Field conservation team working safely in a wildlife setting
Our Commitment

Safeguarding Policy.

A clear duty of care for every participant, staff member, partner, and community we work alongside.

Last updated: May 2026

Purpose

This policy sets out how GoWildAtlas works to safeguard students, interns, staff, contractors, local partners, and host communities during our wildlife veterinary and conservation programmes.

Who This Policy Applies To

This policy applies to everyone involved in GoWildAtlas activities, including participants, employees, guides, veterinary professionals, volunteers, contractors, consultants, placement hosts, and partner organisations.

Our Safeguarding Principles

  • We take all safeguarding concerns seriously and respond promptly.
  • We do not tolerate harassment, discrimination, bullying, exploitation, abuse, or intimidation.
  • We expect professional conduct in the field, in accommodation, during travel, and online.
  • We prioritise informed consent, participant wellbeing, and respect for local communities.
  • We protect confidentiality wherever possible, while recognising that some concerns must be escalated to keep people safe.

Expected Conduct

All participants and team members are expected to follow staff instructions, respect boundaries, use appropriate language, avoid exploitative behaviour, and report unsafe or inappropriate conduct. Fieldwork can involve challenging environments, but pressure, fatigue, or cultural difference never excuse harmful behaviour.

Reporting a Concern

If you experience, witness, or suspect a safeguarding issue, contact GoWildAtlas as soon as possible at info@gowildatlas.com or use the contact form. If someone is in immediate danger, contact local emergency services or the on-site programme lead first.

How We Respond

GoWildAtlas will listen, record concerns carefully, assess immediate safety needs, and take proportionate action. This may include separating individuals, contacting guardians or emergency contacts where appropriate, escalating to local authorities, informing partner organisations, or removing someone from a programme.

Confidentiality

Safeguarding information is shared only with people who need it to protect participants, investigate concerns, or meet legal and operational obligations.

Review

We review this policy regularly and update it as our programmes, partners, and field locations evolve.