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 1: Volunteer Application

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 7: Media Permission

Form 8: Complaints

Form 9: Hazard Assessment

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

Form 15: Requirements for Ministry in the Diocese of Cloyne

Adult Safeguarding

Adult Safeguarding Policy

Checklists

Recruitment and Selection Checklist

Parish Reps Checklist (missing)

Check List for Groups

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

Use of Church Property

Booking Form for Hire of Church Property for Private Functions

Form for Use of Church Property by External Groups

NBSCCI

Child Safeguarding Policy

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 Hazard Assessment

Mock Hazard Assessment  (missing)

Guidance on Use of CCTV and Web Cams

Guidance on the Use of Digital Online Media  (missing)

Plans

Diocesan Policies

Whistleblowing Policy 2020   (missing)

Social Media Policy

Adult Safeguarding Policy

Safeguarding Policy for Pilgrimages

Online Communication

Use of Social Media to Broadcast Mass & Liturgical Ceremonies

Cloyne Online Communication Guidance

Permission Form Social Media for Over 18s

Permission Form for Under 18s

Guidance for Using an Online Communication Platform 

Mandatory Reporting

Information for Mandated Persons

Child Protection and Welfare Report Form

Retrospective Abuse Report Form

Guides

Screen Addiction

Online Bullying

Live Streaming

Online Grooming

Parish Audits

2024 Cloyne Safeguarding strategy plan

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.

Who needs to be Garda Vetted

More information can be found on the website for An Garda Síochána here:

National Vetting Bureau - What is Vetting?

Frequently Asked Questions

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 Cloyne 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

CHANGES TO THE GARDA VETTING PROCESS
Following inspections and updates to align with European Criminal Records Information System (ECRIS), the Garda National Vetting Bureau has introduced significant changes to the vetting process for parishes, effective from 1st July 2025.

EUROPEAN CRIMINAL RECORDS CHECKS (ECRIS)
Applicants whose roles involve contact with children will now be asked additional questions during the NVB1 e-vetting application process. If applicable, checks will be conducted across EU member states and the United Kingdom.

Expected delays: EU checks may add approximately 10 days; UK checks may take up to 20 working days.

These checks apply only to applicants undertaking relevant work or activities involving children.

Additional required fields now include:

• City/Town of Birth
• Mother’s Forename and Maiden Name
• Father’s Forename and Surname
• Issuing Country of Passport
• Enhanced international address fields

Applicants will also be asked if they hold identification documents from a European country or the UK. These questions are now part of the online e-vetting system.

IDENTIFICATION DOCUMENTS
Over 18s and under 18s – NVB1 and NVB3 forms:

Two forms of ID are required:

• One with a current photograph
• One showing current address (must match address provided on vetting application form and be dated within the past six months)

If the required ID is not available, please contact the Diocesan Office.

Accepted Photo ID:

1. Passport (from country of citizenship)
2. Irish/EU/UK Driving Licence or Learner Permit (credit card format)
3. Irish Certificate of Naturalisation
4. National Identity Card (EU/EEA/Swiss citizens)

Accepted Proof of Address (issued within the last 6 months):

1. Utility bills (gas, electricity, broadband, waste, TV licence)
2. Bank, Building Society, or Credit Union statements (not Revolut or private money lenders)
3. Government department correspondence (Property Tax Letters or Pay Slips not Acceptable)
4. Local Council letter confirming residency

Under 18s:

If the applicant cannot satisfy the above criteria, two documents must be submitted, one of which must be a birth certificate.

Accepted Documents:

1. Birth Certificate
2. Passport (from country of citizenship)
3. Letter from school principal confirming attendance (on school letterhead)

VETTING APPLICATION FORMS
All original vetting application forms and copies of ID must be sent by post to the Diocesan Office. Scanned or emailed copies will not be accepted. Applications must be verified and signed by the validator in the parish.

Parishes must not retain copies of any vetting application forms or ID documents.

Updated vetting forms must be used. Previous versions are now void and cannot be processed.

The new Vetting Application Forms includes four pages:

1. Guidelines for completing the vetting form
2. Vetting application form
3. Organisation information and identification documents
4. Identity validation checklist (to be completed by the parish validator)

Incomplete applications will be returned to the parish for completion, causing delays.

