Safeguarding

Our Commitment to you 

The Leprosy Mission NZ is committed to the safeguarding and protection of everyone we work with, including beneficiaries, volunteers, TLM staff and the staff of partner organisations.

We are committed to protecting the dignity and rights of every person. Safeguarding is our top priority in everything we do and we believe that it is never acceptable for children, young people and adults to experience abuse of any kind.

We seek to understand and model best practices in global standards for safeguarding and whistleblowing. Our global policies—Safeguarding Children and Vulnerable Adults Policy, Safeguarding Procedures Policy, Bullying and Harassment Policy, Whistleblowing Policy, and Code of Conduct—are reviewed regularly. 

Safeguarding at The Leprosy Mission

We have a zero-tolerance approach to serious misconduct.

We will not tolerate any form of violence, abuse, harassment or exploitation from our staff or any representatives associated with our work or partners.

Our staff and representatives must ensure that their behaviour allows children, young people and adults to live free from harm, abuse, harassment, bullying or exploitation.

They are required to understand the importance of safeguarding by:

• upholding the dignity and respect of every person
• taking preventative steps to ensure a safe environment for all who come into contact with The Leprosy Mission
• responding quickly and appropriately to concerns raised

As an organisation, we regularly consider how we can improve the application of our policies in practice:

• We require all staff, volunteers and representatives to sign a Code of Conduct which lists the standards of behaviour expected. The Code of Conduct also lists behaviour that is not acceptable.
• We ensure all new staff and representatives receive safeguarding training as part of their induction.
• We provide annual refresher safeguarding training for all TLM staff and representatives.
• We work with partner organisations to ensure that we all meet safeguarding standards.
  
  

In the event of a complaint being received by the Leprosy Mission NZ, we will endeavour to investigate, put things right and learn from the experience. 

In the first instance, please contact us: 

General concerns: supporterservices@leprosymission.org.nz

Safeguarding concerns: safeguarding@leprosymission.org.nz

Or call Freephone: 0800 862 873 (NZ only) or +64 9 630 2818 

If you have raised a complaint with Leprosy Mission New Zealand and are unsatisfied with the response to that complaint, you may contact :

The Council for International Development (CID), is the national umbrella agency of NZ organisations working in International development. The Leprosy Mission New Zealand is a member of CID and is committed to adhering to its Code of Conduct - www.cid.org.nz

Charities Services (part of the Department of Internal Affairs) - www.charities.govt.nz The Leprosy Mission is a registered charity (CC37638).