At CADEF CAMEROON we commit to open, safe, and confidential reporting of misconduct, fraud, abuse, or other concerns that affect the organisation, its people, beneficiaries, or stakeholders. This Whistleblower Protection policy sets clear channels, protections, and procedures to ensure reports are handled promptly, fairly, and without retaliation.
Purpose
To provide secure, accessible, and confidential mechanisms for reporting wrongdoing and to protect anyone who raises concerns in good faith from retaliation.
Scope
This policy applies to all staff, board members, volunteers, interns, contractors, partners, beneficiaries, and third parties working with or for CADEF, across all locations and programmes.
Protected Disclosures Reports may include, but are not limited to:
- Fraud, theft, or financial mismanagement
- Corruption, bribery, or misuse of funds
- Child protection violations, sexual exploitation, or abuse
- Harassment, discrimination, or bullying
- Safety breaches and serious misconduct
- Deliberate concealment of wrongdoing
Reporting Channels
- Internal: Report directly to the Safeguarding Focal Point, Executive Director, or designated Whistleblower Officer.
- Confidential hotline/email: Secure channels (published on the website) for confidential or anonymous reports.
- External: Where legal or safety considerations require, reports may be made to statutory authorities or funders.
Anonymous Reports
Anonymous reporting is accepted where permitted by law, but may limit the ability to investigate. CADEF evaluates anonymous reports with the same seriousness and seeks corroborating evidence when possible.
How Reports Are Handled
- Acknowledgement: CADEF will acknowledge receipt of a report within a defined timeframe where contact details are provided.
- Triage: The Whistleblower Officer or Safeguarding Focal Point conducts an initial assessment to determine urgency, safety and confidentiality measures, and investigation needs.
- Investigation: Allegations are investigated impartially and promptly by trained staff or an independent investigator where appropriate. Investigations respect confidentiality, due process, and applicable law.
- Outcome and Action: Findings guide corrective actions, disciplinary measures, or referrals to authorities as needed. Non-identifying lessons learned may be shared organisation-wide.
Protection from Retaliation
- Non-Retaliation Principle: Retaliation, harassment, or victimisation against anyone who reports in good faith or cooperates with an investigation is strictly prohibited.
- Protection Measures: CADEF will take interim measures to protect reporters and witnesses, including temporary reassignment, confidentiality safeguards, and support referrals.
- Consequences: Individuals found to have retaliated will face disciplinary action, up to termination and potential legal consequences.
Confidentiality and Data Protection
- Information related to reports and investigations is treated as confidential and shared only on a need-to-know basis.
- Records are stored securely in line with the Privacy & Data Protection and Document Retention policies.
- Personal data is processed lawfully and minimised to the extent necessary for investigation and protection.
Support for Reporters and Witnesses CADEF offers support to reporters and witnesses, including psychosocial support referrals, guidance on safety planning, and practical assistance during investigations.
False Reporting
Deliberately false or malicious reporting is prohibited and may result in disciplinary action. Good-faith reporting that is not substantiated does not constitute malicious reporting and is protected.
Governance, Oversight, and Record-Keeping
- The Board receives anonymised summaries of whistleblower activity and trends.
- The Executive Management Team ensures the policy is resourced, implemented, and reviewed.
- Secure records of reports and outcomes are maintained according to Document Retention requirements.
Access and Communication
This policy, reporting channels, and guidance on how to report are published on the CADEF website and included in induction materials, programme documentation, and partner agreements. Materials are available in accessible formats and local languages as needed.
Training and Awareness
Mandatory training on reporting channels, protections, and responsibilities is provided to all staff, partners, and volunteers. Regular awareness activities remind communities and beneficiaries of safe reporting options.
Review
This policy is reviewed annually or after any serious incident and updated to reflect legal requirements, lessons learned, and best practice.
Related Policies
Read alongside: Code of Conduct, Child Protection & Safeguarding, Privacy & Data Protection, Feedback & Complaints, and Document Retention.
Contact
For questions about this policy or to report concerns, email integrity@cadef.org.
Last updated: October 2025.