NOTIFICATION OF COMPLETED VETTING
Official vetting certification will be retained by the Diocesan Office.

The parish and the applicant will receive an email from the Diocesan vetting officer confirming vetting approval.

TRAINING
The Diocesan Office will provide a training session for Priests and Parish Secretaries on these changes.

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.

Train as a Validator

Please find below the link to the Webinar to train as a Validator
Validtator training link

Please forward the certificate of completion to the Cloyne Diocesan Office, Cobh, Co. Cork. P24 RK54, for final registration including your parish address.

Vetting Forms

NVB1 form over 18's

NVB1 form under 18's

Newsletter re vetting changes July 2025

Enquiries to: diocesanvet@cloynediocese.ie or call 085-2577797 Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2pm - 4pm 

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.

Who needs to be Garda Vetted

More information can be found on the website for An Garda Síochána here:

National Vetting Bureau - What is Vetting?

Frequently Asked Questions

Schools

The following is Information on Garda Vetting for schools which operate under the patronage of the Diocese of Cloyne.

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

CHANGES TO THE GARDA VETTING PROCESS – EFFECTIVE 1ST JULY 2025
Following inspections and updates to align with European Criminal Records Information System (ECRIS), the Garda National Vetting Bureau has introduced significant changes to the vetting process for schools, effective from 1st July 2025.

In line with these changes you will receive a revised Service Level Agreement. The school is also required to set up a dedicated vetting email address.

EUROPEAN CRIMINAL RECORDS CHECKS (ECRIS)
Applicants whose roles involve contact with children will now be asked additional questions during the NVB1 e-vetting application process. If applicable, checks will be conducted across EU member states and the United Kingdom.

Expected delays: EU checks may add approximately 10 days; UK checks may take up to 20 working days.

These checks apply only to applicants undertaking relevant work or activities involving children.

Additional required fields now include:
• City/Town of Birth
• Mother’s Forename and Maiden Name
• Father’s Forename and Surname
• Issuing Country of Passport
• Enhanced international address fields

Applicants will also be asked if they hold identification documents from a European country or the UK. These questions are now part of the online e-vetting system.

IDENTIFICATION DOCUMENTS
Over 18s and under 18s – NVB1 and NVB3 forms:

Two forms of ID are required:
• One with a current photograph
• One showing current address (must match address provided on vetting application form and be dated within the past six months)

If the required ID is not available, please contact the Cloyne Diocesan Centre

Accepted Photo ID:

1. Passport (from country of citizenship)
2. Irish/EU/UK Driving Licence or Learner Permit (credit card format)
3. Irish Certificate of Naturalisation
4. National Identity Card (EU/EEA/Swiss citizens)

Accepted Proof of Address (issued within the last 6 months):

1. Utility bills (gas, electricity, broadband, waste, TV licence)
2. Bank, Building Society, or Credit Union statements (not Revolut or private money lenders)
3. Government department correspondence (Property Tax Letters or Pay Slips not Acceptable)
4. Local Council letter confirming residency

Under 18s:

If the applicant cannot satisfy the above criteria, two documents must be submitted, one of which must be a birth certificate.

Accepted Documents:

1. Birth Certificate
2. Passport (from country of citizenship)
3. Letter from school principal confirming attendance (on school letterhead)

VETTING APPLICATION FORMS
The original NBV1 form along with the ID documents will be kept by the school and be available for upcoming audits by the Garda National Vetting Bureau (details below). Scanned or emailed copies will not be accepted by the school.

A copy of the NVB1 form will be sent by post to: Cloyne Diocesan Centre, Spy Hill, Cobh, Co. Cork, P24 RK54 for processing.

Updated vetting forms must be used. Previous versions are now void and cannot be processed.

The new Vetting Application Forms includes four pages:

1. Guidelines for completing the vetting form
2. Vetting application form
3. Organisation information and identification documents
4. Identity validation checklist (to be completed by the school validator)

Incomplete applications will be returned to the school for completion, causing delays.

