Independent decisions
Case selection and safeguarding decisions remain separate from fundraising, publicity and institutional influence.
TRUST BY DESIGN
Compassion needs governance strong enough to protect it.
Before accepting cases, the organisation must have the policies, controls and independent decision-making needed to protect survivors, professionals and the integrity of the work.
A practical opening structure.
One properly governed nonprofit or public-benefit organisation, an independent case-selection and safeguarding committee, vetted professional partners and ring-fenced case funds.
Ring-fenced funds
Case support, operating funds and procurement are controlled and reported separately.
Restricted access
Money, legal information and sensitive records use separate, role-based permissions.
External oversight
An external accountant or auditor supports financial accountability.
Partner vetting
Credentials, conflicts, safeguarding readiness and conduct are checked before access.
No institutional control
SAPS and NPA may participate as liaisons where appropriate, but never control independent case decisions.
Required before case intake
- Safeguarding policy
- Survivor consent framework
- Intake and eligibility criteria
- Suicide and immediate-danger escalation procedures
- Child-protection pathway
- POPIA-compliant data controls
- Media and storytelling policy
- Conflicts and procurement policy
- Complaints mechanism
- Professional indemnity and appropriate insurance
- Partner vetting standard
- Case closure and retention rules
- Protocol for threats against staff or survivors