Building a stronger civil society: Successful NGO safeguarding and governance workshop in Dominica

The NGO Safeguarding and Good Governance Workshop, hosted by Lifeline Ministries in Dominica, was held on March 5-6, 2026, at the Public Service Training Building.

A press release from Lifeline Ministries shared that over the course of two days, the event brought together 50 representatives from approximately 30 non-governmental organizations (NGOs) across the country. The primary goal was to enhance their capacity in areas such as governance, safeguarding policies, and regulatory compliance.

With funding from the UK Government via the British High Commission for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, its objective was to support civil society organizations in meeting the increasingly stringent standards set by both donors and national regulatory bodies.

Organizers define the workshop as seeking to reinforce good governance practices, improve safeguarding mechanisms, and equip NGOs with practical tools to operate more responsibly and effectively.

The training covered a broad range of topics essential for strengthening NGO operations.

Key sessions focused on sexual harassment awareness, including developing organizational sexual harassment policies and reporting procedures. Participants also learned about the use of Financial Services Unit (FSU) forms and the importance of compliance with the Companies and Intellectual Property Office (CIPO) registration and reporting requirements.

The workshop highlighted the standards needed to demonstrate board integrity and financial accountability, emphasizing the importance of transparent accounting practices. Additionally, there was a focus on inclusive sexual education tailored for children with special needs and disabilities.

Participants discussed the current challenges faced in the referral pathways for survivors of gender-based violence (GBV), including child sexual abuse, rape, and intimate partner violence. There was a strong call for system reforms, advocating for a one-stop-shop approach on a district basis to streamline support services.

An overview of social services was also provided, including the expansion of counseling, probation services, and the integration of the Bureau of Gender Affairs. Attendees were introduced to policy templates and practical tools designed to help organizations implement safeguarding procedures effectively.

As a tangible outcome of the workshop, a manual tailored specifically to good governance and safeguarding practices in the Dominican context will be produced. This resource aims to support NGOs in maintaining high standards of operation moving forward, shared the release.

The event benefited from insights shared by several esteemed guest speakers, including Mrs. Renatta Langlais-Freeman, a gender consultant; Mr. Edd Elick, representing the FSU; Mrs. Beverly LeBlanc, a special education consultant; Ms. Joyette Pascal, an accounting advisor; Mrs. Abigail Dorival George from social services; and Mrs. Tina Alexander from Lifeline Ministries, which also provides a WhatsApp helpline (317-3030) and the Refuge Network of Safe Hosts.

The significance of the workshop extends beyond immediate capacity-building. Increasingly, funding agencies require NGOs to establish clear procedures for addressing issues like child abuse, domestic violence, and sexual harassment. At the same time, national regulations emphasize strong governance, transparent accounting, and accountable boards.

Strengthening these systems is viewed as a vital step toward building a safer, more resilient civil society in Dominica—one capable of serving communities responsibly and attracting international funding opportunities.

Given Dominica’s close ties with the UK and the presence of many retired British nationals residing on the island, a robust civil society is also seen as a pillar of democracy and national safety.

It is reported that the enthusiasm displayed by participants underscored the sector’s capacity to recover and rebuild stronger after disasters, highlighting the vital role of civil society in fostering social resilience.

According to the organizers, participant feedback reflected the workshop’s relevance and impact. Representatives from organizations such as the You R Queen Foundation expressed appreciation, noting that the training was both informative and beneficial for their work with vulnerable families.

A representative from the Dominica Council on Aging described the workshop as “timely and empowering,” emphasizing the clarity gained regarding compliance requirements, especially with respect to FSU and CIPO regulations.

The Dominica Cancer Society also highlighted the importance of the training for organizational compliance and sustainability, noting that it brought them closer to achieving financial accountability and increasing their chances of attracting funding.

Participants also remarked on improvements in collaboration among stakeholders and easier access to social services and the FSU. The session discussing survivors’ experiences navigating the system was particularly eye-opening, shedding light on systemic challenges faced by vulnerable populations.

Lifeline Ministries said the workshop effectively achieved its goal of equipping NGOs with practical tools and knowledge to enhance governance, safeguard vulnerable groups, and meet regulatory standards.

The group added that the high level of participation and positive feedback underscore the ongoing need for capacity-building initiatives that bolster the sustainability and accountability of civil society in Dominica.

Gratitude was extended to the UK Government through the British High Commission for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean for their generous support in funding this impactful initiative.