Press release -
Statement on safeguarding standards and whistleblowing policy
At Practical Action we work with people around the world who are trapped in poverty and disadvantage to help them create opportunities to improve their lives.
In order to successfully do this, it is vital our staff build up trust with the communities they work with.
As we do so, we recognise that we must uphold the highest standards of behaviour amongst our staff and partners. That’s why last year we updated our policies to safeguard and protect vulnerable adults and children and why we work with our partner organisations to ensure their safeguarding standards match ours.
In 2017 we updated and adopted a new complaints and whistleblowing policy. All staff and partners have a confidential method to raise concerns or report misconduct to the highest level in Practical Action, no matter what has taken place, or where. We have specific phone numbers in every country to enable people to report misconduct anonymously and without fear. People may also raise concerns or complain anonymously online here: https://practicalaction.org/contact-us
We have not received any reports of sexual misconduct via these channels.
However, we understand the need to be highly aware of the potential for exploitation of the communities we work with. We continue to work very hard to ensure everybody upholds Practical Action’s values and we strive to embed this in the culture of our teams around the world. We regularly review and monitor our HR policies and training to ensure that the people we work with are safe and our staff are working to expected values.
As with all international development organisations Practical Action absolutely stands by the need for high standards, transparency and ongoing vigilance against exploitation and criminality. The stories in the news undermine the work of people in the sector which is why we are working with BOND, the UK network for organisations working in international development. Along with other members in BOND, Practical Action has committed to a range of measures aimed at ensuring the whole sector works together to improve safeguarding and build trust, is better at reporting incidents and to work on a system of passporting, registration or accreditation of humanitarian and development practitioners.
Practical Action uses technology to challenge poverty in developing countries.
Our strength is our approach. We find out what people are doing and help them to do it better. Through technology we enable poor communities to build on their skills and knowledge to produce sustainable and practical solutions - transforming their lives forever and protecting the world around them.
By doing this each year we help around a million people break out of the cycle of poverty ... for good.
