Safeguarding Policy

1. Our Commitment

Common Initiative serves refugee and immigrant adults (18+), many of whom may be considered vulnerable due to past trauma, language barriers, financial hardship, or social isolation. We are absolutely committed to ensuring their safety, dignity, and wellbeing across all our programs—whether they are receiving education funding, participating in career mentoring, or accessing essential care.

We operate a zero-tolerance policy towards abuse, exploitation, harassment, and discrimination of any kind.

2. Code of Conduct

All staff, volunteers, corporate partners, and industry mentors must adhere to our strict Code of Conduct. This includes:

• Maintaining clear, professional boundaries at all times.
• Treating all participants with profound respect, regardless of race, religion, gender, or background.
• Never engaging in behavior that could be construed as coercive, exploitative, or abusive.
• Respecting the privacy and confidentiality of participants' personal stories and circumstances.

3. Vetting & Training

We implement rigorous screening processes for all individuals who will have direct contact with program participants.

• Background Checks: All mentors, staff, and relevant volunteers must undergo National Police Checks before being matched with a participant.
• Trauma-Informed Training: Mentors and staff receive specialized training on working with refugees and immigrants, emphasizing cultural competency and trauma-informed practices.

4. Reporting & Response

We maintain clear, accessible channels for participants, mentors, and staff to report any safeguarding concerns or breaches of our Code of Conduct.

All reports are taken seriously, investigated promptly by trained personnel, and handled with the utmost confidentiality. Where a crime is suspected, we will report the matter to the relevant Australian authorities.

If you have a safeguarding concern, please contact our designated Safeguarding Officer immediately at safeguarding@commoninitiative.com.au.