What steps can charities take to ensure the welfare and human rights of vulnerable people are protected?

It is highly unethical to target or exploit people in vulnerable circumstances.

Acting without considering people in vulnerable circumstances can also result in a charity losing funds and support. And it can cause irreparable damage to a charity’s reputation.

The Responsible People (board or committee members) of charities should ensure:

• Their activities consider the needs and human rights of people in vulnerable circumstances and contain measures to minimise risks of them being harmed, targeted or exploited.
• Their staff and workers recognise the indicators of vulnerable circumstances and know how to act appropriately when they encounter a person in such circumstances.
• Any contracts with third-parties have measures in place to protect people who may be in vulnerable circumstances.
• The charity has processes and checks in place to protect the interests of people in vulnerable circumstances.

How a charity conducts its activities and interacts with the community – particularly with people in vulnerable circumstances – is a vital element that needs to be considered carefully.