Training and Workshops

Safeguarding is the process of protecting people from harm, abuse, and exploitation. It is a vital aspect of any organization that works with vulnerable groups, such as children, youths, adults, and communities. Safeguarding also involves ensuring that the organization itself operates in a safe, ethical, and responsible manner. However, safeguarding can be challenging and complex, especially for organizations that work in the field of infectious diseases. Infectious diseases pose a serious threat to the health and well-being of people and the environment, and require specialized knowledge, skills, and resources to prevent, detect, and respond to them. That’s why the Infectious Diseases Institute (IDI) at Makerere University contracted Finesse Consults Ltd, a leading provider of safeguarding consultancy and other HSE services in Uganda, to deliver a tailor-made safeguarding training session for its staff. IDI is a regional leader in the research, prevention, care, and treatment of infectious diseases, such as HIV, tuberculosis, malaria, and COVID-19. IDI works with various stakeholders, such as government, academia, civil society, and communities, to improve the health outcomes and quality of life of people affected by infectious diseases. The Safeguarding Training Session: A Customized Solution The safeguarding training session was held on the 24th and 25th of January 2024, at the IDI premises in Kampala. The training session was designed and facilitated by Finesse Consults Ltd, based on the needs and expectations of the IDI safeguarding committee. The training session aimed to improve the capabilities of the IDI safeguarding committee, while also integrating perfectly with the unique nature and responsibilities inherent in the organization’s purpose in the field of infectious diseases. The training session was attended by the IDI safeguarding committee members, senior management, and key staff from different departments and units. The training session covered the following topics: – Legal Framework and Responsibilities in Safeguarding This topic introduced the participants to the national and international laws and regulations that govern safeguarding, such as the Children Act 2016, the Prevention of Trafficking in Persons Act 2009, and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. It also explained the roles and responsibilities of the IDI safeguarding committee, as well as the individual and collective duties of all IDI staff, in ensuring compliance and accountability. Roles and Responsibilities of OHSE Committee This topic explained the functions and objectives of the Occupational Health, Safety, and Environment (OHSE) committee, which is a sub-committee of the IDI safeguarding committee. It also outlined the roles and responsibilities of the OHSE committee members, as well as the best practices and standards for OHSE management and monitoring. Children, Youths, and Adult Safeguarding This topic explored the different types and forms of harm, abuse, and exploitation that can affect children, youths, and adults, such as physical, emotional, sexual, and financial abuse, neglect, trafficking, and radicalization. It also discussed the signs and indicators of abuse, the risk factors and vulnerabilities, and the impact and consequences of abuse. Environmental/Climate Change Safeguarding This topic examined the link between safeguarding and environmental/climate change issues, such as pollution, deforestation, biodiversity loss, and natural disasters. It also highlighted the potential threats and challenges that environmental/climate change poses to the health and well-being of people and the planet, and the ways that IDI can mitigate and adapt to them. International and Cross-Cultural Safeguarding Considerations This topic addressed the specific safeguarding considerations that arise from working in an international and cross-cultural context, such as cultural diversity, language barriers, power dynamics, and ethical dilemmas. It also provided guidance and tips on how to respect and uphold the rights, dignity, and values of different people and cultures, while also maintaining professional standards and boundaries. Culture Sensitivity and Inclusivity This topic emphasized the importance of creating and maintaining a culture of sensitivity and inclusivity within IDI, as well as with its partners and beneficiaries. It also explained the concepts and principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion, and how they can be applied and promoted in the workplace and in the field. Safeguarding Risk Assessment Procedure This topic introduced the participants to the safeguarding risk assessment procedure, which is a tool for identifying, analyzing, and managing the safeguarding risks and opportunities associated with IDI’s activities, programs, and operations. It also demonstrated how to use the safeguarding risk assessment template, which is a document that records and tracks the safeguarding risk assessment process and outcomes. The Training Outcomes and Feedback: A Quality Service The safeguarding training session was concluded with a certificate award ceremony for the IDI participants, who successfully completed the two-day training. The training session was a quality service, as it achieved the following outcomes: – Enhanced the knowledge and understanding of the IDI safeguarding committee and staff on the key concepts and issues of safeguarding, especially in relation to infectious diseases. – Strengthened the skills and confidence of the IDI safeguarding committee and staff on how to implement and monitor safeguarding policies and procedures, and how to respond and report safeguarding concerns and incidents. – Improved the collaboration and coordination of the IDI safeguarding committee and staff with each other, and with the external safeguarding actors and stakeholders, such as Finesse Consults Ltd, the government, and the donors. – Increased the awareness and appreciation of the IDI safeguarding committee and staff on the importance and value of safeguarding for the organization, its partners, and its beneficiaries. We are proud to share that the safeguarding training session was a fruitful and rewarding experience for both Finesse Consults Ltd and IDI, and we are looking forward to strengthening and sustaining our partnership and cooperation. We would like to thank all the IDI participants and our facilitators for their active and enthusiastic participation and contribution to the training session. We would also like to thank the IDI management and leadership for their support and collaboration. If you are interested in learning more about our services and how we can help you create a safer and secure environment for your organization, your partners, and your beneficiaries, please contact at inquiries@finesseconsults.co