Safeguarding
Diocesan Director of Safeguarding
Ms. Cleo Yates
Diocesan Director of SafeguardingMs. Cleo Yates
Contact Details
Telephone: 021-430 1717
Email:
Diocesan Safeguarding Committee
In addition to the development of policy and monitoring its implementation, the Diocesan Safeguarding Committee ensures the organisation and delivery of training for all Church personel in the Diocese. The Diocese has three qualified trainers who provide ongoing training courses.
Case Management
Cases of suspected or alleged child abuse are managed by the Director of Safeguarding and Diocesan Liaison Person, Ms. Cleo Yates.
Inter Agency Forum
In 2011, the Diocese established an Inter-Agency forum with the Garda Siochana and TUSLA, designed to improve cooperation between them in the management of allegations of abuse of children. Regular meetings are held with these agencies.
Parish Audits
Parish Audits are carried out annually. This is to ensure that the policies and procedures laid out in the Diocesan Policy document are being implemented in every parish.
Assistance
The Diocese offers therapeutic assistance and support to people who allege abuse by Church personnel, without prejudice to the truth or otherwise of the allegation. A number of support persons are available to both victims and perpetrators.
Anonymous Complaints
From time to time, anonymous complaints are also received. For the avoidance of doubt, it is the policy of the Diocese that the statutory authorities are notified of such complaints. However, the statutory authorities and the Diocese can be limited in the actions that are possible arising from anonymous complaints when the identity of the complainant and the alleged victim are not given. However, all complaints are notified and investigated.
Allegation against a volunteer or leader in a Parish
If any information is brought to the attention of the Diocese of an allegation against a volunteer or leader in a Parish then in the interests of child safeguarding the person concern should be asked by the Parish Priest to temporary step down from any duties in the parish, until the allegation has been investigated by statutory authorities.
The National Vetting Bureau (Children and Vulnerable Persons) Acts 2012–2016 provide a statutory basis for the vetting of persons carrying out relevant work with children or vulnerable persons. The Act also creates offences and penalties for persons who fail to comply with its provisions. The Act stipulates that a relevant organisation shall not permit any person to undertake relevant work or activities on behalf of the organisation, unless the organisation receives a vetting disclosure from the National Vetting Bureau in respect of that person. Garda vetting is conducted on behalf of registered organisations only and is not conducted for individual persons on a personal basis.
More information can be found on the website for An Garda Síochána here:
National Vetting Bureau - What is Vetting?
Parishes
The Diocesan Vetting Service provides a full vetting service to Parishes/Diocese in respect of people who are required to be vetted.
In relation to Church Ministry, vetting is required for :
Anyone who is 18 year or over and involved in any form of ministry, employed/contracted or volunteering, who has contact with children and/or vulnerable persons which is more than incidental.
Those who are aged over 16 years and under 18 years may be vetted, but this can only be carried out with the written consent of their parent/guardian and the young person themselves. The Parent/ Guardian should complete the vetting form NVB1 (for under 18’s) and NVB3.
There is no facility to vet children under 16.
How to Decide What Roles need to be Vetted in a Parish
The Diocese of Cork and Ross Vetting Service must identify a lawful basis for vetting and vetting can only be provided for the roles where an individual is:
“working with or undertaking an activity, of which a necessary and regular part of it consists of having access to or contact with children or vulnerable adults”
It is important that you consider if the work/activity involves an individual having more than incidental access to or contact with children or adults who may be vulnerable and therefore will require vetting.
Examples of roles that require Vetting in a Parish:
- Priest
- Parish Safeguarding Rep
- Sacristan
- Eucharistic Minister only if taking the Eucharist to homes, hospitals or care centres
- Youth Ministry Leaders
- Children’s Choir Leaders
- Sacramental Preparation Leaders for Communion and Confirmation
- Pilgrimages involving children or adults who may be vulnerable – volunteers whose involvement with such pilgrims is more than incidental
Examples of roles that do not require vetting in a parish:
- Readers of the Word
- Money Collectors
- Minister of the Eucharist involved only within the Church setting
It is unlawful to allow any person undertake work/activity, which requires vetting, without first having the person vetted.
Vetting process for Parishes
Part One
Applications for vetting are submitted electronically to the National Vetting Bureau (NVB) in a process known as E-Vetting.
