Safeguarding is a universal responsibility, but its practical application becomes significantly more complex when working across international boundaries. Recent years have seen heightened scrutiny of charities and faith-based organisations operating overseas, with UK regulators demanding robust safeguarding policies and procedures for all international work.
Why International Safeguarding Is Different
Safeguarding in the UK is largely compliance-driven, with clear statutory frameworks and expectations. However, these frameworks do not always translate effectively into other cultural or legal contexts. In many countries, non-formal mechanisms—such as community-based approaches—are often more effective than simply importing UK standards. Local partners may appear to comply with external requirements, but unless safeguarding principles are made relevant to their context, true implementation is unlikely. As Bourdieu’s concept of ‘habitus’ suggests, people’s ingrained ways of thinking and acting can prevent meaningful change if standards feel alien or irrelevant.
A Partnership Approach
The most effective safeguarding work happens in partnership. Rather than imposing a one-size-fits-all model, UK-based organisations should work collaboratively with overseas partners, project leaders, and community representatives. This means identifying key risks together, understanding who is most at risk, and co-creating protective measures that are culturally and legally appropriate. The audit tool is designed to facilitate this dialogue, helping organisations and their partners to assess strengths, identify gaps, and develop action plans that are both ambitious and achievable.
Practical Steps for International Safeguarding
- Review Policies and Procedures: Start by examining all safeguarding documentation. What is stated in policy, and how does this translate into practice?
- Engage Stakeholders: Gather the views of staff, trustees, volunteers, and—crucially—local partners. Explore what ‘safe’ means in their context and listen to their concerns.
- Assess Practice vs. Policy: Does day-to-day practice reflect what the policy intends? Identify areas where there is a gap.
- Action Planning: Use the audit tool to summarise findings, prioritise recommendations, and assign responsibilities. Set realistic timescales for review and ensure progress is regularly monitored.
- Contextualise Safeguarding: Adapt language and definitions to fit the local context. For example, the term ‘safeguarding’ may not translate directly—use terms that resonate locally, such as ‘child protection’ or ‘protection of vulnerable adults’.
- Keep Victims and Survivors Central: In all contexts, the needs of victim-survivors must remain at the heart of safeguarding efforts. Reporting mechanisms should be sensitive to local risks, including the possibility that formal reporting could cause further harm.
Building a Culture of Safety
Ultimately, safeguarding is not just about compliance—it’s about building cultures where abuse of power is challenged, every voice is heard, and everyone can flourish.
The Thirtyone:eight International Safeguarding Audit Tool is a free, practical resource to help organisations and their partners on this journey. By working together, sharing knowledge, and developing mutual understanding, we can raise the standards of safeguarding practice internationally and ensure that our efforts do no harm, wherever we serve.
