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Eval ENEval

Safeguarding

We are committed to ensuring that everyone involved in or affected by evaluations can participate safely, with dignity and respect.

We have zero tolerance for any form of harm, including sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment (SEAH), bullying, threats, discrimination, or retaliation against those who raise concerns. Where applicable, we protect the confidentiality of sensitive data and respondent information.

What “safeguarding” means in our evaluations

In the evaluation context, safeguarding means preventing and responding to:

  • Sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment (SEAH), including abuse of power or unequal relationships.
  • Harassment, bullying, intimidation and threats, online or in person.
  • Discrimination on protected grounds.
  • Risks to children and other at-risk groups, including unsafe interviewing or referral practices.
  • Data-related harms, such as disclosure of sensitive personal information.
  • Fraud, corruption, mismanagement or other types of misconduct.

Who this applies to

This applies to:

  • Our staff and management.
  • External evaluators and consultants.
  • Interpreters, data collectors and other subcontractors.
  • Anyone participating in evaluation activities (interviews, focus groups, surveys, workshops).

Reporting safeguarding concerns

Anyone can report concerns related to our evaluations, including concerns about evaluator behaviour, partner organisations, or risks to participants.

If you have concerns about how our work is being conducted or about a specific incident, you may report through Norec’s whistleblowing protocol.

EVAL takes all reports of possible wrongdoing seriously. We are committed to handling reports confidentially to the greatest extent possible and to respond in a rights-based and survivor-centred manner.

Recognised ethics and standards

Our commitment reflects recognised ethics and standards for evaluation practice, including the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Development Assistance Committee (DAC) Quality Standards for Development Evaluation, and is consistent with the OECD DAC Recommendation on ending SEAH in development co-operation and humanitarian assistance.