Child safeguarding policy

Last updated: 14 September 2026

This policy is a working draft and will be reviewed by legal counsel before it is finalised.

1. Our commitment

Every child at Roshni Homes Trust has the right to be safe, respected and protected from harm. Safeguarding is the responsibility of everyone connected with Roshni Homes: trustees, staff, mothers, volunteers, sponsors, donors, partners and visitors. This policy applies to all of them.

2. Our principles

• The welfare of the child always comes first.
• Every child is treated with dignity, whatever their background.
• Children’s privacy and self-esteem are protected in everything we do.
• Every concern is taken seriously and acted on promptly.

3. Safe recruitment and training

All staff, mothers and regular volunteers are carefully screened before they start, including reference checks and identity verification. Everyone receives safeguarding training during induction and regular refresher training afterwards, and signs our code of conduct.

4. Supervised interactions only

• Sponsors, donors, volunteers and visitors may only interact with children during activities arranged by Roshni Homes staff.
• Every interaction is supervised by a member of staff. Adults must never be alone with a child.
• Visits to campus are by prior appointment only.
• Private contact with children, including by phone, messaging apps, social media or gifts sent directly, is not allowed. Gifts must be arranged through our team.

5. Children’s privacy

• Children’s full names, photographs, locations, family histories and other identifying details are never shared publicly.
• Children never appear in their own fundraising.
• Visitors and volunteers must not photograph or record children, or post about them online, without written permission from Roshni Homes.
• Updates for sponsors and monthly donors are curated by our team to show progress without compromising safety, and must not be shared further.
• Stories about alumni are published only with their own informed consent.

6. Sponsor identities

The identity of a sponsor is never shared with the child they sponsor. This protects children’s self-esteem, so they grow up as members of a family rather than recipients of charity.

7. Dignity in care

We do not accept used clothes as donations. Children choose their own clothes with their mothers. Discipline is always positive and non-violent, and physical or humiliating punishment is never permitted.

8. Online safety

Children’s use of computers and the internet is supervised and filtered, and they are taught how to stay safe online.

9. Reporting a concern

If you are worried about the safety or wellbeing of any child at Roshni Homes, or about the behaviour of anyone connected with us, please report it straight away to our safeguarding lead:

• Email: info@roshnihomes.org (please write "Safeguarding concern" in the subject line)
• Phone: 111 747 464, and ask for the safeguarding lead

You do not need proof to raise a concern. Reports are handled in confidence and investigated promptly. If a child is in immediate danger, contact the police or emergency services first.

10. How we respond

Every report is recorded and reviewed by the safeguarding lead. Where needed, we will act immediately to protect the child, involve the relevant authorities and inform the Board of Trustees. Anyone found to have breached this policy will face action, which may include removal from Roshni Homes and referral to the police.

11. Review

This policy is reviewed every year by the Board of Trustees, and after any serious incident.