Demystifying safeguarding investigations: Discussion with Lucy Heaven Taylor and Martina Broström

Workplace administrative investigations of allegations of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (SEA) and other abuses are a common tool in safeguarding response. The United Nations and international non-governmental organisations use common principles and standards to conduct administrative investigations of SEA and other safeguarding concerns. The Safeguarding Resource and Support Hub Eastern Europe (RSH EE) invited the authors of the CHS Alliance’s foundational paper “Victim/survivor-centred approach to protection from sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment in the aid sector” for a discussion and presentation on workplace administrative investigations and the importance of making them victim/survivor centred. This presentation provided an easy-to-understand explanation of what steps are required for administrative investigations including understanding the evidence threshold “balance of probability” and what happens after the investigation is over. Basic concept and terms around safeguarding investigations were introduced, including the principles of fairness and the right to procedural fairness, also known as due-process rights. Participants were encouraged to ask questions to demystify the process of investigations including how to adapt them to their own contexts. The presentation also discussed ways to make investigations more survivor centred to help prevent any further harm coming to victims/survivors and support their participation in investigations. Please be advised that Martina Broström spoke about Sexual Violence that she had experienced, which some may find distressing.