Tearfund Ireland Safeguarding Statement

Approved: March 2025


Nature of services

Tearfund Ireland is a Christian development and relief organisation committed to the holistic transformation of the most vulnerable around the world. We resource the Church in Ireland, to practically demonstrate their faith. Our Development Education Programmes raise awareness of the root causes of poverty globally. Our activities engage with children aged up to 18 years of age in the following ways:-


  • Talks and workshops in schools, churches and youth groups.
  • Transition Year work experience or occasional volunteers helping in the office or events
  • Involvement of young people in group fund-raising activities such as sponsored walks, runs, cycles and other promotional events.
  • All of the above may involve communications of information exchange via e mail or phone.

Principles of Safeguarding Children, Young people and Vulnerable Adults from Harm

Tearfund Ireland is committed to protecting from harm all young people with whom we work. We promote best practice in Child Safeguarding in adherence to the principles of Children First Act 2015 and the principles of the National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children (2017) and Child Safeguarding A Guide for Policy, Procedure and Practice (2018) and the General Data Protection Regulation 2018.


Risk Assessment

Tearfund Ireland has carried out an assessment of potential risk of harm to Children and Young people while engaging in activities within the Republic of Ireland. The areas of risk and the procedures identified to address these areas are as follows; (Ref, Tearfund Ireland Child Safeguarding Risk Assessment, Appendix 2, TFI Child Safeguarding Policy, Dec 2019)


  • Engagement with Children and Young People
  • Reporting Procedures where abuse or interference is suspected or known.
  • Recruitment and Selection of Staff or Volunteers.
  • Information, Communication and Training.


Procedures

Procedures have been developed in line with the Children First Act 2015, The Guide for Policy, Procedure and Practice 2018 and also with Tearfund Ireland's staff policies to mitigate against risk of harm. Procedures are available on request.


  • Provision of and access to Child Safeguarding training and information to all relevant members of staff and adult
  • volunteers as well as adults and young people traveling with Tearfund Ireland.
  • Guidelines for management of allegations of abuse, misconduct or neglect of young people and children by Tearfund Ireland
  • staff and volunteers involved in Tearfund Ireland activities.
  • Guidelines for reporting of Child protection or Welfare concerns to TUSLA
  • List of designated Liaison Person and Mandated Persons, circulated to all staff and volunteers.
  • Safe practice in recruitment and selection of workers and volunteers who are working with Children and Vulnerable adults in any capacity. This includes background checks, training in safeguarding (Children First Act 2015).
  • Procedure for appointing a relevant person.


Implementation

Recognising implementation is an ongoing process, Tearfund Ireland is committed to the implementation of this Statement and the procedures which support our intention to keep children safe while interacting with our staff.


This Child Safeguarding statement will be reviewed annually or following a material change in any matter to which the statement refers.


Sean Copeland: Chief Executive Officer 


For queries please contact:

Designated Liaison Person (DLP) Sean Copeland (sean.copeland@tearfund.ie)

Deputy Designated Liaison Person (DDLP) Emma Lynch (emma.lynch@tearfund.ie)


Terms:-

Relevant person: As defined in the Children First Act 2015 as a person employed by the provider of the relevant service who is the first point of contact in respect of the providers Child Safeguarding Policy


Designated Liaison Person (DLP): The person who is responsible for ensuring that reporting procedures are followed correctly and promptly and act as a liaison with other agencies (See Children First national guidance.


Mandated Person:- Are people who by virtue of their qualifications, training and experience are in a key position to help protect children from harm. (See Children First Act 2015 schedule 2). There are currently no mandated people on the Tearfund Ireland staff.