A baby smiling
Safeguarding Children and Vulnerable Adults

Safeguarding at SVP

Our National Safeguarding Manager, Bernadette Casey, is available to provide information and advice through our National Office at 01 8848200.

The Society of Saint Vincent de Paul (SVP) is committed to creating a safe, healthy, and inclusive environment for all, particularly the children, young people, and vulnerable adults we assist.

Therefore, we ensure their safety and welfare by upholding children’s rights specifically and human rights generally. Additionally, we are dedicated to maintaining this commitment at all times.

A kid's nose being touched

How we act

We endeavour to safeguard children, young people and vulnerable adults by:

  • Reporting concerns to Statutory Authorities who need to know and involving parents, carers, children, young people and vulnerable adults appropriately;
  • Sharing information about child and vulnerable adult protection and good practice with children, young people, vulnerable adults, parents, carers, members, auxiliary members and employees;
  • Recognising the welfare of the child is of paramount importance;
  • Recognising the risks posed to vulnerable adults;
  • Adopting child and vulnerable adult protection guidelines through a code of conduct for members, auxiliary members and employees;
  • Following carefully the procedures laid down for the recruitment and selection of members, auxiliary members and employees;
  • Providing for members, auxiliary members, and employees through, supervision, support and training.

Vetting

All our volunteers and staff engage in a rigorous recruitment and selection process prior to having access to children, young people, or vulnerable adults.

This includes:

  • Completing a written application form
  • Signing a declaration stating that there is no reason why they would be considered unsuitable to work with children, young people and vulnerable adults
  • Providing photo identification (passport / driving license) which verifies their, identity, name and DOB.
  • Attending for interview
  • Providing references
  • Undergoing Garda Vetting
  • International Vetting / Police Clearance checks.

Designated Liaison Persons

Need Help? Designated Liaison Persons

In order to protect children, young people and vulnerable adults we have appointed a Designated Liaison Person in each of our Regions. This person is specially trained to respond to any queries in relation to abuse, welfare and protection from our membership, those whom we assist and the general public.

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