Oxfam's Global Safeguarding team, including a dedicated Retail Safeguarding Manager, supports seven HR retail staff (called HR Business Partners) trained in safeguarding and mental health first aid. In turn, the Retail Safeguarding Manager and the HR Business Partners train area managers, shop managers and deputy shop managers in safeguarding.
Volunteers receive information about safeguarding when they join Oxfam and induction and training is mandatory for all staff and volunteers when they start work or volunteering.
This system means our retail network understands it's everyone's responsibility to recognise safeguarding issues and report them. Reporting can be done via the Retail Safeguarding Manager, area managers, shop managers, HR and a confidential safeguarding line. The safeguarding phone line number is displayed on posters in each shop. There is zero tolerance of inappropriate behaviour in Oxfam shops.
We have rigorous procedures also in place to prevent abuse in shops. These include enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and PVG checks for shop managers, deputy shop managers and many volunteers in supervisory roles. We ensure that young volunteers under the age of 18 don't work shifts without an enhanced DBS/PVG-checked person present.
We make sure two adults are present in each shop to prevent lone working, including whenever a young person is volunteering. All volunteers are asked to provide two references and disclose any current criminal convictions. We risk assess every volunteer who discloses a conviction. We do not allow volunteers or staff to work in shops if they are, or have been, on the sex offenders register.
All allegations of misconduct or abuse in Oxfam shops are investigated by the safeguarding team. Advice and support on reporting to the police is given if there is any suggestion a crime has been committed. Local Authority Safeguarding teams, DBS and Disclosure Scotland are contacted where appropriate before, during and after investigations.
Oxfam is constantly reviewing and updating its safeguarding procedures to ensure our shops remain safe and enjoyable places to work.