Indian Heritage Foundation Safeguarding Policy

Our Commitment

The Indian Heritage Foundation (IHF) is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to preserving and promoting India’s cultural heritage while ensuring the safety, dignity, and well-being of all individuals associated with our work. We are committed to creating a safe and inclusive environment free from harassment, exploitation, abuse, and discrimination.

This Safeguarding Policy outlines our zero-tolerance approach to any form of harm, particularly against women, children, and marginalized communities. It applies to all employees, volunteers, partners, consultants, and anyone engaged with IHF.

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Our Vision

To build a just, inclusive, and sustainable society where every individual — regardless of background — has access to quality education, equitable economic opportunity, holistic health, a safe environment, and the right to live with dignity and purpose.

Our Mission

To empower communities through integrated interventions in education, health, agriculture, livelihood, environment, gender equality, and heritage preservation — fostering sustainable development, self-reliance, and social justice in alignment with global goals and local needs.”

We commit to:

• Uplifting rural, tribal, and underprivileged populations through education, entrepreneurship, and skill-building.

• Advancing organic agriculture, animal welfare, and environmental stewardship.

• Delivering critical health and emergency services, especially to the vulnerable.

• Promoting Indian cultural heritage, sustainable tourism, and community-based development.

• Partnering with local, national, and international stakeholders to scale impact and build a better future for all.

• 🌱 Core Values

  1. Inclusiveness
     We serve all people regardless of caste, creed, gender, ability, or socio-economic status, promoting equity and access in everything we do.

  2. Empowerment
     We believe in enabling individuals and communities to realize their full potential through education, livelihood support, and skills development.

  3. Sustainability
     We are committed to promoting practices that conserve natural resources, encourage organic agriculture, and foster long-term ecological balance.

  4. Integrity
     We operate with transparency, honesty, and accountability in all our actions and relationships — with beneficiaries, partners, and donors.

  5. Compassion
     We approach every initiative with empathy and a deep commitment to the dignity, rights, and needs of those we serve.

  6. Collaboration
     We believe in collective impact and actively engage with communities, governments, NGOs, and other stakeholders to maximize outcomes.

  7. Innovation
     We embrace creative and adaptive solutions to tackle evolving social challenges, especially through indigenous knowledge and modern tools.

  8. Cultural Respect
     We honor, protect, and promote India’s rich cultural, historical, and traditional heritage as a foundation for community identity and pride.

  9. Service Beyond Self
     We exist to serve and uplift, not for profit — ensuring that all our initiatives are rooted in public good and ethical responsibility.

  10. Resilience
      We support communities in building capacity to overcome adversity — from climate disasters to social injustice — and thrive sustainably.

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Policy Objectives

1. Prevent harm, abuse, and exploitation within IHF’s programs and operations.

2. Protect vulnerable groups, including women, children, and marginalized communities.

3. Respond effectively to reports of misconduct with a survivor-centered approach.

4. Promote a culture of accountability, transparency, and ethical behavior.

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Scope & Applicability

This policy applies to:

• All IHF employees (full-time, part-time, contractual).

• Volunteers, interns, consultants, and board members.

• Partner organizations, vendors, and visitors.

• Any individual engaged in IHF’s programs or events.

The policy covers both physical and digital interactions, including workplace environments, field visits, and virtual engagements.

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Definitions of Harm & Abuse

1. Sexual Harassment (Prevention of Sexual Harassment – PoSH)

Any unwelcome sexual behavior, including:

• Physical contact or advances.

• Demand for sexual favors.

• Sexually colored remarks or jokes.

• Display of pornography.

• Cyber harassment (unwanted messages, images, or videos).

2. Child Abuse

Any act that harms a child (under 18 years), including:

• Physical Abuse – Hitting, shaking, or any form of violence.

• Sexual Abuse – Exploitation, grooming, or inappropriate contact.

• Emotional Abuse – Humiliation, threats, or verbal aggression.

• Neglect – Failure to provide basic care and protection.

3. Exploitation & Abuse

• Financial Exploitation – Misuse of funds or coercion for personal gain.

• Psychological Abuse – Intimidation, bullying, or manipulation.

• Discrimination – Bias based on gender, caste, religion, or disability.

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Prevention Measures

1. Awareness & Training

• Mandatory safeguarding training for all staff and partners.

• Regular workshops on gender sensitivity, child protection, and ethical conduct.

2. Safe Recruitment

• Background checks for employees and volunteers working with vulnerable groups.

• Clear safeguarding clauses in contracts with partners and vendors.

3. Reporting Mechanisms

• Multiple confidential channels for reporting concerns (email, helpline, in-person).

• Protection for whistleblowers against retaliation.

4. Internal Committees

• Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) – For addressing sexual harassment complaints.

• Child Safeguarding Committee (CSC) – For child protection issues.

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Response & Redressal

1. Reporting a Concern

• Complaints must be submitted in writing within 3 months of the incident.

• Anonymous reports will be reviewed but may limit investigation scope.

2. Investigation Process

• Fair, confidential, and time-bound inquiries.

• Support for survivors (counseling, legal aid, medical assistance).

3. Disciplinary Actions

Depending on severity, consequences may include:

• Written warnings.

• Suspension or termination.

• Legal action and police reporting (if criminal).

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Confidentiality & Non-Retaliation

• All reports will be handled with strict confidentiality.

• Victimization of complainants or witnesses will result in disciplinary action.

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Review & Compliance

• This policy will be reviewed every 3 years or as needed.

• Compliance audits will ensure adherence to safeguarding standards.

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Contact for Reporting Concerns

Email: [email protected]
Helpline: +91 98 426 80028

By upholding this policy, IHF reaffirms its commitment to a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for all.

Signed,

C SANTHOSH KUMAR
Managing Trustee
Indian Heritage Foundation
1st April 2025

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This policy is aligned with Indian laws, including the POSH Act (2013), POCSO Act (2012), and Juvenile Justice Act (2015).