Safeguarding

Everyone has the right to be safe from harm and abuse. If you are worried about the safety of yourself or someone you know, you should report this to Windle Trust International.

  • Email: safeguarding@windle.org.uk 

    This is a confidential email address. You can report your concerns directly to the WTI team in the UK. 

  • WhatsApp: +44 7933 349 375 

    Send a message to our dedicated welfare line and a member of the team in the UK will contact you. 

  • Phone: +44 1865 712900 

    Call the WTI office in the UK. (This may incur a charge from your service provider). 

Our Safeguarding Approach 

WTI works with vulnerable and at-risk individuals across Sudan, South Sudan and Somaliland, and with our postgraduate scholars in the UK. As an organisation, WTI takes a survivor-centred approach and prioritises the safety of beneficiaries at all times. WTI take any allegations of this nature extremely seriously, are committed to zero tolerance to abuse and misuse of power, and hold our staff and Trustees to the highest standards as detailed below: 

  • WTI is committed to facilitating the delivery of essential educational programmes to vulnerable, disadvantaged beneficiaries in East Africa in compliance with clearly identified requirements and international humanitarian standards; 

  • WTI is a value-based INGO, and all staff and trustees must demonstrate the highest standards of probity and integrity in all we do; 

  • WTI is committed to a survivor-led approach in our systems and practices, and we do everything in our power to eliminate abusive behaviour, prevent misconduct, and safeguard and promote the welfare of beneficiaries; 

  • WTI reiterates that non-compliance with these standards is not tolerated. Effective disciplinary measures are in place and implemented when necessary; 

  • WTI commits to the protection of our values through effective governance, management, and operational structures, and a nurtured culture of transparency and continuous learning, and living a commitment to deliver programmes and interventions according to need. 

WTI  maintains robust safeguarding policies and procedures that are designed to exceed international guidelines and standards, including policies on Safeguarding, Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse, Whistleblowing and a Code of Conduct signed by and adhered to by all staff, trustees, volunteers and consultants.  

Alongside our policies, our measures to ensure safeguarding include: Taking a pro-active approach to the investigation of safeguarding matters rather than waiting for reports to be received. We expect our staff to be investigating, collecting information, monitoring behaviours and speaking with beneficiaries on a regular and consistent basis ; 

  • Our field staff and staff in direct contact with beneficiaries receive safeguarding training and refresher courses at least quarterly; 

  • We have nominated Safeguarding Focal Persons in Sudan, South Sudan, Somaliland and the UK, as well as a dedicated Safeguarding Advisor based in Juba; 

  • Safeguarding is a standing item on the quarterly trustees’ meeting agenda and we have a named Safeguarding Trustee who oversees all safeguarding matters; 

  • We operate a confidential email hotline for reporting Safeguarding and welfare concerns. We also provide in-country confidential safeguarding telephone and WhatsApp hotlines to ensure broad access to reporting. This information is displayed on large posters in all WTI offices, as well as wherever we have beneficiaries or programmes operating.  

We are committed to keeping safe all of those under our care, whether a part of our programmes, an employee or a volunteer. Help us to say NO to sexual exploitation and abuse by reporting your concerns.