Why?

Government guidelines as outlined in the Irish Sports Council's Code of Ethics and Good Practice and as incorporated in our Code of Practice, stipulate that all adults involved with children/young people under the age of eighteen, and vulnerable adults in a sporting capacity - whether paid or unpaid - should be subject to the Garda Vetting process as part of a safe/responsible recruitment process.

 

Having a safe recruitment practice is also required in meeting our duty of care obligations. Ref. Child Care Act 1991.

 

Who?

Basically, this Policy applies to anyone in the organisation paid or unpaid whose work brings them into contact with children, young people and vulnerable adults.

 

Why is it so important?

Sadly, there are too many examples of inappropriate people who have been working with children sometimes with tragic consequences.

 

Garda vetting is just one part of a safe recruitment process that seeks to reduce the possibility of any further cases occurring. This is purely a preventative measure.

 

It is also important that we at Drogheda Boys Football Club demonstrate leadership and best practice standard's at all times to reassure parents, gaurdians, members and sponsors that we will take any and all steps necessary to maintain and protect the welfare of children and vulnerable adults whilst involved in soccer.

 

I already have Garda Vetting. Do I need another one?

Some individuals may already have completed Garda Vetting through bodies other than Drogheda Boys FC. Unfortunately, Drogheda Boys FC is not able to accept disclosures from other bodies and the individual will need to complete another Garda Vetting Application Form which will be processed through Drogheda Boys Football Club.

 

It is the policy of Drogheda Boys FC that all persons engaged in or who wish to be engaged by our Club will be subject to the Garda Vetting procedure. 

 

What information do the Garda Authorities disclose?

The Gardai will furnish us with details of all criminal convictions and outcomes e.g. probation orders, prison sentences, suspended sentences, sexual offenders register

 

They will also disclose if there are any cases pending.

 

 

"The function of the Garda Central Vetting Unit is to provide details of all prosecutions, successful or not, pending or completed, and/or convictions in respect of an applicant to a registered organisation"

 

What if something shows up?

This depends on what it is. Things taken into consideration can include:

 

·        How long ago it was

·        Your age at the time

·        How serious it was

·        Any specific direction/s made by the court

·        Whether a child or young person was hurt or harmed

 

What if I have some offences though not serious?

Some offences are considered minor and you have no reason to worry, we will shred the information disclosed.

 

Generally, this would include old and minor convictions of traffic offences, car crime, benefit and petty financial crime, old public order offences and youth offending.

 

What if the offence is more serious?

Some offences can be of more concern and in this instance, you will be spoken to and perhaps more references may be sought.

 

Included in this category would be recent assaults, violence that has resulted in a prison sentence, recent drug use, supplying offences, racist offences, harassment, arson, and indecent exposure.

 

What if it is more serious again?

Some offences are considered very serious even if they are old. This would include rape, any offences against children, a history of violent crime, downloading and possession of indecent images of children, sexual assault, indecent assault, manslaughter, supply of Class A drugs and murder.

 

Clearly some people with a serious history will be prevented from working with children, young people and vulnerable adults and Drogheda Boys Football Club has to exercise its responsibilities to children whilst at the same time being fair.

 

 

How is information stored? Are my family likely to see it?

Your completed form is returned from the Garda Vetting Unit to Drogheda Boys Authorized Signatory clearly marked as Private and Confidential. The Authorized Signatory will not disclose information regarding your offending or any other information contained therein.

 

The Authorized Signatory keeps all this information in strictest confidence and a decision is made on whether the individual is an acceptable person to be able to work in football.

 

What if I am suspended from working with children?

Drogheda Boys will be informed that they cannot use you, but they will not be told why.

 

That will remain confidential and all records relating to your offending will be shredded after any appeals procedure has been exhausted.

 

What decision is made on the basis of Garda Vetting?

There are three options:

 

1.   Accepted: This allows the individual concerned to continue the application process and enables clubs, leagues and organizations to know that Drogheda Boys FC sees no reason why this individual cannot work in football.

 

2.   Rejected: This means that the individual is not considered suitable to work in football. 

 

3.   Referred: This means there is some concern and further investigation or clarification is needed. Drogheda Boys FC Authorized Signatory will typically contact or write to the individual and, possibly, ask for explanations for the offending or references. Drogheda Boys Authorized Signatory may also contact local Gardai/Police Forces for clarification on offences.

 

All decisions are made with care and every case is treated on its merits. Where there are serious concerns, the individual will be taken through the case management process as outlined above.

 

Can I appeal the decision?

There are two separate types of appeal open to you. One relates to the Garda Authorities with respect to the information disclosed.

 

They have a Dispute Mechanism System in place to manage instances where individuals dispute the accuracy of the personal data as disclosed to the Authorised Signatory.

 

The second will refer to the internal procedures of Drogheda Boys FC Authorized Signatory

 

The Process

1. Form Filled In

2. Submitted to Authorised Signatory

3. Process as outlined above

 

How long does the Garda Vetting process take?
Garda Vetting takes typically take around a month - six weeks. Sometimes the process can take considerably longer. This may be simply to the local police force (if you have lived abroad) or the complexity of the applicant's record.

 

Significant delays can also be caused where forms have not been filled in properly and if in doubt you should seek proper guidance from Authorised Signatory

 

Drogheda Boys Football Club Garda Vetting Application Form Checklist

Have you ?

 

1.   Completed the Form in Block Capitals

2.   Ensured that all details required are given stating N/A if details are not applicable

3.   Ensured that your writing is clear and legible

4.   Ensure that all addresses from year of birth are clearly stated with no gaps

5.   Ensured that all years are clearly stated e.g. 2003-2007, 1963-2008

6.   Provided full disclosure and information on any convictions you might have. (Failure to disclose relevant information criminal offences will be taken very seriously and can result in disqualification)

 

Completed Vetting Forms should be returned marked with your Full Name on the front and returned to Welfare Officer of the Club.