Responsible Travel & Safeguarding Policy

Last Updated: June 2026

Our Commitment

Horizon Impact Travel believes volunteer travel should benefit local communities, respect local cultures, support responsible organisations, and prioritise participant and community wellbeing.

We work with carefully selected Local Partners who share these principles.

Community Respect

Participants are expected to:

  • Respect local customs and traditions

  • Dress appropriately where required

  • Follow local laws

  • Treat community members with dignity and respect

  • Listen to local guidance

  • Approach cultural differences with an open mind

Volunteer travel should support communities, not disrupt them.

Child Safeguarding

Protecting children is a priority.

Participants must:

  • Follow all safeguarding instructions

  • Respect child protection procedures

  • Avoid inappropriate physical contact

  • Never be alone with children unless specifically authorised

  • Never exchange personal contact details without approval

  • Never post identifying information about children online

Certain programs may require criminal record or police checks before participation.

Photography and Social Media

Participants should always seek permission before photographing people.

Extra care should be taken when photographing:

  • Children

  • Vulnerable adults

  • Schools

  • Community facilities

Photographs or social media content must never:

  • Exploit vulnerable people

  • Misrepresent local communities

  • Invade privacy

  • Create safeguarding risks

When in doubt, do not publish.

Vulnerable Adults

Participants must respect the dignity, privacy, and wellbeing of vulnerable adults.

Any concerns regarding safety or welfare should be reported immediately to the Local Partner.

Animal Welfare

Where programs involve animals or wildlife, participant welfare and animal welfare must both be protected.

Participants must:

  • Follow staff instructions

  • Respect animal welfare standards

  • Avoid unnecessary interaction with wildlife

  • Never feed, handle, or disturb animals unless instructed

Animal welfare always takes priority over photographs or visitor experiences.

Environmental Responsibility

Participants are encouraged to:

  • Minimise waste

  • Reduce plastic use

  • Respect natural habitats

  • Follow conservation guidelines

  • Use resources responsibly

Small actions can have a significant cumulative impact.

Participant Conduct

Participants must behave responsibly throughout their Program.

Harassment, discrimination, illegal behaviour, violence, exploitation, or behaviour that places others at risk will not be tolerated.

Participants may be removed from a Program for serious breaches of this policy.

Reporting Concerns

Any safeguarding, welfare, safety, or ethical concerns should be reported immediately to:

  • The Local Partner

  • Horizon Impact Travel

Reports will be treated seriously and handled appropriately.

Continuous Improvement

We regularly review our programs, partners, and practices to support responsible volunteer travel and maintain high safeguarding standards.

Contact

Questions regarding this policy can be directed to: info@horizonimpacttravel.com