Introduction
Garda Vetting (vetting) is now available through the ISA. The aim is to assist in the recruitment of suitable candidates to positions within the ISA and our affiliated Clubs, Class Associations and Training Centres. The system has been structured in order to;
• Protect children and vulnerable adults.
• Identify if candidates for a position or role have convictions or have been prosecuted for crimes which may mean that they are unsuitable for the position.
• Protect the rights of the candidates.
• Protect ISA affiliated organisations.
What is vetting?
Vetting identifies if a candidate has any convictions or prosecutions. This information may then be used in deciding if they are suitable to take up position or role within an organisation. Vetting checks are made on the Garda Central Database by the Garda Central Vetting Unit (G.C.V.U.) based in Thurles.
ISA organisations may access Garda Vetting through the ISA. THE G.C.V.U. will not process applications made directly to them from individuals or organisations not registered with them.
Who can access vetting?
ISA vetting may be accessed by any organisation affiliated to the ISA or ISA accredited Training Centres which have met the minimum criteria laid down by the Association. These include;
• Acceptance of the conditions and processes laid down by the ISA.
• The appointment of a Vetting Liaison Officer (VLO).
• Submission of policies & procedures to be used when recruiting.
Applications may only be submitted through the Vetting Liaison Officer in an ISA affiliated / accredited organisation. Individuals may not apply for vetting for themselves or anyone else.
Who should be vetted?
The ISA organisation needs to have a policy stating who should be vetted and when.
As a guide, people in the following positions within ISA affiliated organisations should be vetted by the organisation as part of their recruitment process.
• Designated Officers
• Club / Organisation’s Children’s Officers
• Junior Organisers
• Senior / Chief Instructors
• Youth Team Managers
• Instructors / Coaches leading or working on activities or sessions where they will have substantial unsupervised access to children or vulnerable adults.
• Full time “Shore Mums”.
The ISA does not consider it necessary to vet all instructors or coaches employed.
The ISA will, on its own instigation, vet;
• Centre Principals
• Instructor Trainers
• Vetting Liaison Officers
• ISA employed / appointed Youth Coaches
• ISA staff & volunteers leading or working on activities or sessions where they will have substantial unsupervised access to children or vulnerable adults.
• ISA Staff & volunteers involved in the processing of Garda Vetting Applications and associated procedures.
How is vetting carried out?
1. The candidate fills in the Garda Vetting Form. (Copies available from the ISA).
2. The organisations Vetting Liaison Officer checks the forms and sends them to ISA.
3. The ISA checks and logs the forms and sends them onto Garda Vetting Unit (GVU).
4. The GVU send ISA results of vet.
5. The ISA send candidate the results.
6. The ISA informs organisations submitting vetting request that the candidate has been sent the results.
What is done with the information received?
The Garda Vetting Unit informs the ISA by post of the results of each vet. The ISA retains the original disclosure. This information is kept in a secure store within the ISA Office to which only authorised members of ISA staff have access.
The ISA will not send the results of a vetting application to anyone except the candidate.
Each application is logged on the ISA database. However no information relating to the application or disclosure is recorded other than the date it was sent onto the GCVU, the date it was received back into the ISA office and whether there were “No disclosure found” or “Disclosures found”.
Can under 18s be vetted?
Yes. The ISA can process vetting applications over the age of 16 provided that the written consent of a parent or guardian is provided on the appropriate form.
Where can I get the relevant forms?
All of the relevant forms are available below for download.
The Sample Vetting Policy document for use in ISA affiliated organisations is also available as a Word Document from the ISA office. If required please contact training@sailing.ie.
Summary of Garda Vetting 5.5.2011.pdf
Garda Vetting Application Form - Irish Sailing Assoc 8.3.10.pdf
Guidelines for Candidates Completing Garda Vetting Forms.pdf
Guidelines for VLOs on the handling of Garda Vetting Forms.pdf
Parent Consent Form.pdf
Sample vetting policy 16.3.10 .pdf
Vetting Liaison Officer Agreement 23.3.10.pdf