. Reporting Safeguarding Concerns

iHuman Ltd. encourages a culture of openness where safeguarding concerns can be raised without fear of retribution.

• 7.1 How to Report Concerns

  • All staff, volunteers, beneficiaries, and partners are encouraged to report any safeguarding concerns to iHuman Ltd.’s designated Safeguarding Officer.

  • Reports can be made via email, in person, or through a confidential phone or online reporting system

• 7.2 Safeguarding Officer Contact Information

  • Safeguarding Officer Email: info@ihuman.org.au

  • Address: 82A Main Street, Blacktown, NSW, 2148

8. Safeguarding Training and Awareness

iHuman Ltd. will provide regular safeguarding training to all staff and volunteers, ensuring they are equipped with the knowledge and skills to protect vulnerable individuals. Training will include topics such as child protection, PSEAH, bullying and harassment prevention, and consent management.

9. Monitoring and Review

iHuman Ltd. will regularly review and monitor the implementation of this policy to ensure its effectiveness. Any necessary adjustments will be made to improve the protection and well-being of those we serve.

10. Compliance with ACNC Regulations

As a registered charity with the ACNC, iHuman Ltd. adheres to all relevant ACNC governance standards, including those related to safeguarding and protecting vulnerable individuals. We are committed to meeting the legal and ethical obligations set forth by the ACNC and other relevant Australian laws and regulations.

11. Conclusion

iHuman Ltd. is committed to creating a safe environment for all stakeholders and will take all necessary steps to prevent harm, abuse, and exploitation. Our safeguarding policies and procedures reflect our commitment to promoting a culture of safety, respect, and accountability in all our activities.