Enabling small NGOs to improve their protection processes through skills assessment exercises

Security is a critical function for any organization, regardless of size.

In our commitment to support all development sector organisations to strengthen their protection practices, Bond’s Safeguarding Steering Group listened to small NGOs in February 2023 to understand the challenges they face in relation to protection. We then organised five skills mapping sessions to support the small NGOs and local partners in addressing these challenges.

What were the key learning points from the skills mapping sessions?

In these sessions, attendees delved into the complexities of safeguarding and gained valuable insights critical to effectively implementing a consistent approach to safeguarding. In rapid feedback surveys from each of the sessions, 100% of attendees improved their knowledge on the topic as a result of their attendance.

Here is a summary of what we learned. You can find a recording of each session below each summary.

How to Embed a Protection Culture in an Organization

• There are many myths and assumptions about a safe organizational culture. Many of these stem from organizations thinking they have a positive culture, when in reality they are settling for minimum standards.
• It is the responsibility of every employee within an organization to create a positive protection culture, as everyone has the right to be treated with dignity and care.
• There are many tools available to help you create a positive protection culture within an organization, including Bonds’ own tools (Leadership Tool/Culture Tool).

Incident preparedness – what do you need?

• Is what you are being reported potentially a criminal offence in the country where you are working? And is it safe to report the incident to the police? Make sure you have a Safeguarding country map (also called referral pathways) for the country/countries where you are working so you can make a quick and informed decision. These should be updated once a year.
• When choosing researchers, keep in mind that research is not a competitive field for NGOs. If you ask to speak to an NGO that works in the same area as you and has more capacity to leverage their expertise in the local context, chances are they will help you. Remember: if you don’t ask, you don’t get.

Protecting the emotional well-being of practitioners

• Be aware that your team members can support each other. Take into account the tasks of each team member and determine how you can best support each other.
• Professionals who are concerned with protecting people deserve compassion.
• Understand what employees from global majority organizations really want in terms of emotional support – experiences in the session ranged from a discussion-based retreat to a day at the beach. Listening to local employees is essential – they know their culture best.

Customize training using existing resources

• Get participants on board with guardianship by giving them tools to understand guardianship. This will help address comments like, “I work in finance, why do I need guardianship training?” from the beginning.
• A pre- and post-survey will give you the evidence of knowledge you need.
• Safety training should be fun. Safety is a serious topic, but that doesn’t mean we can’t have fun.
• Using visual aids can increase participant engagement and encourage them to think more deeply about conservation.
• A trauma-informed approach to training helps recognize that events have a range of negative effects on individuals. Videos are available to support facilitators in this.

How can we translate what NGOs are already doing in the area of ​​protection into written compliance?

• It is easy to assume in a conventional and suspicious way that the fault lies with the partner. Instead of judging the partners, we should judge the partnership.
• What do both parties bring to the partnership? What are our strengths and weaknesses and where do we both need training and support?
• It is not about judging partners, but about judging and managing the partnership as a collective.

Contact Us (email address) if you require written transcripts of the sessions to support accessibility.

Continued support for small NGOs

The journey does not end with the conclusion of these sessions. Instead, it marks the beginning of our ongoing support for small organisations in developing their safeguarding processes within Bond’s safeguarding work.

Our commitment to advancing protection practices within small NGOs remains unwavering. The skills mapping exercises have been a catalyst for change, providing protection professionals with the basic knowledge and tools needed to navigate the complex landscape of preventing sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment in our sector.

By making the recorded sessions accessible, we ensure the benefits extend beyond the confines of a live event and reach professionals working to keep people safe around the world.