Grievance Redress Mechanism
The Denis & Lenora Foretia Foundation is committed to accountability, transparency, and responsiveness in all its work. Our Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM) provides any individual, community, or organization with an accessible, safe, and impartial means to raise concerns about the environmental, social, or ethical performance of Foundation-supported projects and activities, and to seek appropriate resolution.
ABOUT THE GRM
The Grievance Redress Mechanism operates under the Foundation’s Environmental and Social Safeguards Policy and is available to any person or group who believes they have been, or may be, adversely affected by Foundation-supported activities. The GRM is designed to be:
- Accessible: available through multiple channels including email, phone, in person, and an online form
- Anonymous: complaints may be submitted without identifying yourself
- Safe: all complainants are fully protected from retaliation
- Culturally appropriate: complaints are accepted in English and in French
WHO CAN SUBMIT A COMPLAINT
Any individual, group, or organization with an interest in or affected by Foundation activities may submit a grievance. This includes:
- Community members and affected populations
- Participants in Foundation research, data collection, or field activities
- Staff, consultants, interns, and volunteers
- Partners, grantees, and implementing organizations
- Government agencies, civil society organizations, and development partners
- Any other person who believes a Foundation-supported activity has had or is likely to have an adverse effect on them, their community, or their environment
The Foundation places particular emphasis on ensuring that vulnerable groups can access the GRM without barriers. These include women and girls, youth, elderly persons, persons with disabilities, persons living with HIV/AIDS, smallholder farmers, informal workers, and persons in marginalized communities.
WHAT COUNTS AS A GRIEVANCE
A grievance is any concern, complaint, or allegation of wrongdoing raised regarding the environmental, social, or ethical performance of Foundation activities. Grievances may relate to:
Adverse environmental impacts of Foundation projects or activities
Social harms, discrimination, or exclusion experienced by stakeholders
Sexual exploitation, abuse, or harassment (SEA/SH) involving Foundation staff or partners
Child abuse or exploitation
Forced labour or violations of labour standards
Misconduct, fraud, or misuse of Foundation or donor resources
Irregularities in procurement, accounting, or auditing
Violations of research ethics
Concerns about data protection or breaches of confidentiality
You do not need to prove wrongdoing to file a complaint. Concerns raised honestly and in good faith will be reviewed.
CHANNELS OF SUBMISSIONS
Complaints may be submitted through any of the following channels:
- Online form
- By email: [email protected] , [email protected]
- By phone: +237 222 31 15 84 / +237 654 86 72 54 / 656793687
- In person or by letter: Denis & Lenora Foretia Foundation, Opposite Collège Jésus Marie – Simbock, P.O. Box 14315, Yaoundé, Cameroon
WHAT TO INCLUDE
to a submission
To help the Foundation review and respond to your complaint promptly, please include the following information:
- The date, time, and location of the incident or concern
- A clear description of what happened and the nature of the issue
- The name of the project or activity your complaint concerns (if applicable)
- Any immediate assistance or action you believe is required
- Supporting documentation, if available (not required, but helpful)
- Your contact details (optional if you prefer to remain anonymous)
You may also include any suggestions on how you believe the matter could be resolved.
CONFIDENTIALITY
All complaints are handled with strict confidentiality. The Foundation will not disclose any personal information that may reveal the identity of a complainant without their explicit consent. Complaints may be submitted anonymously. Access to all complaint information is limited strictly to those who need it to conduct the review. Where required by applicable law, the Foundation may be obligated to notify civil authorities.
THE COMPLAINT PROCESS
Once received, your complaint is handled through a structured, confidential, and time-bound process:
NON-RETALIATION
The Foundation strictly prohibits any form of retaliation against any person who raises a concern or files a complaint in good faith. Any act of retaliation will be treated as a serious disciplinary matter and may result in termination of employment or partnership. This protection applies to all complainants: staff, partners, community members, and external stakeholders.
RELATED POLICIES AND RESOURCES
The Foundation’s GRM operates within a broader safeguards and accountability framework. The following institutional policies govern how the Foundation prevents, responds to, and resolves concerns:
- Environmental and Social Safeguards Policy, December 2025 [Link to PDF]
- Safeguarding and Protection for Children and Vulnerable Persons Policy, August 2024 [Link to PDF]
- Whistleblowing Guidelines and Policy, August 2024 [Link to PDF]
Annual Environmental and Social Safeguards Reports summarising grievances received and their resolution outcomes are made publicly available through the Foundation’s website and annual reports.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Denis & Lenora Foretia Foundation, Opposite Collège Jésus Marie – Simbock
P.O. Box 14315, Yaoundé, Cameroon
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +237 222 31 15 84 / 654 86 72 54
Website: www.foretiafoundation.org