Our commitment
ISAJO is committed to providing a safe, respectful and inclusive space for survivors of systematic abuse and everyone who engages with our work. Our vision is a world free from systematic abuse, where every person can live with dignity, freedom and self-determination. The way we operate must reflect those same principles.
Our Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) commitments extend beyond legal compliance. They guide how we conduct research, gather information, advocate for reform, work with partners, protect those who contribute to our work, and use the resources entrusted to us.
ISAJO focuses on the prevention of systematic abuse through research, data gathering, public policy and political advocacy, including issues affecting children and vulnerable adults. We do not provide direct services, counselling or rehabilitation to survivors. All ISAJO board members, volunteers and other organisational participants must be aged 18 or over. Our safeguarding arrangements are designed to be proportionate to our activities and the risks associated with them, with responsibilities allocated appropriately throughout the organisation.
Safeguarding, safety and protection from retaliation
Anyone speaking openly about systematic abuse, particularly within high-control organisations, may face intimidation, harassment, stalking, reputational attacks or retaliation. ISAJO takes these risks seriously and is committed to protecting the privacy, dignity and safety of our members, volunteers, research participants and contributors through extensive privacy and safeguarding procedures, careful handling of personal information, professional boundaries and risk-aware communications.
Participation in ISAJO's research and advocacy must always be voluntary. We seek to avoid unnecessary disclosure of identities and personal information and will not knowingly expose individuals to avoidable risks. Safeguarding is a shared organisational responsibility, and concerns can be raised without fear of retaliation or disadvantage.
Human rights and prevention of exploitation
Respect for human rights is fundamental to ISAJO's purpose. We believe every person has the right to dignity, autonomy, freedom of thought and belief, freedom from coercion and exploitation, and meaningful self-determination.
We have zero tolerance for modern slavery, forced labour, human trafficking and other forms of coercive exploitation. We expect our partners, contractors and suppliers to respect fundamental human rights and maintain ethical working practices, and we reserve the right to decline or end relationships that conflict with these principles.
Equality, diversity and inclusion
ISAJO is committed to equality of opportunity and to treating people with dignity and respect regardless of age, disability, gender identity, sex, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, nationality, religion or belief, marital or family status, neurodiversity, socioeconomic background or other personal characteristics. We are committed to providing an affirming and inclusive space for members of the LGBTQ+ community.
We recognise that systematic abuse can affect people from every background and that discrimination, social exclusion and unequal power can increase vulnerability to exploitation. We seek to ensure that different perspectives are heard without harassment, coercion or discrimination, and that engagement with our work is based on respect, consent and personal autonomy.
Ethical research and responsible use of data
ISAJO gathers evidence to improve understanding of systematic abuse and to support prevention, public policy and legal reform. Our research is guided by informed and voluntary participation, confidentiality, research integrity and the principle of avoiding unnecessary harm.
We minimise the collection of identifiable personal information, maintain appropriate security and confidentiality safeguards, and use anonymised, pseudonymised or aggregated information wherever practicable. Research findings must be represented accurately, honestly and in context, with appropriate acknowledgement of uncertainty and limitations.
Anti-fraud, bribery and corruption
ISAJO is committed to conducting its activities honestly, transparently and in the public interest. We have zero tolerance for fraud, bribery and corruption. Funds, donations and other resources entrusted to ISAJO must be used responsibly and exclusively in furtherance of our mission.
We maintain appropriate financial controls, procedures for managing conflicts of interest and mechanisms for raising concerns. No individual should face retaliation for reporting a concern in good faith.
Environmental sustainability
ISAJO recognises that responsibility for protecting the environment rests with everyone, including individuals, organisations and institutions. Environmental sustainability is therefore an integral part of our commitment to responsible and ethical conduct.
ISAJO operates as a virtual, carbon-neutral organisation, using green-energy data centres and digital collaboration to minimise our environmental footprint. We avoid unnecessary travel, printing and physical infrastructure, favour electronic publications, and seek to reduce waste and resource consumption wherever possible. We also consider environmental sustainability in our choice of suppliers and services.
We recognise the importance of protecting biodiversity, addressing climate change and using natural resources responsibly. As ISAJO develops, we will continue to review our environmental practices and seek further opportunities to reduce our impact.
Governance, accountability and continuous improvement
Good governance is especially important for an organisation concerned with the misuse of power. ISAJO seeks to demonstrate the principles we advocate: transparency, accountability, appropriate checks and balances, openness to challenge and responsible use of authority.
Our governance arrangements provide oversight of organisational risk, safeguarding, financial integrity, research ethics and compliance. Relevant policies are reviewed periodically and updated as our work and responsibilities evolve.
We recognise that ethical practice requires continuous reflection and improvement. Our commitment is to pursue the prevention of systematic abuse in a way that protects people, respects human rights, safeguards the environment and demonstrates the integrity we expect from others.