MASAR HD takes the safety and wellbeing of all people seriously, with special concern for those most vulnerable.

As part of fostering a culture and practice that cares for people well, we have a suite of policies that set out how we will do this.

The Professional Conduct Policy sets out our expectations of MASAR HD members, who are defined as:

1. MASAR HD staff.

2. Local partner staff, while undertaking tasks for MASAR HD;

3. Board members;

4. MASAR HD volunteers including individuals and groups who visit overseas partners or projects funded by MASAR HD;

5. MASAR HD contractors (including advisors and consultants);

6. Subcontractors of MASAR HD overseas partners or MASAR HD contractors while undertaking tasks on behalf of MASAR HD.

This policy sets out behavioral expectations which set standards of behavior and addresses preventing sexual exploitation and abuse; the protection of children; bullying and harassment; and ethical business practices. The policy is directly linked to our Code of Conduct, which must be signed by all staff.

The Protection and Safeguarding Policy sets out how MASAR HD will address harm that exists and arises from the context of our work (‘Protection’), and also how we will endeavor to reduce harm arising from our own activities (‘Safeguarding’)

The Communication and Transparency policy documents MASAR HD commitments to transparency, accountability, and open communication with all stakeholders.

The Complaints and Incident Handling Policy describes MASAR HD’s commitment and approach to responding to complaints and enabling issues of safety and wellbeing to be raised and addressed effectively.

The Whistleblower policy sets out mechanisms for escalation of issues if they are not adequately dealt with by other processes.

The Financial Wrongdoing Policy describes MASAR HD’s commitment and approach to preventing and addressing fraud, corruption, money laundering, and risks of terrorism financing.

MASAR HD also uses ICRC Conflict of Interest Policy and Privacy Policy, which document commitments to arms-length decision-making and the handling of information in line with humanitarian standards.

These policies form an interlocking web of support for driving professional and compassionate behavior. They set expectations, drive training, and provide the means for transparent accountability when there is a breach.