🔐 Safeguarding at EPSS
Empowering People. Protecting Dignity. Preventing Harm.
At Empowering People for Sustainable Solutions (EPSS), safeguarding is a core value that shapes how we work, who we serve, and how we hold ourselves accountable. We are committed to creating a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for everyone we work with – especially communities affected by conflict, displacement, and explosive hazards.
What Is Safeguarding?
Safeguarding means protecting people (especially children and vulnerable adults) from harm caused by our staff, partners, or operations. This includes preventing:
- Sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA)
- Harassment, abuse, or neglect
- Unsafe programming environments
- Misuse of power and trust
We uphold the IASC Six Core Principles on Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA) and enforce a zero-tolerance policy for all forms of abuse and misconduct.
Our Commitments
- All staff and volunteers are trained in safeguarding principles and sign a strict Code of Conduct
- We maintain confidential and accessible reporting mechanisms for staff, partners, and community members
- We conduct risk assessments and context analysis to ensure our activities are safe and inclusive
- We take every report seriously and follow up with appropriate investigation, response, and support
Reporting Safeguarding Concerns
If you experience, witness, or suspect any form of abuse, misconduct, or exploitation involving EPSS staff, volunteers, or partners, please report it.
🛡️ Your report will be handled with confidentiality, care, and zero retaliation.
📧 Email: safeguarding@epssolutions.org
📞 Hotline: +251 (0) 97 711 2811 (Call or WhatsApp)
📬 Suggestion Box: Available at all EPSS field locations
📄 Download: Safeguarding Concern Reporting Form (PDF)
Our Policies
EPSS has adopted and implemented the following safeguarding policies and procedures:
- Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA) Policy
- Child and Vulnerable Adult Safeguarding Guidelines
- Code of Conduct (for staff, volunteers, and partners)
- Whistleblower and Anti-Fraud Policy
- Gender and Inclusion Policy
Meet Our Safeguarding Team
EPSS has trained safeguarding focal points at both national and field level:
👤 Mr. Abebe Haile – Safeguarding Focal Point, Addis Ababa
👤 Dr. Tagese Hallore – M&E Lead & Safeguarding Oversight, Tigray Region
Download our full Safeguarding Policy (PDF) List Below.
Creating a Safe Space for All
We believe everyone—especially survivors of conflict, mine victims, children, women, and persons with disabilities—deserves to live in dignity and safety. We will continue to strengthen our systems, train our teams, and listen to communities to ensure our work protects and empowers—not harms.
Together, let’s build a safer, more just future.