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Child Safeguarding Policy

CHILD SAFEGUARDING POLICY

Child Safeguarding Statement

The Foundation recognises and upholds the dignity and rights of all children and is committed to ensuring their safety and well-being. The Foundation recognises that all staff and volunteers have a responsibility to safeguard children through providing a safe and caring environment that supports their best interests and prevents abuse.

The Foundation exists to promote awareness and appreciation of the scientific, botanical and cultural heritage of Birr Castle and Demesne. It promotes and facilitates visits by groups, students and individual visitors. As a support to its mission, the Foundation provides educational, play and recreational facilities for children.

In accordance with the requirements of the Children First Act 2015, Children First: national guidance for the protection and welfare of children 2017, the Board of the Foundation has agreed the Child Safeguarding Statement set out in this document.

The Board recognises that child protection and welfare considerations must be reflected in all its policies, procedures, practices and activities. The Foundation will adhere to the following principles:

Recognise that the protection and welfare of children is of paramount importance, Fully comply with its statutory obligations under the Children First Act 2015 and other relevant legislation, Fully cooperate with the relevant statutory authorities in relation to child protection and welfare matters, Adopt safe practices to minimise the possibility of harm to children and protect workers from the necessity to act in ways that might leave them open to accusations of abuse or neglect, Fully respect confidentiality requirements in dealing with child protection matters.

The Foundation has assessed the risks arising from its activities to include the possibility of harm as defined by the relevant legislation being inflicted by visitors, staff or volunteers. In order to mitigate these risks, the Foundation:

ensures that all staff and volunteers who work directly with children are vetted in advance of beginning work with the Foundation, admits children under 17 years to its premises only under the supervision of their parents, guardians or other responsible adults, admits school groups only with adequate teacher supervision confirmed at time of booking, has developed a policy for the safe supervision of children who may be missing our lost while in the Demesne.

In relation to the provision of information, instruction and training in respect of the identification of the occurrence of harm, the foundation will:

Provide each member of staff and volunteer with a copy of this Child Safeguarding Statement, ensure all new staff and volunteers are provided with a copy of the Statement, Facilitate every member of staff and volunteer to complete the online introduction to Children First, Manage any allegation of abuse or misconduct against staff or volunteers within its disciplinary procedures, Maintain a list of staff who may be ‘mandated persons’ under the Act.

Designated Liaison Person: Grainne O’Malley

The Board and Trustees of the Foundation has appointed the above-named Designated Liaison Person (D LP) as the ‘relevant person’ as defined in the legislation to be the first point of contact in respect of this Child Safeguarding Statement.

This Statement will be reviewed annually. This Child Safeguarding Statement was adopted by the Board of the Foundation on 9 March 2018, reviewed annually and updated in September 2022.

Directors/Trustees 2023:   Peter Gallagher, Chair, Countess of Rosse (Alison Rosse), Jim Deegan,  Maria McGovern, Joe Breen, John Carroll, John Feehan

Earl of Rosse, founder of the Charity

Edel Connolly, Secretary

 

Company; The Birr Scientific and Heritage Foundation T/A Birr Castle Demesne.   Non-profit organisation CHY 6900