ChildWhere children are safe, they can thriveProtectionPolicy
Preamble
The Jannik Sinner Foundation is committed to helping children around the world access education, sport and safe spaces for development.
We support organisations that work directly with children and may also deliver our own activities that involve children. Regardless of the activity or type of funding, children’s well-being is always our highest priority.
All our measures and processes are guided by recognised child protection standards to ensure safety, respect and the protection of children’s rights. This Child Protection Policy is informed by the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and aligned with internationally recognised safeguarding standards, including UNICEF’s child safeguarding principles.
We expect all stakeholders, including all our donors, supporters and partners, to respect and uphold the principles set out in this Child Protection Policy. The Foundation accepts support only where it aligns with our commitment to safeguarding, the best interests of the child and our ethical and governance standards.
This policy applies to all Foundation employees, Board members, consultants and advisers, external service providers acting on behalf of the Foundation, and to partner organisations and funded projects.
Core Principles of
Child Protection
The Foundation is committed to the following principles:
A) Best Interests of the Child
In all decisions and actions, the best interests of the child come first.
B) Zero-Tolerance
Any form of violence, abuse, exploitation, neglect or discrimination against children is strictly prohibited.
C) Prevention
Risks to children are identified and minimised at the earliest possible opportunity, both in partner organisations and in the Foundation’s own activities.
D) Respect and Inclusion
Children are treated with dignity and respect, and their views and voices are taken seriously.
E) Continuous Improvement
This policy is a living document. We review it regularly and amend it when needed.
Requirements for
Partner Organisations
Partner organisations receiving funding from the Foundation must meet the following standards:
A) Child Protection Policy:
a written policy that includes a code of conduct, reporting mechanisms, defined roles and responsibilities, as well as preventive measures
B) Training:
regular safeguarding training for staff and volunteers.
C) Reporting and Response:
clear procedures for reporting and responding to suspected or actual incidents
D) Safer Recruitment:
appropriate screening, supervision and safeguarding measures for staff and volunteers working with children
E) Use of Images and Data:
responsible handling of children’s images and personal data, including informed consent from parents or legal guardians, data protection and avoidance of exploitative representations
The Foundation reviews, monitors and documents compliance with these standards.
Role and Responsibility
in Partner Projects
Where the Foundation funds projects delivered by partner organisations, the partner organisation is responsible for day-to-day implementation and safeguarding. The Foundation’s role is grant-making and oversight, including monitoring and enforcement through funding agreements.
Funding agreements require compliance with child protection standards. Funding may be suspended or reclaimed if safeguarding standards are violated.
Implementation of
the Foundation’s Own
Initiatives or Events
If the Foundation carries out activities involving direct contact with children (e.g., educational or sports initiatives, workshops, fundraising events), the following considerations apply:
A) Supervision and Care
Adequate numbers of trained staff or volunteers are always present, with clearly defined responsibilities for supervision and care.
B) Parent/Care Information and Consent
Parents or legal guardians must provide written consent for participation, including consent for the use of photos or videos. They are informed in advance about the nature of the activity, the level of supervision and any potential risks involved.
C) Safety and Risk Management
Comprehensive safety and risk management procedures are in place, covering accident prevention, emergency procedures, first aid and suitable insurance for all participants and staff. All staff and volunteers must comply fully with the Foundation’s Code of Conduct, which prohibits unsupervised one-on-one situations with children, inappropriate communication or behaviour, and any form of physical contact that could be deemed inappropriate.
D) Documentation and Follow-up
All incidents, concerns or deviations are documented without delay, and immediate action is taken whenever a safeguarding issue arises.
In addition, for every project or event involving children, the Foundation defines project-specific behavioural standards, roles and procedures. These are documented in a dedicated project document and provide the binding framework for implementation, supervision and safeguarding measures.
Reporting and
Response Mechanisms
All concerns, suspicions, allegations or observed incidents of abuse, neglect, exploitation or inappropriate behaviour involving children must be reported immediately to the Foundation or its designated safeguarding officer.
All reports are taken seriously, documented promptly and followed up on to ensure the protection of children involved.
No exceptions apply: even minor or indirect concerns are considered valid grounds for reporting.
Partner organisations must follow the same reporting standards for any safeguarding concerns within funded projects.
Individuals who report concerns in good faith are protected from retaliation.
Reports trigger a timely investigation and appropriate corrective action, which may include suspending activities, temporarily removing staff or volunteers from child-facing roles, or imposing funding-related consequences where applicable.
Monitoring and
Training
The Foundation conducts regular reviews of partner organisations, assessing reports and evaluating safeguarding risks. Partners are required to submit regular reports on both their use of funds and safeguarding measures. The Foundation also reviews and adapts its own safeguarding practices as needed.
Foundation staff and volunteers receive regular training and awareness sessions.
Final Provisions
The Foundation is committed to continuous learning and improvement. This policy is a living document and will be reviewed regularly. Where necessary, the Foundation may amend or supplement it to further strengthen its safeguarding measures.
