The Children’s Officer is central to maintaining the safeguarding of children and young people in our Club and to the implementation of the Code of Behaviour (Underage) within the Club.
In addition to these core responsibilities, the Children’s Officer must also ensure, with the cooperation of other Officers, that legislative requirements governing the participation of children and young people and those who work with them are maintained at all times.
Garda Vetting
Who Needs Garda Vetting?
Any person involved in coaching, mentoring, supervising or working with children or juveniles over the age of 16 in Ranelagh Gaels must complete Garda Vetting.
Vetting is valid for 3 years and must be renewed when it expires.
Overview of the Vetting Process
The Garda Vetting process has four stages:
- Log in to (or create) a Foireann account
2. In‑person ID verification with the club
3. Submit a Garda Vetting application on Foireann
4. Complete the National Vetting Bureau (NVB) online form
All stages must be completed before you can begin your role.
Step 1: Create your Application for Garda Vetting on Foireann
- Log in to Foireann
- Check your profile details are correct and complete
- Go to Qualifications and Vetting
- Select Apply to be Vetted
- Choose:
- Ranelagh Gaels GAA Club
- Your role(s)
- Click ‘Download Vetting Invite Form’ which will auto populate the form with your details and print
BUT DO NOT SIGN IT YET
See also the instructions from the Foireann FAQ
Step 2: In‑Person Verification (Required)
You must meet in person with a Ranelagh Gaels Children’s Officer. Availabilities are usually confirmed one or two weeks in advance.
What to bring
- Completed but unsigned NVB1 form
- Copy of photo ID
- Copy of proof of address
Please find a list of accepted ID and address documents.
If you are under 18
A parent/guardian must attend with you, and you must also bring:
- Unsigned NVB3 Parent/Guardian Consent Form
- Photo ID and proof of address
OR - Passport and Birth Certificate
At the meeting
The Children Officer will:
- Witness your signature on the NVB1 form
- Verify your identity
- Complete the GAA Identity Document Validation Form
Important – Take a photo or copy of the following documents for Step 3
- NVB1 Invitation Form
- Identity Document Validation Form
Step 3: Log in to Foireann
- Return to your application in Foireann
- For under 18s, the parent/guardian must log in to their Foireann account
- Upload the documentation required
- Submit your application
Step 4: Complete the NVB Online Vetting Form
- You will receive an email invitation from the Garda National Vetting Bureau
- Complete the form as soon as possible
- The link expires after 30 days
When completing the form:
- Declare all current and previous addresses
- Include dates lived in Ireland, UK, EU or elsewhere
- Northern Ireland addresses must include a postcode
- Answer “Yes” to working with children
This stage is confidential between you and the NVB.
After Submission
- Your application is reviewed by the GAA
- It is then processed by the Garda NVB
- You and the Ranelagh Gaels Children’s Officer are notified when complete
You must receive confirmation of successful vetting before starting your role
Re‑Vetting
- Garda Vetting is valid for 3 years
- Re‑vetting requires completing the full process again
Need Help?
If you are unsure about any steps of the process, please contact the Ranelagh Gaels Children’s Officer at childrenofficer.ranelaghgaels.dublin@gaa.ie.
Safeguarding
Anyone working around children over the age of 16 in a Gaelic Games setting must complete a Child Safeguarding course every 3 years.
The Club offers in-person Safeguarding 1 courses throughout the year. The Children Officer provides information when they are open for registration. Alternatively, you can attend a course at another venue.
For volunteers who have already attended an in-person Safeguarding 1 session in the past 3 years to refresh the course online. It is also important to note that one cannot complete two online refresher courses in succession – a refresher course MUST be followed by an in-person if one is to maintain their qualification. The online refresher course is available on Tobar.
Contact People
Lisa Murphy – Children Officer – childrenofficer.ranelaghgaels.dublin@gaa.ie
Elaine Bowler – Assistant Children Officer – childrenofficer.ranelaghgaels.dublin@camogie.ie
Katy Hanley – Designated Liaison Person