VETTING APPLICATION FORMS
The Garda Vetting Bureau has brought in mandatory training for all affiliates. Training will be offered by the diocese. Attendance is compulsory. For those that do not attend, the diocese cannot process vetting applications for your school.

The Principal/Deputy Principal/Validator is the person who has responsibility for Garda Vetting as named on the SLA. Therefore, it will be the Principal/Deputy Principal/Validator that will need to attend the training. Delegation of this responsibility will be discussed at the training.

SCHOOL AUDITS
The Garda National Vetting Bureau has started to audit all Registered Organisations that carry out vetting. During this audit you must provide the Garda Auditing Team with vetting application forms and identification documents.

The Diocese will also be undertaking regular audits of your documentation to ensure compliance.

RETENTION OF DOCUMENTS
The Garda National Vetting Bureau require the school to retain the original NBV1 form along with the ID documents. Photocopies of same to be posted to Schools Vetting Officer.

Purpose of Retention
• Prevent, detect and investigate offences under the Act
• Enable the GNVB to perform its functions
• Ensure compliance with the vetting process
• Assist in investigating breaches

Data to be Retained
• Retain original NVB1 form and hard copies of identification documents for 6 months
• After 6 months a soft copy of the NBV1 form and identification documents will suffice.

Retention periods
• Active Individuals: Data retained for duration of engagement.
• Inactive Individuals: Data destroyed within 12 months of departure.

Please note the above retention periods are what is required by the Garda
National Vetting Bureau, other oversight or government bodies may require you to
retain documents longer.

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).

Train as a Validator

Please find below the link to the Webinar to train as a Validator
Validator training link

Please forward the certificate of completion to the Cloyne Diocesan Office, Cobh, Co. Cork, P24 RK54, for final registration including your school name and address.

Vetting Forms

NVB1 form over 18's

Vetting sharing

NVB1 form under 18's

NVB3 (Parent Consent form)

Updated Newsletter re changes to vetting July 2025 

Enquiries to: schoolsvet@cloynediocese.ie

Phone : 022-21009

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.

View all the guidance

Safeguarding Children Policy Document 

Bishops Safeguarding message November 2025

Bishops Safeguarding message July 2025 

Bishops Safeguarding message February 2025

Bishops Safeguarding message November 2024

Bishops Safeguarding message 4th March 2024 

Tusla Approved Child Safeguarding Statement 14 June 2024

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.

Adult Safeguarding Policy

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:

Ms Claire Tobin
Mobile: 086 036 8999

Email: dlp@cloynediocese.ie

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

Please find below answers to Frequently Asked Questions

Not found the answer to your question?  Please Contact the Safeguarding Officer

Accidents:
Q. We have a parish halls in the parish, and I would like to understand does the policy expect that an ‘accident form’ is completed for general accidents, cuts and bruises? If we have organisations such as scouts / GAA and they have their own accident / incident forms, can they use their own format or do we have to still enforce our template form? What is the expectation for groups using the hall that do not have their own forms?
A.The incidents forms should be used for all incidents and accidents relating to children. For external groups they should have their own, if they don’t then it is their responsibility, this should be part of their child safeguarding procedures in any case. However you may want to check what the parish insurance states for hiring out the hall, as you might have to have a incident / accident book for general use.

Signed Agreement reference 5.1.A:
Q. Appreciate if you provide clarification on who needs to sign the agreement template 5.1.A as I note as part of this agreement, people are required to attend a full day training on safeguarding, so in this respect, I would like to understand if this agreement and associated training day must be completed by the following for example

• Choir Directors
• Sacristans
• Altar Server Parents who supervise the children
• Parish Hall Group Leaders?
• Parish Hall Coordinator

A. Those who have direct contact with children, such as Altar Server parents, Sacristans, choir directors should sign this form and be given the code of behaviour for adults, at the bottom of the form it says about full day training and 2 hr info sessions training. They should attend one of these, as I point above.

Parish Hall leaders and coordinators, would only need to sign this form if they have contact with children

Consent Forms for Children:
Q. We are clear about the requirement to have completed consent forms for children participating directly in Church activities such as Altar Servers / choir members etc., however, please advise the expectation to complete this requirement for organisations using the Parish Halls,

Is it acceptable that this is managed by the group leaders using the hall, e.g. Dance groups, Badminton groups, etc.

