International Development Fund: grant awards and management stages

Example safeguarding risk assessment template

Safeguarding risk assessment

Programme: [insert name]
Country/region: [insert location]
Date: [insert date]
Prepared by: [insert name/organisation]

Purpose and context

This safeguarding risk assessment identifies potential risks of harm, abuse, or exploitation arising within the [programme name]  development programme. It aims to ensure the safety and dignity of all participants, particularly children and vulnerable adults, and to uphold organisational commitments to “do no harm” in line with international safeguarding standards and donor requirements.

Scope

The assessment applies to all individuals and entities involved in the programme, including:

• programme staff and volunteers (international and local)
• partner organisations and contractors
• community members, beneficiaries, and participants
• visitors and consultants

It covers all programme activities, whether field-based, in community settings, or online.

Risk categories and analysis

This section should be set out as a table and consider risk area (eg. sexual exploitation, capacity, neglect etc.); description; likelihood; impact; mitigation measures; responsible person; residual risk. An example table is provided in the supporting documents.

Example risk 1

Risk area: sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA)
Description: staff or partners exploit vulnerable beneficiaries for sexual favours or resources
Likelihood: medium
Impact: high
Mitigation measures: code of conduct; mandatory training; confidential reporting channels; community awareness sessions
Responsible: safeguarding lead
Residual risk: low

Example risk 2

Risk area: child abuse or neglect
Description: unsupervised contact or inappropriate behaviour towards children in programme activities
Likelihood: medium
Impact: high
Mitigation measures: child protection policy; supervision ratios; background checks; safeguarding focal points
Responsible: programme manager
Residual risk: low

Example risk 3

Risk area: cultural norms undermining gender equality
Description: harmful gender norms or power imbalances limit women’s participation or enable abuse
Likelihood: high
Impact: high
Mitigation measures: gender and inclusion training; local engagement; gender-sensitive programming
Responsible: gender advisor
Residual risk: medium

Example risk 4

Risk area: partner organisation lacks safeguarding capacity 
Description: partners do not have safeguarding procedures or trained staff
Likelihood: medium
Impact: high
Mitigation measures: due diligence and capacity assessment; safeguarding clauses in Memoranda of Understanding; regular monitoring
Responsible: partnership manager
Residual risk: medium

Example risk 5

Risk area: online exploitation or data misuse 
Description: sharing of beneficiary photos or data without consent
Likelihood: low
Impact: medium
Mitigation measures: digital safeguarding policy; informed consent procedures; secure data storage
Responsible: IT and comms officer
Residual risk: low

Example risk 6

Risk area: retaliation or stigma against whistle-blowers or survivors
Description: fear of reporting incidents due to social or professional risks
Likelihood: medium
Impact: high
Mitigation measures: anonymous reporting options; survivor-centred support; zero tolerance messaging
Responsible: safeguarding committee
Residual risk: medium

Preventive and mitigation strategies

• recruitment and vetting: all staff and volunteers undergo background checks and sign the Safeguarding Code of Conduct
• training: mandatory induction and annual refresher safeguarding training
• community awareness: beneficiaries are informed of their rights and the reporting process
• safe programming: activities are designed to reduce power imbalances and avoid putting individuals at risk

Reporting and response mechanisms

• internal reporting: concerns must be reported immediately to the Safeguarding Lead via confidential channels
• survivor-centred response: all cases prioritise the survivor’s safety, consent, and access to medical, psychosocial, and legal support
• referral pathways: established with local service providers and law enforcement where appropriate

Partner and contractor safeguarding

• partners must have written safeguarding policies aligned with organisational standards
• all agreements include safeguarding clauses and accountability requirements
• regular spot checks and monitoring ensure compliance and capacity strengthening

Review and monitoring

• risk assessment to be reviewed every six months or following a significant incident or contextual change
• findings integrated into programme learning and annual safeguarding reports

Approval:
Safeguarding lead:
Programme director: 
Date:
Next review due: [insert date]