CHILD PROTECTION POLICY
GLOBAL UNION OF CHANGEMAKERS (GUC)
GLOBAL UNION OF CHANGEMAKERS (GUC)
GUC is committed to creating and maintaining a safe, inclusive, and protective environment for all children and young people involved in its programs and activities. This Child Protection Policy sets out the standards and procedures that guide how GUC staff, volunteers, partners, and stakeholders should protect children under 18 years from harm, abuse, neglect, exploitation, and unsafe practices.
This Policy supports GUC’s constitutional commitment to respect human dignity, promote equity, and protect vulnerable groups.
Child: For the purposes of this policy, a child is anyone under the age of 18.
This Policy applies to:
All GUC Board members, staff, interns, volunteers, consultants, contractors, partners, and representatives;
All GUC programs, events, gatherings, digital platforms, training, and community outreach where children may be present or participate;
Any context where GUC is acting in its official capacity or where individuals represent GUC.
GUC’s approach to child protection is founded on the following principles:
Best Interests of the Child — Decisions and actions affecting children prioritize their safety, wellbeing, and dignity.
Zero Tolerance for Abuse — GUC does not tolerate any form of physical, emotional, psychosocial, or neglectful harm toward children.
Non-Discrimination and Inclusion — All children have the right to protection regardless of gender, disability, ethnicity, religion, or background.
Participation and Respect — Children’s voices are heard and respected in matters affecting their lives.
Accountability and Transparency — GUC upholds ethical practices and is accountable to children, families, partners, and donors.
For the purposes of this policy, child harm may include but is not limited to:
Physical abuse — Any non‑accidental physical injury.
Emotional abuse — Persistent hostility, threats, humiliation, or behavior that affects a child’s emotional wellbeing.
Neglect — Failure to provide for a child’s basic needs or protect from harm.
Exploitation — Using a child for labour, services, or activities that are harmful or inappropriate for their age.
Sexual exploitation — Any sexual activity where a child is involved in exchange for something.
5.1 GUC Board and Leadership
Endorse and support implementation of this policy.
Ensure resources and systems for child protection are in place.
Review child protection reporting and response annually.
5.2 Management and Supervisors
Ensure staff and volunteers understand this policy and receive training.
Integrate child protection expectations into program planning and risk assessments.
5.3 Staff, Volunteers, and Representatives
All who represent GUC must:
Treat children with respect and dignity.
Avoid situations where they are alone with a child without visibility.
Immediately report concerns about child safety or suspected abuse.
Not engage in any form of physical punishment, threats, inappropriate contact, or harmful language.
Safe Recruitment and Screening
GUC will apply child‑safe recruitment practices, including:
Background checks for roles involving child contact;
Reference checks that include verification of past conduct with children;
Written agreements outlining child protection expectations.
7.1 Reporting
Any concern, allegation, or suspicion of child harm must be reported without delay to the Designated Child Protection Officer (DCPO) or an alternative safe reporting channel.
Reports should include:
Description of incident;
Names of children and adults involved (if known);
Location, dates, and supporting information.
7.2 Confidentiality
All reports and records are treated confidentially. Only those directly involved in the response will be informed on a need‑to‑know basis.
7.3 Response
GUC will:
Take immediate action to ensure the child’s protection and safety;
Follow a structured investigation process;
Work with child protection authorities when required by law;
Document outcomes and follow‑up support.
GUC will provide regular training for:
Staff and leadership on child protection standards;
Volunteers and partners on identifying risks and reporting;
Community stakeholders where programs involve children.
This Policy applies to everyone associated with GUC, including but not limited to:
Board members
National Directors
Executive, thematic, and program staff
Volunteers and interns
Consultants and external partners
This Policy works alongside and refers to:
Code of Ethics & Integrity
Conflict of Interest Policy
Whistleblowing Policy
Safeguarding and Anti‑Harassment Standards
Human Resource and Volunteer Policies
Together, these ensure a comprehensive protective environment for children participating in or impacted by GUC’s activities.
Non‑compliance with this Policy may result in:
Supervisor warning or retraining
Suspension from duties
Termination of engagement with GUC
Referral to legal authorities as required
This Policy shall be:
Communicated to all staff, volunteers, partners, and stakeholders;
Reviewed at least every two years or as required by legal or operational changes;
Updated to reflect evolving best practice and child protection standards.
This Child Protection Policy is adopted by the Executive Council of GUC in view of its commitment to ethical, equitable, and safe engagement with youth and children globally.