PRINCIPLE 12

12.1 If working with orphanages/institutions for children, we only send skilled volunteers in a capacity-building role to support de-institutionalisation. These skilled volunteers have the relevant expertise to support de-institutionalisation strategies and processes and if direct work with children is planned, are trained to work with vulnerable and traumatised children. 

Suggested evidence (some evidence is mandatory) – Copies of/extracts or screenshots from/links to:

§  Risk assessment and mitigation plan templates (mandatory);

§  Safeguarding policies and procedures (which are compliant with Irish legislation and policy and reflective of international best practice standards) in relation to children and vulnerable adults (mandatory);

§  Code(s) of Conduct/Behaviour with regard to child and vulnerable adult safeguarding that covers: (mandatory)

–        Appropriate language;

–        Appropriate communications;

–        Banning of alcohol and drugs;

–        Gifts to children;

–        Physical contact with children;

–        All forms of abuse, including emotional abuse;

–        Putting themselves in a vulnerable situations;

–        Inappropriate relationships with children and vulnerable adults including exploitative and sexually abusive relationships;

–        Child labour;

–        Photos, images, social media, website, internet and email communication;

–        Reporting responsibilities.

§  Code of Conduct/Behaviour which addresses sexual exploitation, sexual abuse and harassment, bullying and all other forms of harassment (mandatory);

§  Disciplinary and grievance policies which includes clearly outlined consequences for breaching Code of Conduct/Behaviour (mandatory);

§  Dissemination plan/distribution list for communicating of above policies to VSA personnel and all volunteers;

§  Signed documentation that volunteers are fully aware of safeguarding policies, codes of conduct/behaviour and disciplinary policies and procedures;

§  Sample volunteer application forms screening questions asking about skills, experience, work with children and vulnerable adults;

§  Guidelines on screening practices and/or interview templates provided to those responsible for recruiting and selecting volunteers
for VSA and/or local partner including: (mandatory);

–        Procedures for Garda Siochána/Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) vetting of all volunteers; statutory declarations or local legal equivalent where criminal record checks are unavailable or unreliable;

–        Verbal and written referee checks;

–        Behavioural-based interview questions.

§  Policy/procedures for Garda/PSNI vetting of all volunteers (mandatory);

§  Appointment of Designated Liaison Person(s) with contact details (mandatory);

§  Qualifications and/or experience of VSA Designated Liaison Person(s);

§  Records/certificates of attendance of Designated Liaison Person in relevant child protection and safeguarding training;

§  Records/certificates of attendance of VSA personnel in training on child and vulnerable adult protection and developing

safeguarding policy;

§  Self audit templates or certification of completion of online audits;

§  Template for the recording of all incidents, complaints, concerns, allegations in compliance with GDPR;

§  Planning documents demonstrating how recorded incidents, complaints and allegations are incorporated into revised programme plans;

§  Lists of contacts for specialist advice, information, and reporting on child/vulnerable adult safeguarding.