VEReF Safeguarding & Ethical Policies
VEReF holds a steadfast belief that all individuals — regardless of age, gender, race, disability, creed, or background — deserve to be safeguarded from harm, abuse, discrimination, neglect, and exploitation.
Safeguarding Commitment
ZERO TOLERANCE POLICY
VEReF enforces a ZERO TOLERANCE policy towards the abuse and exploitation of our staff, children, project beneficiaries, adults at risk, partners, and other affiliates. We implement all necessary measures to prevent programmes and situations that may adversely affect our employees, beneficiaries, and partners.
VEReF is committed to implementing all necessary measures to prevent programmes and situations that may adversely affect our employees, beneficiaries, and partners. Safeguarding is embedded in every level of our operations across Ghana, The Gambia, and Togo.
Inclusion Policy
VEReF is dedicated to dismantling the barriers to inclusion for individuals and communities involved in our initiatives, both within Ghana and across West Africa. We champion the fundamental rights of all individuals and are committed to ensuring the complete inclusion of marginalised groups.
Marginalised individuals are those who face exclusion and discrimination stemming from unequal power dynamics in economic, political, cultural, and social spheres.
VEReF maintains a strict use of inclusive and decolonized language in all communications (written and spoken). We prioritize person-first language that respects agency and context, helping dismantle prevailing power structures.
Women’s underrepresentation in district assemblies and local committees
Education of girls and young women with disabilities
Volunteers from diverse professional/educational backgrounds
Exclusion of religious minorities from community initiatives
Barriers to electoral participation for minority/indigenous groups
- Identify varied challenges and mobilise marginalised community members for developmental opportunities.
- Ensure marginalised individuals have effective access to educational/training opportunities and representation in decision-making.
- Address needs of marginalised groups in policy development and strategic planning.
- Proactively identify and mitigate barriers to inclusion, providing support for equitable participation.
- Value diversity and respect contributions of all individuals, actively opposing stigma, discrimination, and exclusion.
- Commit to use of inclusive and decolonized language in all forms of communication.
Literacy for All
Literacy is pivotal for achieving fundamental human rights and is central to VEReF’s mission. It extends beyond basic reading and writing; literacy is a transformative tool that enhances decision-making capabilities and boosts community participation.
Low literacy levels are often linked to reduced engagement in educational, employment, and communal activities. Hence, literacy is vital for promoting social inclusion.
VEReF works alongside local partners to enhance literacy and foster inclusion, urging all partners to:
- Support community members with low literacy skills.
- Challenge stigmatisation and discrimination faced by those with minimal literacy.
- Tailor written materials to the literacy levels of the audience.
- Incorporate positive depictions of marginalised individuals in training manuals and posters.
- Guarantee equitable access to information for everyone, using literacy for social transformation.
Open Information Policy
This policy outlines the types of information that VEReF (Registration Certificate CG016122018) will make available to the public through our website and upon request. Transparency is at the heart of our accountability to staff, members, and supporters.
Overall responsibility for implementation is held by the Executive Director. Key responsibilities:
- Information publishing & request responses: Executive Director
- Complaints procedure: Finance & Administrative Manager
- Provision of publication data: Senior team members (Executive Director, Programmes Manager, Research & Business Development Manager)
VEReF commits to data protection principles: information is processed fairly, lawfully, transparently, used for specific purposes, kept accurate, stored securely, and protected against unauthorised access.
Trustees, staff, volunteers, donors, partners, and especially the marginalised communities we serve. VEReF champions best practices in transparency, aiding both supporters and those we assist in fostering open practices.
What Information is Shared? Below is indicative: financial summaries, project outcomes, governance details, impact assessments, and operational reports. VEReF may also disclose additional information via the website.
Transparency builds trust with stakeholders and provides timely, relevant information for informed decision-making. This policy is predicated on a preference for openness unless compelling reasons justify withholding information (see exclusions section in full policy). We enable stakeholders to evaluate our decision-making, financial management, and program efficacy.
How to Make a Request for Information
All information covered by this policy is, or will be, readily accessible on our website. To request information not listed, or in a more accessible format, please use:
- Website: www.veref.org
- Email: info@veref.org
- Postal Address: VEReF, Avetile Community Centre, Peki, South Dayi District, Ghana
Response timeline: Initial response within 14 working days, full response within 21 working days.
Appeals: If you need to appeal a decision related to information exclusions, please refer to the complaints procedure (Appendix I). Certain exclusion categories may not be subject to appeal.
VEReF’s guiding principle: Preference for openness unless compelling reasons justify withholding information. We are committed to IATI standards and collective initiatives for enhanced coordination among international development actors.