The importance of Safeguarding in everything we do

In everything we do, WaterAid is committed to the safeguarding and wellbeing of all individuals, including the people in the communities in which we work, staff, volunteers, contractors, and partners. WaterAid has zero tolerance for the abuse of power, privilege or trust, or any form of inappropriate behavior, discrimination, abuse, harassment, or exploitation of any kind.

You can learn more about WaterAid’s commitment to safeguarding here: Safeguarding at WaterAid

Working on behalf of WaterAid often means holding a position of trust; to work towards our mission of transforming the lives of some of the most marginalized communities by improving access to safe water, sanitation, and hygiene, all those representing WaterAid must be aware of the responsibility that comes with our position of trust, and never misuse it.

To uphold these commitments, our Global Safeguarding Team works collaboratively across the organization to ensure safeguarding is prioritized in all aspects of WaterAid’s work. They do this by working closely with leadership teams, partners, and safeguarding focal points (SFPs).

In every country where WaterAid works, there is at least one designated SFP who plays a critical role in championing safeguarding and ensuring safeguarding central to all aspects of our work. Working collaboratively with the Global Safeguarding Team, SFPs support staff, partner, and volunteer safeguarding training to increase overall understanding and awareness of safeguarding; coordinate accessible safeguarding support for staff and partners; act as a confidential point of support, advice, and guidance for staff, partners, and community members; and, promote good safeguarding practices in their offices.

This past October, over 40 of WaterAid’s SFPs from across almost all the organization’s Country Programs, Regions, and Members were brought together by the Global Safeguarding Team in Bangkok, Thailand, to take part in an interactive and immersive Safeguarding training. This training served as an opportunity to deepen their knowledge of WaterAid’s safeguarding policies, procedures, and approaches, while developing practical skills in safeguarding prevention and awareness raising.

The first of its kind at WaterAid, the SFP training was an immersive learning experience for SFPs. Using an activity-driven approach, the training provided a unique opportunity to learn from each other’s knowledge and experiences and foster deep connections between SFPs and the Global Safeguarding Team.

Returning home, SFPs now have an increased ability to contextualize safeguarding to their locations and have the required skills and support systems to implement effective and culturally relevant safeguarding training.

Reflections from participants show the true impact of the training:

"I count myself as a very busy Safeguarding Focal Point. Operating from Ghana, West Africa, I cover all project districts and regions, raising community Safeguarding Champions, and pushing our 'do no harm’ agenda.

For me, I see the 5-day session as the beginning of great things to come; effective learning and collaboration among Safeguarding Focal Points regionally and globally; continuous improvement in terms of safe programming and safer recruitment; smart Safeguarding Resource Mobilization; and capacity development for Safeguarding Focal Points."

– Robert Bruce, Capacity Building, Learning & Partnerships Officer and Safeguarding Focal Point, WaterAid Ghana

"Having all SFPs together helped materialized the community we are. Coming together to learn from each other allowed for a greater exchange of knowledge and experiences. It also helped strengthen the Safeguarding Focal Point support network, and create stronger links between us, which is essential as we lead such a crucial and challenging topic as safeguarding."

– Candelaria Lucero, Interim Country Director and Safeguarding Focal Point, WaterAid Colombia

"Working remotely, it can feel difficult to connect with people on my team, let alone other Safeguarding Focal Points who work across so many different time zones. It wasn’t until I was 13,500 km from home that I felt that connection. Having the opportunity to come together with such a dedicated group of WaterAiders has been incredibly inspiring. 

The Global Safeguarding Team led the Safeguarding Focal Points through an in-depth and engaging training program, inspiring in us a renewed passion for safeguarding. With new knowledge, practical tools, and a close-knit Safeguarding Focal Point network, I feel ready and excited to share my knowledge with WaterAid Canada, so that we can ensure we continually uphold WaterAid’s commitment to safeguarding in everything we do.”

– Élise Lapalme, Personal Philanthropy and Stewardship Officer and Safeguarding Focal Point, WaterAid Canada