The Parish should give the Vetting Invitation form NVB1 to the applicant to complete.
The Applicant should complete Sections 1 and 2 of the NVB1. They must provide a valid e-mail address. If the applicant does not have their own email address they can use the email address of a family member or friend, if they are happy to do so.
If the applicant does not have access to an electronic device or have an e-mail, the parish can contact the Vetting Office for a ‘manual’ form that the applicant can complete in full by hand, known as an NVB2.
Once the NVB1 has been completed by the applicant, the parish should take the following steps :-
- Check that the form has been fully completed, and in particular please ensure that the applicant’s email address is correct and clearly written on the form.
- Section 3 is to be completed by the Parish Priest or Safeguarding Representative, in particular the Email address to which the vetting Disclosure should be sent when the process is complete. NB. This should not be a public email as sensitive information will be sent to it. It may be advisable to set up a vetting email address to be used for this purpose only.
- Proof of Identity - At this point in the process, you must validate the identity of the applicant.
- The parish should remind the applicant to check their inbox and spam/junk mail regularly for the email from the NVB which will contain a link to complete their online vetting form. The applicant will have 30 days to complete it before their application expires from the system in which case they would have to then re-apply.
The National Vetting Bureau recommends that a minimum of two forms of identification are provided to validate the identity of the applicant.
One of these should be photographic, eg. passport or driving licence and one showing the applicant’s current address, dated no more than six months old, eg. a utility bill.
Please see the list of documents in Section 3 of the NVB1. Both documents must result in a combined score of 100 points.
Please note that Public Services Card can no longer be accepted as a form of I.D. due to GDPR as it contains their PPS number. Accepting the Public Services Card would be an offence under the Social Welfare Consolidation Act 2005 (Section 263, subsection 4).
Part Two
Once the completed form has been received by the Diocesan Office, the details are submitted to the NVB by the Diocesan Liaison Person and the applicant will receive an e-mail from the NVB with a link to complete their online application form. If they do not complete this within 30 days, their application expires and they will have to re-apply. The applicant is e-mailed a reminder from the NVB to complete this form 9 days before it is due to expire.
Once the vetting process is complete, the NVB send the Disclosure to the Diocesan Vetting Office which is then forwarded to the parish.
The NVB1 and photocopies of ID are retained by the Diocesan Vetting Office. Although parishes should not retain the supporting documentation, they should however keep a register of parish volunteers that records the date on which they were vetted.
Re-Vetting
The policy of the Diocese is that those in public ministry must be vetted every three years.
Confidentiality
Vetting is a confidential process and vetting information must only be shared between those with a right of access to it. Within a parish, diocesan office or school setting that means the applicant and the person who signs off on their application on behalf of the organisation.
Vetting Forms
Enquiries to :
Phone : 021 430 1717
The National Vetting Bureau (Children and Vulnerable Persons) Acts 2012–2016 provide a statutory basis for the vetting of persons carrying out relevant work with children or vulnerable persons. The Act also creates offences and penalties for persons who fail to comply with its provisions. The Act stipulates that a relevant organisation shall not permit any person to undertake relevant work or activities on behalf of the organisation, unless the organisation receives a vetting disclosure from the National Vetting Bureau in respect of that person. Garda vetting is conducted on behalf of registered organisations only and is not conducted for individual persons on a personal basis.
More information can be found on the website for An Garda Síochána here:
National Vetting Bureau - What is Vetting?
Schools
The following is Information on Garda Vetting for schools which operate under the patronage of the Diocese of Cork and Ross.
The Diocesan Vetting service provides a processing service in respect of non-teaching personnel to primary schools that have signed a Service Agreement with the Diocese for the provision of a Vetting Application Processing Service. Vetting for Primary Teachers is provided through the Teaching Council of Ireland.
Vetting is required for all persons authorised by the Board of Management of a school to be involved in “relevant work or activity” with children where a necessary and regular part of which consists mainly of the person having access to, or contact with, children in a recognised school or centre of education.
In respect of non-teaching personnel, it is the responsibility of the school to determine who needs to be vetted. All decisions in respect of the requirement for vetting and the suitability of vetting subjects for positions in the school are the sole responsibility of the School Board of Management. Each school should familiarise itself with the Department of Education and Skills Circulars and Guidance. If Schools require further guidance on who needs to be vetted they should contact CPSMA.
