International development charity, Restless Development has launched a “listening exercise” with past and current volunteers after further allegations about its handling of complaints against volunteers.
Yesterday the Independent reported allegations that the charity had failed “to act on complaints made against team leaders who allegedly went on to rape a young female volunteer”. The Charity Commission has opened an operational compliance case.
The incident took place as part of the International Citizen Service programme being deliver by the charity a government-funded programme which offers overseas placements for 18 to 25-year-olds and which is managed by VSO.
In September, the publication reported sexual misconduct allegations and yesterday it said it had uncovered fresh allegations, which include that the charity did not act on concerns. It quotes volunteers from the time saying that they did not have confidence in the charity’s investigation.
In a statement posted on its website, Restless Development said it had taken allegations seriously and that it had taken appropriate action.
“We took the allegation relating to alleged child molestation extremely seriously and as soon as the alleged incident was reported to us we launched a formal investigation, which included informing the South African police and interviewing the child’s family. The child’s family were provided with independent legal and other advice to support them, however they did not wish to bring any claim and the police therefore were unable to proceed with any investigation,” it said.
The charity said an independent review that found its response had been appropriate.
But it added: “We are very concerned if some volunteers feel we have not adequately supported them. In recent months we have reopened investigations into these incidents and met volunteers from our South Africa cycles to offer further support and counselling and to try to address the issues they have raised.”
It said it had not told volunteers of the measures that had been taken to protect the survivor.
“When possible and when we consider it appropriate or safe to do so, we will provide volunteers with briefings related to incidents, however our survivor centered approach to incidents in South Africa in 2017 required us to handle these incidents with the utmost sensitivity and strict confidentiality,” it said.
Listening exercise
Restless Development said “volunteer feedback is a crucial part of our culture and essential to our work” and it is now seeking to hear more from stakeholders.
“With this in mind, we have launched a listening exercise with volunteers, past and present, to better understand the challenges facing volunteers and to understand what a meaningful volunteer experience is to young people across our agency.”
It said anyone with feedback should call its UK office on 44 (0)207 633 3350 (Mon-Fri) or email [email protected].
Charity Commission case
The Charity Commission has confirmed that it has opened an operational compliance case.
It said: “We can confirm that Voluntary Service Overseas and Restless Development are currently subject to an ongoing regulatory compliance case. Amongst other things, the case is looking into serious concerns around safeguarding and the charities volunteer programme. Our case was prompted after the trustees submitted concerns to us. However, as the case is ongoing, we are unable to comment further at this time.”
A VSO spokesperson said: “VSO works closely with both the Charity Commission and DfID on its safeguarding reporting. The organisation comprehensively reports incidents to DfID and works closely with the department to ensure that ICS is as safe as possible.
“We report all serious incidents to the Charity Commission, and when those incidents require us to provide further information we do so fully and frankly. We have also recently been independently audited by the Keeping Children Safe network, who found our safeguarding measures satisfactory.”
“All ICS participants who are affected by a serious incident are treated with care and confidentiality.”
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