Stop Uyghur Genocide (SUG) Safeguarding Policy
Policy Updated: April 27th 2026
Approved by: Board of Trustees, Stop Uyghur Genocide
Safeguarding Lead: Executive Director (Rahima Mahmut)
Designated Safeguarding Trustee: Dr Raghib Ali OBE
1. Introduction
Stop Uyghur Genocide (SUG) is a UK-based charity registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales (Charity No: 1200772). The organisation works to raise awareness of human rights abuses against Uyghurs and other Turkic groups to advocate for action to prevent genocide and ensure accountability.
SUG is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all individuals it engages with, including staff, volunteers, partners, and members of the public. Given the nature of its work, SUG recognises that it may engage with individuals who have experienced trauma, persecution, or displacement. Safeguarding is therefore integral to all aspects of the organisation’s work.
2. Legal Framework
SUG’s safeguarding approach is informed by relevant UK legislation and guidance, including the Care Act 2014, the Data Protection Act 2018, and the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006. The organisation also follows safeguarding guidance issued by the Charity Commission for England and Wales, including Protecting people and safeguarding in charities (CC30).
While SUG does not provide services directly to children, it remains committed to upholding safeguarding standards across all areas of its work. SUG personnel may come into direct or indirect contact with adults at risk and, on occasion, with young people, and this policy reflects those responsibilities.
For the purposes of this policy, a child is defined as any person under the age of 18. An adult at risk is defined, in line with the Care Act 2014, as a person aged 18 or over who has needs for care and support, is experiencing, or is at risk of, abuse or neglect, and who, as a result of those needs, is unable to protect themselves from harm or exploitation.
Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. All staff and volunteers who, through their role at SUG, have direct or indirect contact with individuals, or access to information about them, are responsible for safeguarding and promoting their welfare.
This policy applies to anyone employed or engaged directly or indirectly by SUG, including trustees, staff, volunteers, interns, work placement students, trainers, and consultants (collectively referred to as “SUG personnel”). It is also made available to independent contractors and should be followed as good practice.
While this policy focuses on responsibilities within the context of SUG’s work, all personnel are expected to uphold safeguarding principles in their conduct more broadly, recognising that their actions may have an impact on the safety and wellbeing of others.
3. Scope
This policy applies to all individuals acting on behalf of SUG, including trustees, staff, volunteers, interns, work placement students, consultants, contractors, and partner organisations (collectively referred to as “SUG personnel”). It also extends to independent contractors and is expected to be followed as good practice.
The policy applies across all organisational activities, including advocacy, events, research, media engagement, and community outreach.
All personnel are expected to uphold safeguarding principles in their conduct, recognising that their actions may have an impact on the safety and wellbeing of others.
4. Safeguarding Principles
SUG is guided by a commitment to protecting individuals from harm, promoting dignity and respect, and ensuring that all interactions are conducted safely and ethically. The organisation adopts a trauma-informed approach and places emphasis on confidentiality, informed consent, and the prevention of harm.
5. Roles and Responsibilities
The Board of Trustees holds ultimate responsibility for safeguarding and ensures that appropriate policies and procedures are in place. A designated safeguarding trustee provides additional oversight and acts as an escalation point where required.
The Executive Director serves as Safeguarding Lead and is responsible for receiving and managing safeguarding concerns, maintaining appropriate records, and ensuring that concerns are addressed promptly and appropriately.
Where a concern involves the Safeguarding Lead, or cannot be appropriately managed at that level, it will be escalated to the designated safeguarding trustee, who will provide independent oversight and determine whether further action is required.
All staff and volunteers are responsible for understanding this policy, maintaining appropriate professional boundaries, and reporting safeguarding concerns without delay.
6. Safeguarding Procedures
If a safeguarding concern arises, the immediate priority is to ensure the safety of the individual involved. Concerns should be listened to carefully and without judgement, and an accurate record should be made as soon as possible.
All concerns must be reported to the Safeguarding Lead, who will assess the situation and determine the appropriate course of action. This may include internal action, referral to external agencies, or escalation to the designated safeguarding trustee.
Serious incidents will be reported to relevant authorities and, where required, to the Charity Commission.
7. Whistleblowing
SUG encourages a culture in which concerns can be raised openly and without fear of retaliation. Concerns about safeguarding or misconduct should normally be reported to the Safeguarding Lead. Where the concern involves the Safeguarding Lead, it should be raised with the designated safeguarding trustee or the Chair of Trustees.
Reports may be made in writing, by email, or verbally, and anonymous disclosures will be considered where possible.
All concerns will be taken seriously, handled confidentially, and assessed appropriately. Where necessary, an investigation will be carried out and appropriate action taken. Individuals raising concerns will be protected from retaliation.
Concerns may also be reported to external bodies, including the Charity Commission or the police, where appropriate.
8. Safer Recruitment
SUG is committed to ensuring that all individuals engaged by the organisation are suitable for their roles and do not pose a risk to others. Recruitment processes include identity checks, references, and verification of qualifications where relevant.
In line with the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006, Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks will be carried out where roles involve direct or regular engagement with vulnerable individuals. SUG will not knowingly engage individuals who are barred from working with vulnerable groups and will make referrals to the Disclosure and Barring Service where required.
9. Training
SUG is committed to maintaining appropriate safeguarding knowledge across the organisation. The Safeguarding Lead will undertake appropriate safeguarding training and remain informed of current best practice.
Staff and volunteers will receive safeguarding awareness training appropriate to their role, including recognising and reporting concerns and working in a trauma-informed manner. Additional training will be provided where roles involve direct engagement with vulnerable individuals.
Records of safeguarding training, including certificates where applicable, will be maintained and reviewed periodically.
10. Safe Working Practices
SUG will take reasonable steps to ensure that its activities and environments do not pose a risk to individuals. This includes carrying out risk assessments where appropriate and ensuring that activities are conducted safely.
The organisation will obtain informed consent before using personal information, images, or testimonies, particularly where individuals may be at risk.
11. Digital Safeguarding
SUG recognises the risks associated with digital advocacy and will take appropriate measures to protect personal data and communications. Sensitive information will not be shared without consent, and steps will be taken to minimise risks associated with online exposure.
12. Confidentiality
All safeguarding information will be handled sensitively and shared only on a need-to-know basis, in accordance with the Data Protection Act 2018.
13. Monitoring and Review
Safeguarding is an ongoing organisational responsibility. Safeguarding will be reviewed regularly at trustee level, and any incidents will be documented and assessed.
This policy will be reviewed annually, or sooner if required following a safeguarding incident or changes in legislation or guidance.
14. Approval and Availability
This policy has been approved by the Board of Trustees of Stop Uyghur Genocide.