It is unlawful to allow any person to undertake work or activities which require vetting without first having the person vetted.
Vetting process for Schools
Part One
Applications for vetting are submitted electronically to the National Vetting Bureau (NVB) in a process known as E-Vetting.
The school should give the Vetting Invitation form NVB1 to the applicant to complete.
The Applicant should complete Sections 1 and 2 of the NVB1. They must provide a valid e-mail address. If the applicant does not have their own email address they can use the email address of a family member or friend, if they are happy to do so, or use an email address provided by the organisation for whom they wish to be vetted.
If the applicant does not have access to an electronic device or have an e-mail, the school can contact the Vetting Office for a ‘manual’ form that the applicant can complete in full by hand, known as an NVB2.
Once the NVB1 has been completed by the applicant, the school should take the following steps :-
- Check that the form has been fully completed, and in particular please ensure that the applicant’s email address is correct and clearly written on the form.
- The school should remind the applicant to check their inbox and spam/junk mail regularly for the email from the NVB which will contain a link to complete their online vetting form. The applicant will have 30 days to complete it before their application expires from the system in which case they would have to then re-apply.
- Section 3 is to be completed by the School Principal or Chairperson, in particular the Email address to which the vetting Disclosure should be sent when the process is complete. NB. This should not be a public email as sensitive information will be sent to it. It may be advisable to set up a vetting email address to be used for this purpose only.
- Proof of Identity - At this point in the process, you must validate the identity of the applicant.
The National Vetting Bureau recommends that a minimum of two forms of identification are provided to validate the identity of the applicant.
One of these should be photographic, eg. passport or driving licence and one showing the applicant’s current address, dated no more than six months old, eg. a utility bill.
Please see the list of documents in Section 3 of the NVB1. Both documents must result in a combined score of 100 points.
Please note that Public Services Card can no longer be accepted as a form of I.D. due to GDPR as it contains their PPS number. Accepting the Public Services Card would be an offence under the Social Welfare Consolidation Act 2005 (Section 263, subsection 4).
The school should post the original NVB1 to the Diocesan Vetting Office for processing. Please retain a copy of the NVB 1 and copy I.D.’s on the school file.
Transition Year Students
There is a separate Vetting Invitation form NVB1 for those aged 16 to 18 where their Parent/Guardian provides their email address and contact number. The Parent/Guardian must also complete a Parent Consent Form (NVB3). There is no facility to vet children under 16.
Part Two
Once the details have been submitted by the Diocesan Liaison Person, the applicant will receive an e-mail from the NVB with a link to complete their online application form. If they do not complete this within 30 days, their application expires and they will have to re-apply. The applicant is e-mailed a reminder to complete this form 9 days before it is due to expire.
Vetting Disclosures are only issued to Liaison Persons within Relevant Organisations. Liaison Persons are trained by the National Vetting Bureau and they undertake the observance of secure operating procedures with regard to the management of vetting applications and disclosures.
Once the NVB send the Disclosure to the Diocesan Vetting Office, it is then forwarded to the school Principal.
Under the Service Level Agreement it is the school’s responsibility to inform ALL applicants when their vetting comes back, with a disclosure or a Nil Disclosure and even if the applicant is only on a substitute list.
Retention of Records
The Schools are known as affiliates and are required to retain a copy of the NVB1 and copies of ID in either paper or electronic format locally for as long as the person is working for you or until you get them re-vetted (every 3 years).
Vetting Forms
Vetting for under 18’s and Transition Year Students.
Enquiries to :
Phone : 021 430 1717
We recognise and value the vital part that parishes have in safeguarding by creating and maintaining safe environments for all. The Diocese has created specific download resources for you to use in your Parish. The resources are personalised to suit the needs of the Diocese / Parishes.
The forms will be updated every two years, unless any new legislative changes require earlier updates.
