Safeguarding is more than a policy – it is an ethical and operational imperative.

Palladium defines safeguarding as the proactive measures taken to protect anyone who participates in our work, benefits from our work, or interacts with our people, from abuse or exploitation. It is a responsibility that transcends compliance; it is about fostering a culture of safety, accountability, and trust.

This commitment is evident not only in our zero-tolerance policy but in the rigour of our response when a concern is reported. Every report, regardless of its complexity, is investigated. That is the core of our promise.

I’m often asked: "What happens when I report a concern?" While outcomes may differ depending on the nature of the issue, one thing is certain: we investigate. That’s what our zero-tolerance policy looks like in action.

Investigating safeguarding concerns is rarely straightforward. These matters are often sensitive and painful, from sexual harassment and exploitation to intimate partner violence or child abuse. Some cases are quickly resolved through early verification; others demand thorough interviews and document reviews. In one recent case, an investigation simply involved confirming that all workers at a particular site were over the age of 18, fairly compensated, and safely housed. The facts were established swiftly, but the diligence was no less critical.

Our safeguarding investigations operate on the standard of the balance of probabilities: is it more likely than not that the abuse occurred? The role of the investigators is to establish facts responsibly and impartially, always guided by the principle of doing no further harm.

A survivor-centred approach is central to our safeguarding model. This means placing the well-being of everyone involved at the heart of each process: survivors, reporters, witnesses, and alleged perpetrators. Safety and confidentiality are non-negotiable.

Reporting a safeguarding concern does not require the consent of any party involved. You're not reporting on someone else’s behalf. You're flagging a possible breach of policy. However, how a report is made does matter. In some contexts, such as countries where homosexuality is criminalised, reporting through standard channels can expose individuals to further risk. In these cases, the safest option is our Ethicspoint online form. It allows for confidential and anonymous reporting and lets reporters explain any associated risks.

Investigation methods are also adapted to the context. We use discreet approaches when more direct ones could endanger lives. We constantly balance the risks of continuing an investigation against the potential harm of halting it. Providing survivors with access to support services is a central part of the process, not an optional extra.

Through it all, no two cases are the same. We learn and evolve with every report. That commitment to learning is what strengthens our safeguarding system.

On June 19th, I will speak at the fourth annual Safeguarding Leads Network event, hosted by British Expertise International. This event brings together safeguarding professionals to share challenges, solutions, and innovations. I will join two other panellists to close the morning with a session on "Investigation Complexities and Managing the Survivor-Centred Approach."

Safeguarding is never a finished task. It is a daily commitment, one we continue to meet with diligence, transparency, and care.

Haifa Ungapen is Safeguarding Manager at Palladium.