SAFEGUARDING AND PROTECTION POLICY

Students Wellbeing Foundation of India (SWFOI)

1. Policy Statement

Students Wellbeing Foundation of India (SWFOI) is committed to creating a safe respectful and supportive environment for all students members volunteers leaders and beneficiaries associated with its activities.

Safeguarding and protection are central to everything we do.

2. Scope of This Policy

This policy applies to

• Members
• Volunteers
• Leaders
• Staff
• Donors where relevant
• Any individual interacting with SWFOI programs or platforms

The policy applies to all online and offline activities conducted within India.

3. What Safeguarding Means at SWFOI

Safeguarding refers to protecting individuals from

• Abuse or neglect
• Harassment or exploitation
• Discrimination or bullying
• Emotional physical or psychological harm
• Unsafe situations or environments

SWFOI aims to minimise risk and promote wellbeing through awareness guidance and responsible conduct.

4. Our Commitment

SWFOI commits to

• Promoting a culture of safety respect and dignity
• Preventing harm wherever possible
• Acting responsibly on safeguarding concerns
• Providing guidance and coordination support
• Maintaining confidentiality within legal limits

5. Limitations of Role

SWFOI provides guidance coordination and awareness support only.

SWFOI does not replace
• Police
• Medical services
• Legal authorities
• Emergency responders

In cases of immediate danger individuals are advised to contact local emergency services first.

6. Responsibilities

Organisational Responsibility

SWFOI shall
• Establish safeguarding procedures
• Provide awareness and guidance
• Take reasonable steps to address concerns
• Decide appropriate action at its discretion

Individual Responsibility

Members volunteers and leaders must
• Act responsibly and ethically
• Report safeguarding concerns promptly
• Follow SWFOI policies and instructions
• Avoid actions that may place others at risk

7. Reporting Safeguarding Concerns

Safeguarding concerns may include but are not limited to
• Abuse
• Harassment
• Unsafe behaviour
• Threats or exploitation

Concerns should be reported to SWFOI through designated communication channels.

SWFOI will assess concerns and decide the appropriate course of action.

8. Confidentiality

All safeguarding concerns will be handled sensitively.

However confidentiality cannot be guaranteed where
• Disclosure is required by law
• Safety of an individual is at risk
• Information must be shared with authorities

9. Action and Response

Upon receiving a safeguarding concern SWFOI may
• Provide guidance and support
• Escalate to appropriate authorities where necessary
• Suspend or terminate involvement of individuals
• Restrict access to platforms or programs

All actions are taken at SWFOI discretion.

10. No Guarantee of Outcome

While SWFOI strives to support safeguarding needs
• Specific outcomes cannot be guaranteed
• Timelines may vary
• Resolution depends on external factors

11. Protection from Retaliation

SWFOI does not tolerate retaliation against individuals who raise genuine safeguarding concerns.

However malicious false or misleading complaints may result in action.

12. Limitation of Liability

SWFOI shall not be held liable for
• Actions beyond reasonable control
• Outcomes of third party interventions
• Consequences arising from reliance on guidance

Participation in SWFOI activities is voluntary and at individual discretion.

13. Policy Review

This policy may be updated at any time without prior notice.
The latest version published on the website shall be final.

14. Contact and Safeguarding Officer

Safeguarding concerns may be reported to

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Final Acknowledgement

By engaging with Students Wellbeing Foundation of India (SWFOI) you confirm that you have read understood and agreed to this Safeguarding and Protection Policy.