In recruiting and selecting staff in line with Children First: National Guidance 1.3.1 we ensure:
(i) best practice in the recruitment of staff or volunteers, which includes Garda vetting, taking up of references, good practices in interviewing, training, and ongoing supervision and management;
(ii) staff members or volunteers are aware of how to recognise signs of child abuse or neglect;
(iii) there is guidance and procedures for staff and/or volunteers who may have reasonable grounds for concern about the safety and welfare of children involved with the organisation.
(iv) identification of a designated person to act as a liaison with outside agencies and a resource person to any staff member or volunteer who has child protection concerns. The designated person is responsible for reporting allegations or suspicions of child abuse to the HSE/TUSLA Children and Family Services or to An Garda Síochána.
To ensure the most suitably qualified staff are recruited, LYDC undertakes to define clearly the roles and responsibilities for every contract (paid or voluntary).
To ensure suitability of artists and staff working on projects involving direct contact with children, young people and vulnerable adults, and that they work in a way as to protect them from harm, LYDC asks candidates to:
· Supply written references from at least two people, who are not family members, who have first-hand and recent knowledge of their experience of work or contact with children. Referees are asked specifically to comment on the artists suitability to work with children. References are checked by a follow-up telephone call before any offer of employment is confirmed.
· Sign a declaration stating that there is no reason why they would be considered unsuitable to work with these groups of people and to declare all previous convictions.
· Apply for a Garda check that details an individual’s criminal record and where appropriate, details of those banned from working with children.
On recruitment, staff are required to complete a probationary period of six months.