TimeHeroes Foundation manages the biggest volunteering platform in Bulgaria – timeheroes.org. The organization is dedicated to promoting volunteerism in Bulgaria by connecting the people who want to help with the causes that need support. It also encourages school students to be volunteers by engaging them in the youth volunteering competition The Heroes’ Cup. TimeHeroes has a corporate activation program called Volunteering Matters, through which it helps companies develop their CSR strategies and promote volunteering (including pro bono) among their employees.

1. Introduction

This policy outlines the organization’s commitment to protecting children, ensuring their safety
and well-being in all activities carried out by the organization. It provides a clear framework for preventing harm and responding to concerns about children’s welfare.

2. Scope

This CPP applies to all employees, volunteers, trainees, and third parties associated with the
organization, including subcontractors and external collaborators.

3. Definitions

- Child: Any individual under the age of 18, as defined by the United Nations Convention
on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC).
- Abuse: Any action that harms or risks harming a child’s physical, emotional, or
psychological health, including physical abuse, sexual abuse, neglect, and exploitation.
- Personnel: Includes all employees, volunteers, trainees, and external collaborators
working with the organization.

4. Protection Commitments

We are committed to:

- Implementing rigorous recruitment and vetting procedures to ensure child safety.
- Training all personnel on child protection standards and their responsibilities under this
policy.
- Establishing and maintaining clear codes of conduct for working with children.

5. Safe Recruitment Procedures

To ensure the safety of children, the following steps will be strictly implemented during Recruitment:

1. Background Checks:
- All personnel must provide a clean criminal record certificate.
- References from previous employers or supervisors are required, particularly if the role involves working with children.

2. Interviews:
- Specific questions related to child safeguarding will be included to assess
attitudes and understanding.

3. Commitment Declaration:
- All personnel must sign a written commitment to adhere to the CPP and code of
conduct.

6. Data Protection and Informed Consent

To comply with GDPR and ensure ethical practices:

1. Informed Consent:
- Before collecting data, obtaining images, or conducting interviews involving children, explicit consent must be obtained from parents or legal guardians.
- Children, where appropriate, should also provide assent.

2. Data Handling:
- Personal information will be stored securely, with access limited to authorized
personnel only.
- Images or videos of children will not be used publicly without prior consent and
must not include identifying details.

3. Transparency:
- All families involved in the organisation will be informed of how data will be used
and their rights to access or delete information

7. Code of Conduct

Personnel must:

- Treat children with respect and dignity.
-  Avoid behaviors that could be interpreted as abusive, including:
- Using inappropriate or degrading language.
- Unnecessary or inappropriate physical contact.
- Unauthorized communication or interactions outside the professional context.
- Report any suspicion of abuse or breaches of the code immediately.

Specifically, when working with children:

-  Never be alone with a child in a closed space without supervision.
- Do not perform tasks involving physical contact unless absolutely necessary and with
consent.
- Do not engage in any personal relationship with a minor.

8. Relevant Legislations

The organization commits to complying with:

- National legislation related to child protection in each country of operation.
- United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC).
- Council of Europe recommendations on child protection.

9. Procedures for Reporting and Managing Concerns

1. Child Protection Officer (CPO):
- A designated CPO will oversee the implementation of the CPP and manage
reports of abuse.

2. Reporting Protocol:
- Any suspicion or allegation must be reported to the CPO immediately using a
standard reporting form.

3. Incident Management:
- Internal disciplinary actions will be taken against personnel breaching child
safeguarding rules.
- External cases will be referred to the relevant legal authorities.

10. External Collaborators and Subcontractors

1. Agreement to CPP:
- All external collaborators, such as photographers or consultants, must agree to
follow the organisation’s CPP.

2. Supervision:
- Activities involving children must be supervised by organisation personnel to
ensure adherence to safeguarding practices.

11. Childcare Services During Organisation Activities

1. Availability:
- Childcare services will be provided to ensure parents can participate in organisation activities without concern.

2. Safety Standards:
- Caregivers will be thoroughly vetted, trained in child protection, and supervised at all times.
- Facilities will be child-friendly, safe, and compliant with health and safety
regulations.

12. Training and Awareness

1. Initial Training:
-All personnel will receive an introductory training session on this CPP during
onboarding.

2. Ongoing Training:
- Annual refresher sessions will cover updates to the CPP and additional relevant
child protection topics.

3. Awareness Materials:
- Summaries of the CPP will be distributed and prominently displayed in
workplaces and on the organization’s website.

13. Review and Revision

1. Frequency:
- The CPP will be reviewed every two years or as needed.

2.  Documentation:
- Each version of the CPP will include the adoption date and revision history.

14. Commitment and Availability

1. Approval:
- This policy is signed by the organization’s directors, demonstrating their
commitment to its implementation.

2. Accessibility:
- The CPP will be available online on the organization’s website and in print format
upon request.

Signed by Emanuela Ivanova, director of the TimeHeroes Foundation. Click here to view the document>>>