Safeguarding Policy

Introduction

Open Horizon (Öppna Horisonter) is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all participants, staff, and volunteers involved in our Erasmus+ projects. This safeguarding policy outlines our approach to creating safe, respectful, and supportive environments in all activities.

Scope

This policy applies to all Open Horizon activities, including youth exchanges, training courses, project meetings, and any other events organised or coordinated by the association. It covers all participants, staff members, volunteers, board members, and partner organisation representatives.

Core Principles

  • Zero tolerance: We have zero tolerance for harassment, discrimination, abuse, or any behaviour that compromises participant safety and dignity.
  • Prevention first: Safeguarding is embedded in project design, not added afterwards.
  • Clear responsibility: Safeguarding roles and reporting lines are defined and communicated to all relevant parties.
  • Participant-centred: Decisions prioritise the safety and best interests of participants.
  • Transparency: Procedures are documented, accessible, and communicated clearly.

Key Safeguarding Measures

Two-Adult Principle

Activities involving minors or vulnerable participants are supervised by at least two responsible adults. Private one-on-one situations are avoided unless absolutely necessary and documented.

Risk Assessments

All activities undergo written risk assessments prior to implementation. Assessments identify potential safeguarding risks and document mitigation measures.

Codes of Conduct

All staff, volunteers, and participants agree to and sign codes of conduct that define expected behaviour, boundaries, and consequences for violations.

Clear Leadership Roles

Each project has clearly designated leadership roles with defined safeguarding responsibilities. Contact information and reporting procedures are communicated to all participants at project start.

Incident Handling Procedures

We maintain documented procedures for responding to safeguarding concerns, including immediate response steps, escalation paths, documentation requirements, and follow-up actions.

Staff and Volunteer Requirements

  • Background checks where legally required and appropriate
  • Mandatory safeguarding training before project involvement
  • Understanding of and agreement to safeguarding policies
  • Clear role definitions and supervision structures
  • Ongoing support and debriefing opportunities

Respectful Environments

We actively work to create environments characterised by:

  • Respect for diversity, dignity, and personal boundaries
  • Clear communication of expectations and consequences
  • Accessible support structures for participants who need assistance
  • Zero tolerance for bullying, harassment, or discrimination
  • Encouragement of open dialogue about concerns

Reporting Concerns

If you have safeguarding concerns about an Open Horizon activity or team member, please contact us immediately:

Email: info@openhorizon.cc

For immediate emergencies during projects, contact the designated safeguarding officer or project leader directly (contact information provided at project start).

Confidentiality

Safeguarding reports are handled with appropriate confidentiality. Information is shared only with those who need to know to ensure participant safety and comply with legal obligations.

Legal Obligations

Open Horizon complies with Swedish law and relevant European regulations regarding safeguarding, child protection, and duty of care. We cooperate with authorities when required by law.

Policy Review

This safeguarding policy is reviewed annually and updated as needed to reflect best practices, legal requirements, and learning from implementation experience.

Commitment

Open Horizon's board, staff, and volunteers are committed to implementing this policy across all activities. Safeguarding is a shared responsibility that requires continuous attention, learning, and improvement.

Last updated: January 2026

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