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Child Safeguarding Statement (ROI)

Mountaineering Ireland is recognised as the National Governing Body (NGB) for  hillwalking, climbing and mountaineering by Sport Ireland and Sport Northern Ireland. Mountaineering Ireland provides a range of mountaineering activities and opportunities encompassing the best interests of children and young people participating in our sport. We acknowledge that all children attending our sporting environments have the right to be valued, welcomed, respected and protected. Children’s views will be considered in any decisions regarding matters that affect them. Mountaineering Ireland's Child Safeguarding Statement identifies the potential risks of harm and the policies and procedures to alleviate those risks. All Mountaineering Ireland policies and procedures are available on on request.

Potential Risks of Harm

Club and Coaching Practices:

Lack of coaching/leadership qualification.

Behavioural issues.

Lack of gender balance amongst coaches.

Lack of adherence to misc. procedures in Safeguarding policy.

Complaints and Discipline:

Lack of awareness of a Complaints and Disciplinary Policy.

Difficulty in raising an issue by a child or parent.

Complaints not being dealt with seriously.


Reporting Procedures:

Lack of knowledge of organisational and statutory reporting procedures.

No Mandated Person or DLP appointed.

Concerns of abuse/harm not reported.

No clarity on who to talk to/report concerns to.

Use of indoor and outdoor facilities:

Lack of supervision when accessing facilities.

Visitors or other users of the facilities e.g., parent, public, contractors.

Missing or found child on site.

Recruitment:

Recruitment of inappropriate people.

Lack of clarity on roles.

Unqualified or untrained people in roles.

Communications and social media:

Inappropriate use of social media and communications.

Unauthorised photography and recording activities.

General Risk of Harm:

Lack of guidance for travel/away trips.

Harm not being recognised.

Bullying issues.

We recognise that implementation is an ongoing process. This CSS has been developed in line with the requirements under the Children First Act 2015, the Children First: National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children (2017) and Tusla’s Child Safeguarding: A Guide for Policy, Procedure and Practice. Our guiding principles are underpinned by the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (1989), The Child Care Act 1991, Protection for Persons Reporting Child Abuse Act 1998 and the National Vetting Bureau Act 2012. All staff, volunteers, providers, committee/board members and work placement students within our organisation must sign up to and abide by our principles and child safeguarding procedures. We aim to review and implement any necessary changes to our safeguarding procedures regularly, but no later than every 24 months. Mountaineering Irelands Designated Liaison Person and the Relevant Person for this CSS is Catherine Hibbitt available at safeguarding@mountaineering.ie or by phone at 087 6057925.

Safeguarding Process

Mountaineering Ireland follows safe recruitment procedures in the case of all volunteers working with children and vulnerable adults.

The process ensure that all volunteers provide referees to vouch for their character and credentials, and undergo a background check.

1. Complete the Mountaineering Ireland Volunteer/Provider Application Form and return to Mountaineering Ireland at the relevant address below:

2. Complete a code of conduct form for Adults/Leaders/Volunteers or Parents/Guardians

3 Complete the Garda Vetting process or those living in Northern Ireland, the Access NI process - please see Access NI Guidance Notes below.

Garda Vetting

In the Republic of Ireland background checks are carried out by the National Vetting Bureau of which Mountaineering Ireland is an authorised organisation.

Mountaineering Ireland administers all Garda Vetting applications on behalf of Mountaineering Ireland volunteers who are resident in the Republic of Ireland.

Step 1: Garda Vetting ID Validation - please complete the Garda Vetting ID Validation Form using the accompanying guidelines.

Step 2: Once we have received your validated ID and completed form, we will invite you to go through the online Garda vetting system via email. Please ensure that your email is written clearly on the validation form.

Please return the completed form to the below address:

Garda Vetting Designated Liaison Person

Mountaineering Ireland
Irish Sport HQ
National Sports Campus
Blanchardstown
Dublin 15
D15 DY62

Completion of this process permits An Garda Síochána and Access NI to disclose the applicant's personal data regarding convictions and / or prosecutions pending or completed, successful or not in the state or elsewhere to the Authorised Signatory.

Once the process has been completed, a letter will be sent from Mountaineering Ireland to the individual applicant confirming whether the application has been approved or rejected.

Please be aware that the Garda Vetting and Access NI process may take a couple of weeks to complete.

Access NI

In Northern Ireland Access NI background checks are carried out by NI Sports Forum on behalf of Mountaineering Ireland.

Mountaineering Ireland administers all Access NI applications on behalf of Mountaineering Ireland volunteers who are resident in Northern Ireland.

Step1: Please click Access NI Guidance notes.pdf to download a copy of this form.

Step 2: Follow the steps in the form and submit a signed copy with 10 digit code along with copies of your ID documents by email to ricky@mountaineering.ie once your ID has been validated by an MI volunteer or staff member.

Step 3: Mountaineering Ireland will submit your application to NI Sports Forum.

Step 4: Mountaineering Ireland will contact you once your Access NI application has been complete.


Return Address: (please mark 'Private and Confidential')

Access NI Designated Liaison Person
Mountaineering Ireland
Tollymore National Outdoor Centre
32 Hilltown Road
Bryansford
Newcastle
BT33 0PZ

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