Is it sufficient for us to provide guidance that these groups need to obtain these forms if children participating in their groups? If so, is there a requirement to audit these forms? As you can imagine this would be quite onerous and a lot of work as members can join and leave these groups on a very frequent basis.

A. For any external groups as you mention above, we have no responsibility for them. We cannot give any advice or guidance. They MUST complete the renting of parish hall form 1.5A ( attached) any group that has children and not run by the Parish, can only use the hall if they complete that form stating they have insurance and a child safeguarding policy. We have been told by our insurers that we cannot obtain a copy of their safeguarding policy, so they just have to sign they have one. If they don’t, THEY CANNOT USE THE HALL.

So it is not the Parish’s responsibility to check etc. However if an activity is being run and you are concerned it is not safe, then you must contact PP and or myself and we will need to decide what needs to happen, i.e. Stop them using the hall.

Hazard Assessments:
Q. Is there training available outside the guidance provided in Section 1.8a, reps are trained on completing these assessments.

Can you advise what are the expectations of completing these Hazard assessments for those groups using the Parish Hall.

A. The Hazard Assessment is a new part of the policy. I will be looking at sending out more guidance. Really what you are looking at is for any areas that might cause problems, like no toilet facilities? were the nearest first aid box is kept? Are there emergency exits? The hazard assessment is a one-off for each group.

Information Session:

Q. If we were to organise an evening where we got all groups together, would someone on your team be willing to attend to speak to the importance of the Safeguarding program in the protection of children participating in Parish Life.

A. Yes, I would be more than happy to come out myself.

Policy Document
Q. Can we have a copy of the policy document sent to the parishes again.

A. We don’t have hard copies left. They can be downloaded from the website and printed off. Hard copies were a huge cost from the National Board

Garda Vetting
Q. Can we have a clear list of lay ministries that need to be Garda Vetted? In Kilmurry, the sacristan is sure they will all leave if she asks them. I think an info session for the parish might be in order.

A. There was a list sent out to all parishes earlier this year and guidance on website.

Sacristy Register
Q. Signing in books in the sacristy – who needs to sign and when? There are altar servers at some Masses, but not all. Should they sign at weddings/ funerals/ baptisms/ weekday masses/ etc? sometimes there are altar servers, often from the family at the center of the celebration.
A. There should be a Sacristy Register or signing in book in every sacristy. This MUST be signed at each Mass or Ceremony by all priests , servers, sacristan, server helpers and anybody who is in the sacristy.

Q. Should the priest/ sacristan sign in at every Mass or just where there are children present?
A. If there are no servers present, then line to be in saying NO SERVERS. However, it must be filled in by priests and sacristan etc.
This is our only record of who was in the sacristy. A hard book / register should be used and once full, retained and stored in parish.

Q. Do Parish Safeguarding Reps need to attend another full day safeguarding training, if already done one previously.
A. With the new training programme, anybody who has previously undertaken a full days training, only need to do a 3 hour refresher every 3 years.

Q. Will safeguarding training be delivered online in the future.
A. We hope to start rolling out the adult safeguarding information sessions online in the next few months. We are currently looking at developing an online information session for parishes in relation to children, instead of the parish based info sessions in the past

Q. If we have existing Altar servers returning, do we need to have a new parental / guardian consent form signed?
A. If there are no changes and the last form signed included permission for photos, etc then no.

Q. Do Church stewards need to be Garda vetted?
A. As stewards do not have a role with children or vulnerable adults thy do not need to be vetted.

Safeguarding Reviews undertaken by the National Board 2012 & 2022

Reviews by the National Board for Safeguarding Children in the Catholic Church in Ireland (NBSCCCI)

2022 Second Review of Child Safeguarding Practice in the Diocese of Cloyne by NBSCCCI Nov 2022

Response to 2012 Review recommendations

In January 2022, the National Board for Safeguarding Children in the Catholic Church in Ireland (NBSCCCI) as requested by Bishop William Crean conducted a Review of safeguarding practice in the Diocese of Cloyne. The report on this Review, published in June 2022.