Last Updated: 17th October, 2023

Introduction

Our organization is committed to creating a safe and supportive environment for all individuals involved in our projects. This safeguarding policy of Medexer Limited outlines the principles and procedures we follow to protect participants of any project we embark on from harm, exploitation, and abuse.

Scope

This policy applies to all staff, volunteers, partners, and associates involved in our projects. It covers all activities, including research, data collection, and community engagement.

Principles

1. Respect and Dignity: We respect the inherent dignity and rights of all individuals.
2. Informed Consent: We ensure informed consent is obtained from all participants before their involvement in any project activities.
3. Confidentiality: We maintain the confidentiality of all personal and sensitive information collected during our projects.
4. Non-Discrimination: We do not discriminate based on race, gender, age, disability, or any other characteristic.
5. Transparency: We operate transparently, providing clear information about how data will be used and the safeguards in place to protect participants.

Procedures

1. Data Protection:

   • Adhere to the Nigeria Data Protection Act 2023 and other relevant African data protection laws, including the African Union’s Data Policy Framework.
   • Implement data anonymization techniques to protect individual identities.
   • Report only aggregated data to ensure confidentiality.

2. Risk Management:

   • Conduct risk assessments to identify potential safeguarding risks.
   • Develop and implement mitigation strategies to address identified risks.

3. Engagement with Lived Experience Experts:

   • Provide psychological support and ensure fair compensation.
   • Implement a robust safeguarding policy to prevent emotional distress or exploitation.

4. Training and Awareness:

   • Provide safeguarding training for all staff, volunteers, and partners.
   • Raise awareness about safeguarding principles and procedures.

5. Reporting and Accountability:

   • Establish clear reporting mechanisms for safeguarding concerns.
   • Ensure accountability through regular reviews and audits of safeguarding practices.

Reporting Mechanisms

1. Internal Reporting:

   • Staff, volunteers, and partners must report any safeguarding concerns to the designated Safeguarding Officer immediately.
   • The Safeguarding Officer will investigate the concern and take appropriate action.

2. External Reporting:

   • Where necessary, concerns may be reported to external bodies, such as local authorities or relevant safeguarding organizations.

Review and Monitoring

This safeguarding policy will be reviewed annually to ensure it remains effective and relevant. We will monitor the implementation of safeguarding procedures through regular audits and feedback from participants and stakeholders.

Contact Information

For any safeguarding concerns or questions about this policy, please contact privacy@medexer.com. ng

By adhering to this safeguarding policy, we aim to create a safe environment that protects all participants and promotes ethical standards in our projects.