Vetting

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Update to Rowing Ireland Garda Vetting Procedures

Rowing Ireland’s Garda Vetting procedures have been updated to align with the new requirements introduced by the National Vetting Bureau (NVB) of An Garda Síochána.

We aim to provide a safe, structured, inclusive, friendly environment for all members through our clubs and providers. We are committed to good practice which protects children and vulnerable adults from harm. Staff and volunteers accept and recognise their responsibility to provide an environment which promotes safety at all times.

The legislation in both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland is based on a clear and consistent set of principles, designed with the common aim of promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults. Children and vulnerable adults have the right to be safe; all coaches should ensure that this fundamental principle takes precedence over all other considerations.

What is Garda Vetting

Garda Vetting is the official process in the Republic of Ireland used to determine whether an individual has a criminal record or any record of concern that could make them unsuitable to work or volunteer with children or vulnerable adults.

The process is carried out by the National Vetting Bureau (NVB) of An Garda Síochána.

Garda Vetting is not only a legal requirement but also a vital safeguard to ensure that our sport takes place in a safe and secure environment.

Who needs to be Vetted

• Coach – Junior Members
• Assistant Coach – Junior Members
• Child Safeguarding Person
• Designated Liaison Person
• Umpire
• Volunteer Assistant (has regular and frequent contact with a junior while doing relevant work)
• Those with regular contact (more than twice a week) with Juniors

Under the National Vetting Bureau (Children and Vulnerable Persons) Acts, there is a legal requirement to vet any individual who is involved in coaching, supervising, or working directly with children or vulnerable adults.

There is no requirement to vet coaches or managers of senior crews, even if some crew members are under 18. In such cases, any interaction with juniors is considered incidental to the primary role of providing training to adults and does not meet the threshold for mandatory vetting.

Once completed, Garda Vetting is valid for 3 years. After that period, individuals must be re-vetted to continue in their role.

Vetting

There are two types of vetting checks available to Rowing Ireland – through the National Vetting Bureau and Access NI; They are both applicable to members of Rowing Ireland and must be complete every three years.

Rowing Ireland is a Registered Organisation with the National Vetting Bureau (NVB) with two appointed Liaison Persons.

• Pat Kiely (clubsupport@rowingireland.ie)
• Valerie Hely (valerie.hely@rowingireland.ie)

For more information on Access NI please contact – brendaewing@yahoo.co.uk

Rowing eVetting steps (ROI)

Step 1

Applicant completes the application form here

Step 2

Completed form along with the original ID’s and supporting documents are presented to the Rowing Club Validator. See list of the documentation the Garda National Vetting Bureau will accept when processing vetting applications here (also available in the list of downloads at the end of the page).

Note: The Proof of Address documentation must be dated within six monts of the date the applicant signed the consent, must be the appliants current address and match the address on the NVB1 form. Full name must be included and the document must be on headed paper.

Step 3

Rowing Club Validator verifies and signs the completed form.

Step 4

Applicant sends the form and copies of documents to the Liaison Person at the following address: Liaison Person at Rowing Ireland, National Rowing Centre, Farran Woods, Ovens, Cork, P31K704

Step 5

Liaison Person checks the documents and enters the application into the RI database and the NVB website.

Step 6

Applicant receives an invitation by email from the NVB (must be completed within 30 days).

Step 7

RI Liaison Person receives the disclosure. If everything is in order a vetting certificate letter is sent to the applicant.

Note: If the disclosure requires discussion, the RI Liaison Person will contact the applicant directly.

Step 8

Applicant presents the certificate letter to the club official. The certificate is valid for 3 years.

Additional important information

• All applications must be completed in full using approved Rowing Ireland application form.
• Only listed forms of approved ID, and Proof of address will be accepted.
• Only listed Roles will be accepted as relevant work looking for vetting.
• Applications must be signed (wet signature)
• Tick the consent box.
• Vetting applications will only be accepted from Affiliated clubs that have a registered Rowing Club Validator.
• Application must first be presented to and validated by the Rowing Club validator (RCV).
• Any application not completed correctly or without the proper accompanying documentation will NOT be processed.
• Rowing Ireland Liaison Person will only communicate non acceptance of an application with the Rowing Club Validator.
• Any application not meeting the required criteria will be excluded from the vetting process and the applicant must start the complete process again. (No Exemptions)

Sports leaders under 18 may also be required to complete the vetting process. To apply for vetting, there must be a completed parental consent. Link to form here (also available in the list of downloads at the end of the page). Vetting cannot be conducted for a person under the age of 16. In circumstances where Children under 18 do not have the documentation listed in Step 2 above, the following listed here will be accepted.

The Children’s Officer completes the ID validation form and signs it confirming that they have verified the identity of the applicant.

RI NI Branch, as a regional body of Rowing Ireland, is a Registered Body with Access NI (ANI), with one appointed Lead Signatory.