Safeguarding & Data Protection Policy

Organisation: Precious Foundation for Women, Children & Adolescents (PFWCA)
Registration: CAC/IT7532221
Last Updated: 26/01/2026

1. Policy Statement

Precious Foundation for Women, Children & Adolescents (PFWCA) is committed to safeguarding the dignity, rights, and wellbeing of all individuals we serve—especially women, children, adolescents, and other vulnerable persons.

We uphold a zero-tolerance approach to abuse, exploitation, harassment, neglect, or discrimination in any form. Safeguarding and data protection are central to our mission of expressing the love of God through care, integrity, and accountability.

2. Scope of the Policy

This policy applies to:

• Board members

• Staff and volunteers

• Consultants and partners

• Visitors, donors, and contractors

• Anyone acting on behalf of PFWCA

3. Safeguarding Principles

PFWCA’s safeguarding approach is guided by the following principles:

• Do no harm

• Best interests of the child and vulnerable adult

• Zero tolerance for abuse

• Respect, dignity, and confidentiality

• Accountability and transparency

• Faith-informed compassion without discrimination

Services are provided regardless of religion, gender, ethnicity, disability, or background.

4. Definitions

• Child: Any person under 18 years of age

• Vulnerable Adult: Any person at increased risk due to age, disability, illness, or social circumstances

• Abuse: Physical, sexual, emotional, psychological, neglect, exploitation, or harassment

5. Safeguarding Responsibilities

Board of Trustees

• Provide oversight and ensure safeguarding compliance

• Approve safeguarding policies and procedures

Management & Program Leads

• Implement safeguarding measures

• Ensure staff and volunteers understand this policy

• Respond promptly to safeguarding concerns

Staff & Volunteers

• Uphold safeguarding standards

• Report concerns immediately

• Act respectfully and responsibly at all times

6. Code of Conduct (Safeguarding)

All representatives of PFWCA must:

• Treat beneficiaries with respect and dignity

• Avoid being alone with a child or vulnerable adult where possible

• Never engage in abusive, exploitative, or inappropriate behaviour

• Obtain consent before photographs or data collection

• Report safeguarding concerns without delay

7. Reporting & Responding to Safeguarding Concerns

PFWCA has clear procedures for reporting concerns:

• Concerns may be reported confidentially to a designated safeguarding lead

• All reports are taken seriously and handled sensitively

• Immediate action will be taken where a person is at risk

• Relevant authorities will be informed where required by law

No individual will face retaliation for reporting concerns in good faith.

8. Data Protection Commitment

PFWCA is committed to protecting personal data in line with:

• Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA)

• UK GDPR / Data Protection Act 2018

• Applicable US data protection standards

9. Personal Data We Protect

This includes:

• Names, contact details, and identification information

• Health-related data collected during medical outreach

• Photographs, videos, and case stories

• Donor, volunteer, and staff information

Sensitive data is handled with heightened care and confidentiality.

10. Data Protection Measures

PFWCA ensures:

• Lawful, fair, and transparent data processing

• Data collected only for legitimate purposes

• Secure storage and restricted access

• Data retained only as long as necessary

• Secure disposal of outdated or unnecessary data

11. Consent & Photography

• Informed consent is obtained before collecting personal data

• Written or verbal consent is required for photographs or media use

• Images of children are used responsibly and respectfully

• No identifying details are shared without permission

12. Data Sharing

Personal data is shared only:

• With trusted partners where necessary

• With service providers bound by confidentiality

• When legally required by authorities

PFWCA does not sell or misuse personal data.

13. Breach Management

Any data breach or safeguarding incident will:

• Be investigated promptly

• Be documented internally

• Be reported to relevant authorities if required

• Result in corrective and preventive actions

14. Training & Awareness

• Staff and volunteers receive safeguarding orientation

• Ongoing awareness is promoted across all programs

• Safeguarding responsibilities are embedded in daily operations

15. Policy Review

This policy is reviewed periodically to ensure:

• Legal compliance

• Best practice alignment

• Continuous improvement

16. Contact & Reporting

For safeguarding or data protection concerns, contact:

Safeguarding Lead: Osasiuwa Monyei
Email: Admin@pfwca.org

All concerns will be handled confidentially and respectfully.