Forms
The Diocese takes its guidance for children from the National Board for Safeguarding Children in the Catholic Church in Ireland (NBSCCCI) See safeguarding.ie
Form 2: Child and Guardian Joint Consent
Form 3: Code of Conduct for Children/Young People
Form 4: Altar Server Application
Form 5: Code of Behaviour for Adults
Form 6: Dealing with Accidents-Incidents
Form 10: Priests who have Ministry with Children in an External Organisation
Form 11(a): Under-18s-Permission Form live streaming webcams Feb 2023
Form 11(b): Altar servers Permission-Form re live streaming webcams Feb 2023
Form 12: Webcam/Media/Photography Permission Form for Adults
Form 13: Attendance Register for Large Groups
Form 14: Who needs to be Garda Vetted
Adult Safeguarding
Checklists
Recruitment and Selection Checklist
What Forms for what Roles in the Parish
Risk Assessments for Ministry
Altar Server Risk Assessment Download Microsoft Word Template
Children Ministry Risk Assessment Download Microsoft Word Template
Altar Servers
Altar Server Application Form 4
Altar servers Permission-Form re live streaming webcams Feb 2023 Form 11(b)
Guidance for Altar Servers Leaving School
Altar Server Risk Assessment Download Microsoft Word Template
Church Stewards
Safeguarding Guidance for Church Stewards
Use of Church Property
Booking Form for Hire of Church Property for Private Functions
Form for Use of Church Property by External Groups
NBSCCI
Appendix A - Roles in the Safeguarding Structure
Appendix B - Recording and Storage of Information
Appendix C- Definitions of Abuse & Child Pornography
Appendix D - Contact Details of Statutory Authorities
National Board for Safeguarding Children in the Catholic Church in Ireland (NBSCCI)
Guidance
Guidance on Use of CCTV and Web Cams
Guidance on the Use of Digital Online Media
Plans
Safeguarding Communications Plan - Jan 2023 to Dec 2025
3 Year Safeguarding Strategy Plan - Jan 2023 to Dec 2025
Diocesan Policies
Safeguarding Policy for Pilgrimages
Online Communication
Use of Social Media to Broadcast Mass & Liturgical Ceremonies
Guidelines for Online Communication
Permission Form Social Media for Over 18s
Guidance for Using an Online Communication Platform
Mandatory Reporting
Information for Mandated Persons
Letter to Clergy from Cleo Yates
Child Protection and Welfare Report Form
Retrospective Abuse Report Form
Guides
Keeping Us Safe - A Guidline for ADULTS designed and complied by Young People
Safeguarding Young People - Designed and complied by Young People (for Primary Schools)
Safeguarding Young People - designed and complied by Young People
Parish Audits
Everyone must be alert to the possibility that children or adults at risk of abuse with whom they are in contact may be suffering from abuse or neglect.
The Diocese and its Personnel have a responsibility to pass on safeguarding concerns without delay (within the next working day) to the Civil Authorities (Tusla , HSE and An Gardaí) even in cases where Church Personnel are not directly involved.
The guiding principles in regard to the reporting of abuse or neglect are:
- The safety of the child / adult at risk is paramount
- If you have a safeguarding concern and are not sure what to do, contact the Diocesan Designated Liaison Person
- Reports should be made without delay to the Diocesan Designated Liaison Person, Tusla/HSE and An Gardaí
- If a child / person is in immediate danger contact the Gardaí directly
Diocesan Designated Liaison Persons
Director of Safeguarding:
Fr. Alan O’Leary
Mob 087 785 7685
Office 021 430 1717
Email
If you have a Safeguarding concern and wish to report it directly to the statutory authorities, the contact details are as follows:
TUSLA
- North Lee Community Services, Blackpool, Cork. Tel: 021-492 7000
- South Lee Community Services, St. Finbarr’s Hospital, Cork. Tel: 021-492 3001
- West Cork Community Services, Skibbereen. Tel: 028-40447, 028-40456
An Gárda Siochána
Gardaí National Protective Services Bureau: Tel: 01-6663430, 01-666 3435
Diocesan Director of Safeguarding
Designated Liaison Person
Fr Alan O'Leary, Co-PP
Contact Details
Telephone: 021-430 1717
Email:
Diocesan Safeguarding Committee
Chair: Mr Colin Daly
In addition to the development of policy and monitoring its implementation, the Diocesan Safeguarding Committee ensures the organisation and delivery of training for all Church personel in the Diocese. The Diocese has two qualified trainers who provide ongoing training courses
SafeguardingTowards Healing
Towards Healing is an independent organisation providing free professional support for people who have experienced institutional, clerical or religious abuse in Ireland.
