Reporting concerns

Faith in Water (FiW) has a zero tolerance towards any form of bullying, harassment, sexual exploitation or abuse. We believe everyone should be treated with dignity and respect.

We require our staff and project partners to uphold the highest standards in their interactions with other people. We are committed to providing a safe and trusted environment for everyone we work with.

If you have any concerns about anyone involved in Faith in Water's projects, or about the behaviour of any employees of Faith in Water or of our partners, please let us know.​

You may report your concerns to us in confidence 
​by emailing:

• info @ faithinwater.org 

Or you may email our Chair of Trustees directly at: 

• chairoftrustees @ faithinwater.org

You may also report your concerns to the UK's Charity Commission, which regulates charities, at:

• www.gov.uk/complain-about-charity 

​You can read the key principles of our Safeguarding Policy below and download the full policy here.

Key principles of Faith in Water's Safeguarding Policy

Behaviour and conduct
We have a duty of care to everyone taking part in our projects.

• Do not, under any circumstances, engage in or tolerate any form of bullying, harassment, sexual exploitation or abuse of anyone you encounter during your work with us. 
• Always prioritise the safety and wellbeing of the person you are working with at all times.
• Always act within professional boundaries: ensure all contact with children, young people and vulnerable adults is appropriate and necessary for the activity.
• Treat people fairly, with dignity and without prejudice or discrimination. 

Reporting concerns:
If you have concerns about the behaviour of any person towards another, or if you see or hear something that makes you uncomfortable, you MUST report your concerns.

• Do not ignore a concern and do nothing. You have a duty to report your concern if: 
  • Abuse is observed or suspected;
  • An allegation of abuse is made;
  • A vulnerable person discloses abuse;
  • You feel uncomfortable about someone’s behaviour towards another.
• See above for contact details for reporting concerns

Faith in Water's responsibilities
In all our work, we will endeavour to ensure that people feel able to report any concerns they may have, and know how to do so. 

• If any concerns or allegations of abuse or mistreatment are reported to us, Faith in Water will investigate them fully and take appropriate action. This may include terminating employment contracts or grant agreements with downstream partners, and/or reporting the case to legal authorities. 
• All allegations will be reported to the Board and donors. Serious allegations (such as sexual exploitation) will be reported to the Charity Commission and relevant legal authorities.
• Transparency, honesty and fairness will be the core principles that govern how Faith in Water handles allegations of abuse/mistreatment. 

Sexual exploitation
Faith in Water will not tolerate sexual exploitation or abuse by its employees or any persons engaged in Faith in Water projects.

• For these purposes, sexual activity with any person under 18 years of age, regardless of any laws relating to consent, shall constitute the sexual exploitation and abuse of such person.
• Staff, consultants and partner organisations will take all reasonable and appropriate measures to prevent the exchange of money, goods, services, or other things of value, for sexual favours or activities.
• Staff, consultants and partner organisations will take all reasonable and appropriate measures to prevent anyone from engaging in any activities that are exploitative or degrading to any person, including bullying and harassment. 

Picture credits, clockwise from top: Karunjanga Catholic Primary School, Uganda; clapping hands; Kiduuma Primary School children. All by Faith in Water.