Safeguarding

Defra are committed to protecting people within our projects from all forms of harm including sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment (SEAH). On this page, you will find information and links to various resources to help you integrate protection from sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment (PSEAH) into all areas of your project.

We operate a zero tolerance to inaction policy. This means that when safeguarding violations occur, projects are expected to take steps to appropriately respond and use lessons learned to improve their PSEAH implementation. All allegations of SEAH must be reported immediately to ODA.Safeguarding@defra.gov.uk

Download the ODA Safeguarding incident report form here.

BCFs Safeguarding Guidance Video:

In June 2024, our team created a video to briefly explain the Biodiversity Challenge Funds guidance for Safeguarding:

Whilst this page is under construction please click on the links below to learn more about PSEAH.

The Common Approach to SEAH (CAPSEAH) is a helpful and practical guide for people and organisations working across the aid sector, including projects working in conservation. This guide (available in multiple languages) can ensure your project and organisation meets minimum safeguarding and PSEAH standards. The Principles underpin and guide SEAH-related conduct of all people and organisations. Minimum Standards set out actions that people and organisations can take to prevent and respond to SEAH. The Practical Guidance gives clear actions people and organisations can take to within the context of their projects or organisations to prevent and respond appropriately to SEAH violations.

The Resource Support Hub (RSH) has a wealth of information on PSEAH. The Safeguarding Essentials guide is available to help guide your PSEAH work.

BOND is an umbrella organisation that connects, strengthens and champions a dynamic network of civil society organisations to eradicate global poverty, inequality and injustice. The Safeguarding Resources page provides information on safeguarding guidance, resources and tools to improve your safeguarding policies and procedures.

The Core Humanitarian Standard (CHS) has PSEAH woven throughout its 9 commitments.  The PSEAH Index was created as a self-verification tool for organisations to determine whether they have the policies and practices in place to protect people in vulnerable situations.

CHS also have an Investigators’ Toolkit with valuable resources on how to conduct SEAH Investigations. Additionally, CHS partners with Humentum to deliver an Investigation Qualification Scheme.