Section 1 - Aims and objectives of a TCK policy

All UK based organisations need to develop their own TCK policy with its associated appropriate procedures based on these guidelines.

A TCK Policy is a statement of intent that demonstrates a sense of responsibility and commitment to staff and their families of agencies and churches based in the UK but sending staff or volunteers overseas. It helps to create the best positive environment for families and children to develop and also helps to demonstrate that the agency/church is taking its responsibilities seriously.

The Global Connections guidelines are designed to help this process and are based on two clear principles:

1. The importance of family life.
2. Children should be taken into account in all HR and member care policies and procedures.

The following principles are also important to note:

1. All UK agencies and churches should have a written policy on recruitment and employment, which takes into account the needs of families and especially children, with appropriate procedures.
2. Policies and procedures should be written clearly and understood by its users at every level.
3. The TCK policy and procedures should be given to all staff and volunteers who work in or visit overseas locations. It should be an integral part of the staff handbook, orientation and training programme.
4. In situations where a staff member is seconded to a local partner, the local partner should also be encouraged to develop policies and procedures relating to TCKs.
5. Clear overall procedures should be developed and then adapted as appropriate for each overseas location and situation. They must be based on the overall TCK policy of the organisation.