Anti-Slavery & Human Trafficking Policy

Last Updated: November 06, 2025

1. Policy Statement

At Thrivewell Elaglobal Services, we believe that every child and young person has the right to feel safe, valued, and protected from harm, neglect, or abuse.

We are fully committed to safeguarding the welfare of all children and young people who participate in our programs, projects, and community activities, both in the United Kingdom and Nigeria.

💬 Our commitment is simple: protect every child, empower every learner, and promote a culture of safety, dignity, and respect.

2. Purpose of This Policy

This policy outlines Thrivewell Elaglobal Services’ approach to safeguarding and child protection. Its purpose is to:

  • Promote the safety and wellbeing of all children and young people in our care.

  • Provide clear guidance for staff, volunteers, and partners on their safeguarding responsibilities.

  • Ensure consistent procedures for preventing, identifying, and responding to child protection concerns.

3. Scope

This policy applies to:

  • All staff, volunteers, contractors, and partners of Thrivewell Elaglobal Services.

  • All activities, events, online platforms, and programs involving children or young people (aged under 18).

It also applies to participants aged 18–25 who may be considered vulnerable adults.

4. Our Safeguarding Principles

We follow six core principles of child protection and safeguarding:

  1. Protection – Ensuring all children are safe from abuse, neglect, or exploitation.

  2. Prevention – Taking proactive steps to minimize risks before harm occurs.

  3. Partnership – Working with families, communities, and safeguarding agencies to protect children.

  4. Proportionality – Responding appropriately to concerns based on the level of risk.

  5. Empowerment – Encouraging young people to speak up and participate in safeguarding decisions.

  6. Accountability – Maintaining transparency and responsibility in all safeguarding actions.

5. Roles and Responsibilities

Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL):

Miriam Aghuta – Learning & Development Manager / Head of Events
📧 info@thrivewellelaglobal.org
📞 +234 (0) 903 826 3001

The DSL oversees all safeguarding matters, ensures policy compliance, and acts as the main point of contact for concerns.

Deputy Safeguarding Officer:
Chisom Anagu – Strategic Director

All Staff and Volunteers must:

  • Complete safeguarding training during onboarding and refresh annually.

  • Report any safeguarding or child protection concerns immediately.

  • Follow this policy and related procedures at all times.

6. Recognising Abuse

Abuse can take many forms. Thrivewell Elaglobal recognises and remains vigilant for the following categories:

  • Physical abuse: Hitting, shaking, or causing physical harm.

  • Emotional abuse: Persistent emotional maltreatment or verbal harm.

  • Sexual abuse: Involving a child in sexual activities or exploitation.

  • Neglect: Failure to meet basic needs for food, shelter, and safety.

  • Online abuse: Bullying, grooming, or exploitation through digital platforms.

All staff and volunteers must be trained to recognise signs and indicators of abuse and know how to respond appropriately.

7. Reporting Concerns

If any member of staff or volunteer suspects that a child is at risk of harm, they must:

  1. Report immediately to the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL).

  2. Record the concern clearly and factually, including date, time, and details of the incident.

  3. Avoid confrontation with the child or alleged perpetrator.

  4. Maintain confidentiality — information must be shared only with those directly responsible for safeguarding.

The DSL will assess the concern and, where necessary, make referrals to:

  • Local Authority Children’s Social Care Services

  • The Police (if a crime is suspected)

  • Child Exploitation and Online Protection Command (CEOP) for online risks

8. Safe Recruitment

Thrivewell Elaglobal Services is committed to safe recruitment practices to protect children and young people.

We will:

  • Conduct enhanced DBS checks (UK) or equivalent background checks for all staff and volunteers.

  • Obtain references and verify employment history.

  • Provide safeguarding induction and training before program involvement.

Only individuals who meet our standards of integrity and responsibility will be permitted to work with children.

9. Training and Awareness

All staff, mentors, and volunteers receive safeguarding training appropriate to their roles, including:

  • Recognising signs of abuse and neglect

  • Responding to disclosures sensitively

  • Understanding online safety and digital conduct

  • Following safeguarding escalation procedures

Refresher training is conducted annually to ensure awareness remains current and effective.

10. Online and Digital Safeguarding

As Thrivewell integrates technology into its learning programs, we ensure online safety through:

  • Moderated digital communication channels

  • Parental consent for online participation

  • Secure handling of photos, videos, and digital recordings

  • No one-to-one private messaging between staff and participants

  • Education on responsible and respectful online behaviour

All digital content involving minors requires written parental or guardian consent.

11. Confidentiality and Data Protection

Information shared during safeguarding processes is treated as confidential and handled in line with the Data Protection Act 2018 and UK GDPR.

Data will only be shared with relevant professionals or authorities when necessary to protect a child from harm.

12. Working with Parents and Partners

We believe safeguarding is a shared responsibility.
Thrivewell Elaglobal works closely with parents, guardians, and partner organisations to ensure consistent safety measures and open communication at all times.

We encourage parents to speak with us about any concerns regarding their child’s wellbeing or participation.

13. Responding to Allegations Against Staff or Volunteers

If an allegation is made against a member of staff or volunteer:

  • The DSL must be informed immediately.

  • The individual will be suspended pending investigation.

  • The Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) will be contacted promptly.

All allegations will be investigated in accordance with UK safeguarding protocols.

14. Monitoring and Review

This policy is reviewed annually or sooner if there are significant changes in legislation, guidance, or organizational structure.

The Board of Directors ensures continuous compliance, and safeguarding performance is reported regularly as part of governance reviews.

15. Related Policies

This policy should be read alongside:

  • Thrivewell Code of Conduct (on request)

  • Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Policy (on request)

  • Whistleblowing Policy (on request)

  • Privacy Policy

  • Modern Slavery Statement

16. Policy Approval

This Safeguarding & Child Protection Policy was approved by the Board of Thrivewell Elaglobal Services (Great Britain) on November 06, 2025.

Signed:
Emmanuella Agwagah
Principal & Founder
Thrivewell Elaglobal Services (Great Britain)

📅 Date: November 06, 2025
📧 Contact: info@thrivewellelaglobal.org
🌍 Website: www.thrivewellelaglobal.org