The Safeguarding Resource and Support Hub (RSH) aims to support organisations in the aid sector to strengthen their safeguarding policy and practice against Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Sexual Harassment (SEAH). The Hub’s core offer will be an online open-access platform bringing together quality assured guidance, tools, support and research on safeguarding, serving any organisation working in the international aid sector. However, smaller, local organisations in developing countries are the focus of the Hub’s offer as they tend to have less access to safeguarding resources than international organisations.
Launched in December 2019, the Hub is currently under development. At the end of May 2020, we will launch our online platform, followed by a small number of National Hubs offering both virtual and face-to-face services – for example, discussion groups; capacity development opportunities and materials; a marketplace for SEAH safeguarding service providers; evidence reviews and presentations. The content will cover wide-ranging contexts and address SEAH through diverse cultural and social perspectives, and we will translate key materials into different languages – starting with some of those spoken in our pilot countries, Ethiopia, South Sudan and Nigeria.
The Hub will also be a repository for the increasing volume of SEAH safeguarding materials, much of which has been developed in recent years in response to high profile SEAH cases within the sector. There are also important contributions dating back further over the last two decades, a reflection of the dedicated and determined work of activists, leaders, survivors, researchers and others working in this area. The Hub will provide a ‘one-stop shop’ to support access to this body of work – whether it is research or guidance, case studies or think pieces, communities of practice or practical tools. Where the Hub staff or its users identify major gaps in evidence, guidance or opportunities, we will look for ways to fill them, in collaboration with other partners and networks.
The Hub will evolve in response to user engagement and feedback. We want people who come to the site to become regular visitors, to actively engage in discussions, to share new materials, information and opportunities – and to feel a sense of ownership.
Please come back to visit the Hub at the end of May when we are up and running!