Their helpline is Open:
- Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 11:00am to 8:00pm
- Friday from 11:00am to 6:00pm
Freephone 1800 303416 (Rep of Ireland)
Freephone 0800 0963315 (Northern Ireland and UK)
Hearing impaired Text Line Number: 085 8022859
Website: towardshealing.ie
The Gospel teaches the importance of ensuring that the Catholic Church community is a warm, welcoming and safe place for children.
Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it. (Mark 10:14-15)
Children are gifts from God, to be cherished and recognised for the joyful contribution they make as valued members of the Church.
Our challenge is to follow the example of Jesus in cherishing them. Safeguarding is key to this important task and should be seen, not as a burden, but as an opportunity to embrace and encourage children's ministry, following the example of Jesus Christ.
This Church body pledges to safeguard children and young people from harm and to support them in their development as valued and integral members of the Catholic Church in Ireland. The Church's ministry will be inclusive and will uphold their rights.
Consistent with Gospel values, and with civil and criminal law, those who minister will do so with dignity and integrity, honouring their calling to ensure that children and young people are welcomed, cherished and protected, following the example set by Jesus.
This Safeguarding Children Policy will be honoured and complied with by all ordained clerics, by vowed female and male religious, and by all lay staff and volunteers in the Catholic Church in Ireland.
Child Safeguarding Statement of the Diocese of Cork and Ross
Safeguarding Children Policy Document
Oświadczenie w sprawie polityki bezpieczeństwa dzieci
Ewangelia uczy, jak ważne jest dbanie o to, aby wspólnota Kościoła katolickiego była miejscem ciepłym, gościnnym i bezpiecznym dla dzieci.
«Pozwólcie dzieciom przychodzić do Mnie, nie przeszkadzajcie im; do takich bowiem należy królestwo Boże. Zaprawdę, powiadam wam: Kto nie przyjmie królestwa Bożego jak dziecko, ten nie wejdzie do niego» (Mk 10,14-15)
Dzieci są darem Boga, który należy pielęgnować i doceniać za radosny wkład, jaki wnoszą jako cenni członkowie Kościoła. Naszym wyzwaniem jest naśladowanie przykładu Jezusa w pełnej miłości trosce o nich. Ochrona jest kluczem do tego ważnego zadania i należy ją postrzegać nie jako ciężar, ale jako okazję do podjęcia i wspierania duszpasterstwa dzieci, naśladując przykład Jezusa Chrystusa.
Niniejsza organizacja kościelna zobowiązuje się chronić dzieci i młodzież przed krzywdą oraz wspierać je w rozwoju jako cenionych i integralnych członków Kościoła katolickiego w Irlandii. Posługa Kościoła będzie obejmowała ich prawa i będzie stać na ich straży.
Zgodnie z wartościami ewangelicznymi oraz prawem cywilnym i karnym, osoby pełniące posługę będą to czynić z godnością i uczciwością, uznając swoją misję do dbania o to, aby dzieci i młodzi ludzie byli mile widziani, otoczeni pełną miłości troską i chronieni, naśladując w tym przykład dany przez Jezusa.
Niniejsza Polityka ochrony dzieci będzie uznawana i przestrzegana przez wszystkich duchownych, siostry zakonne i zakonników, a także przez cały personel świecki i wolontariuszy Kościoła katolickiego w Irlandii.
Adult Safeguarding Policy Statement
Inspired by gospel values, the commitment of Pope Francis, and in compliance with law we will strive to ensure the participation and welfare of all adults who may be vulnerable in the life of the Church.
We are committed to fostering a safeguarding culture characterised by empowerment, collaboration and zero tolerance of abuse.
This Policy guides all clerics (priest or deacon), religious, staff and volunteers within our Diocese in how to prevent harm to adults who may be vulnerable and how to minister safely. It is particularly relevant for those involved in chaplaincy and pilgrimages and those who minister to people who may be housebound.
Everyone involved in ministry within the Diocese must follow this Policy and make safeguarding an integral part of the life and ministry of the Catholic Church.
