PSEA Policy
Policy Objective
To declare a policy of zero tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA)
for all Life Spring International’s staff and related personnel and ensure that roles,
responsibilities and expected standards of conduct in relation to SEA are known within Life
Spring International. To create and maintain a safe environment, free from SEA, by taking
appropriate measures for this purpose, internally and in the communities where Life Spring
International operates, through robust prevention and response work.
Targeted Audience
All Life Spring International’s employees, volunteers and related
personnel.
Organizational Introduction
Life Spring International is an inter-denominational faith-based Christ led intergenerational
empowerment organization that seeks the holistic empowerment of the church through Biblical
guidelines and partnering with Christian networks, groups, associations, and organizations,
etc. for an empowered Christian community.
1. Policy statement
Life Spring International adopts a zero tolerance approach towards sexual exploitation and
abuse and is committed to the prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse both within the
organization and within the framework of partners, network members and beneficiary
populations.
Life Spring International’s Policy Against Sexual Exploitation and Abuse:
• Encourages prevention;
• Promotes detection;
• Sets out a clear investigation procedure; Sets out a mechanism of sanctions.
2. Scope of application
• The policy applies to all Life Spring International staff and governance structure.
• The provisions of this policy may also be applied to any person employed by an
entity that carries out missions for Life Spring International
3. Definitions of SEA
For the purposes of this policy, the term “sexual exploitation and abuse” includes:
• sexual harassment,
• abuse of power for the purpose of obtaining sexual favors,
• rape,
• sexual assault,
• sexual relations with a minor,
• paid sexual relations
4. Commitment to PSEA:
• This policy is published under the authority of Life Spring International management
and leadership, Life Spring International’s staff, as well as volunteers, sub implementing
partners, vendors and beneficiaries, are required to conduct themselves in accordance
with this policy.
• The leadership should ensure that personnel under their supervision comply with this
policy; and to take or propose appropriate disciplinary measures as sanction against any
violations of its provisions.
5. Six core principles:
Life Spring International staff and all its partners as well as project or grant beneficiaries
must fully adhere to the Six Core principles, defined as follows:
1. “Sexual exploitation and abuse by humanitarian workers constitute acts of gross
misconduct and therefore calls for termination of employment.
2. Sexual activity with children (persons under the age of 18) is prohibited regardless
of the age of majority or age of consent locally. Mistaken belief regarding the age of
a child is not a defense.
3. Exchange of money, employment, goods, or services for sex, including sexual favors
or other forms of humiliating, degrading or exploitative behaviors are prohibited.
This includes exchange of assistance that is due to beneficiaries.
4. Any sexual relationship between those providing humanitarian assistance and
protection and a person benefitting from such humanitarian assistance and protection
that involves improper use of rank or position is prohibited. Such relationships
undermine the credibility and integrity of humanitarian aid work.
5. Where a humanitarian worker develops concerns or suspicions regarding sexual
abuse or exploitation by a fellow worker, whether in the same agency or not, he or
she must report such concerns via established agency reporting mechanisms.
6. Humanitarian workers are obliged to create and maintain an environment which
prevents sexual exploitation and abuse and promotes the implementation of their
code of conduct. Managers at all levels have particular responsibilities to support
and develop systems which maintain this environment.”
6. PSEA framework:
6.1. Prevention:
6.1.1. Vetting: Life Spring International ensures that reference check is
done on all shortlisted candidates before full employment is granted. This
vetting is done in a very systematic process
6.1.2.
Training: Life Spring International holds mandatory induction and
refresher trainings for all employees and related personnel on the Life Spring
International’s SEA policy and procedures.
6.2. Response:
6.2.1.
Reporting: Life Spring International has safe, confidential and
accessible mechanisms and procedures for personnel, beneficiaries and
communities, including children, to report SEA allegations and ensures that
beneficiaries are aware of these:
- Life Spring International intends to bring an appropriate response to any sexual
exploitation and abuse. To contribute towards this, Life Spring International has
designated a focal point who is reachable via email (sanskebbeh@gmail.com),
Telephone (+2207661262 / +2203288851) or through in person meetings.
- A Security Incident Reporting or the grievance form has been developed to report
incidences. This forms will be made available to all Life Spring International Personnel,
and beneficiaries.
- We ensure that Life Spring International staff who reports a case as described above on
the basis of reasonable suspicions and in good faith does not suffer from any harm as a
result.
6.2.2. Investigation: Life Spring International has a process for investigation of SEA
allegations in place and shall properly and without delay conduct an investigation of SEA
by its employees or related personnel, or refer to the proper investigative body if the
perpetrator is affiliated with another entity.
6.2.2.1. Referral to National Authorities: If, after proper investigation, there is evidence
to support allegations of SEA, these cases may be referred to national authorities
for criminal prosecution.
6.2.3. Victim assistance: Life Spring International has a system to promptly refer SEA
survivors to available services, based on their needs and consent. (One Stop Center)
6.3. Cooperative arrangements:
6.3.1. Life Spring International ensures that contracts and partnership agreements
include a standard clause requiring contractors, suppliers, consultants and sub-partners
to commit to a zero-tolerance policy on SEA and to take measures to prevent and respond
to SEA.
6.3.2. The failure of those entities or individuals to take preventive measures against
SEA, to investigate allegations thereof, or to take corrective action when SEA has
occurred, shall constitute grounds for termination of any cooperative arrangement.
Life Spring International staff certify that they adhere to these principles by signing the
Life Spring International code of conduct Form.
For more information or to report concerns, please contact us at info@lifespringintl.org or call +220 123 4567.