Safeguarding & Governance
Protection Is Everyone’s Responsibility
RANC-SAMBURU is committed to protecting children, adults at risk, programme participants, staff, volunteers and communities from abuse, exploitation, violence, discrimination and harm. Safeguarding is not a separate activity — it is built into how we design, deliver and govern every programme.
It is a fundamental requirement across everything we do.
Our Commitments
RANC-SAMBURU has zero tolerance for:
- Zero tolerance for abuse, exploitation or harassment by anyone acting on behalf of RANC-SAMBURU.
- Community-led accountability — safeguarding standards are shaped with, not imposed on, the families and communities we work with.
- Rigorous screening of staff, volunteers, and Academy participants, including background checks appropriate to their role.
- Mandatory training on child protection, disability rights, and safeguarding awareness for everyone engaging directly with participants.
- Confidential reporting channels for anyone to raise a concern without fear of retaliation.
- Prompt, survivor-centred response to any concern raised, in line with Kenyan child protection law and international safeguarding standards.
Every person participating in our programmes should be treated with dignity, respect and care.
Governance Structure
RANC-SAMBURU is governed by a Board of Directors responsible for strategic oversight, financial accountability, and safeguarding compliance.
The Governing Board provides:
- Strategic leadership and organizational direction
- Oversight of governance policies and institutional accountability
- Financial and operational stewardship
- Ethical leadership and risk management
- Child safeguarding oversight
- Programme quality assurance
- Compliance with legal and regulatory requirements
The Board works closely with management, staff, communities, and partners to ensure that all programmes reflect RANCO’s mission, values, and commitment to inclusive, rights-based development.
Child Safeguarding
Children must be protected from harm in every setting.
Our safeguarding approach is intended to cover:
- Programme activities
- Community outreach
- Rehabilitation services
- Educational activities
- Training programmes
- Volunteer placements
- Digital interactions
- Residential or hospitality activities
- Research and data collection
Staff, volunteers, partners and trainees are expected to follow applicable safeguarding standards and organisational procedures.
Nothing About Us Without Us
RANC-SAMBURU is committed to meaningful participation.
Neurodivergent people and their families should have opportunities to:
- Express their views
- Participate in decisions
- Shape programmes
- Provide feedback
- Raise concerns
- Influence service design
- Participate in community advocacy
Participation must be accessible and appropriate to the individual’s communication needs.
Gender Equality
Women and girls often carry disproportionate unpaid caregiving responsibilities.
Our approach therefore integrates gender-responsive programming into family support and economic empowerment.
We seek to:
- Reduce caregiver isolation
- Strengthen women’s economic participation
- Improve access to livelihood opportunities
- Promote safe family environments
- Address risks associated with gender-based violence
- Include women in leadership and decision-making
Community Accountability
Community leadership is central to our model.
We engage:
- Families
- Neurodivergent people
- Caregivers
- Elders
- Community leaders
- Professionals
- Educators
- Local institutions
Elders and community leaders can play an important role as Neurodiversity Champions, helping challenge harmful misconceptions and promote community acceptance.
Ethical Practice
We believe that good intentions are not enough.
Our programmes should be:
Safe. Evidence-informed. Rights-based. Accountable. Culturally responsive.
We will seek appropriate professional standards, referral mechanisms, confidentiality safeguards and supervision arrangements for services delivered through our programmes.
Volunteer Ethics
RANC-SAMBURU does not support extractive or exploitative volunteer tourism.
Volunteers and trainees must enter communities with humility, appropriate preparation and respect for local leadership.
Our learning model prioritizes:
- Safeguarding
- Supervision
- Community benefit
- Professional boundaries
- Cultural humility
- Confidentiality
- Ethical conduct
Governance
RANC-SAMBURU is committed to responsible governance, transparency and accountability.
Our governance approach will support:
- Clear institutional responsibilities
- Financial accountability
- Programme oversight
- Safeguarding oversight
- Risk management
- Monitoring and evaluation
- Ethical partnerships
- Community accountability
As the organisation grows, we will continue strengthening policies, systems and structures appropriate to our programmes and regulatory obligations.
Report a Concern
Anyone participating in or interacting with RANC-SAMBURU should have a safe way to raise concerns.
Concerns involving abuse, exploitation, safeguarding violations, discrimination, fraud or misconduct should be reported through the organisation’s designated safeguarding and accountability channels.
We are committed to taking concerns seriously, protecting people from retaliation and responding appropriately.
Our Standard
Safeguarding is not something we say.
It is something we must demonstrate—in our policies, partnerships, recruitment, programme design, community engagement and everyday conduct.
Dignity is the starting point. Protection is the minimum. Participation is the goal.