Parish Volunteer Recruitment

Category 1: Existing volunteers who do not work with children

1. must complete the Garda Vetting process. This must be  renewed at least every 5 years
2. must complete  Safeguarding Information Session –refresher every 3 years
3. must have their name, role and contact details entered into the Parish Volunteer Register

Category 2: New volunteers who will not be working with children

1. the applicant will complete the Adult Volunteer Form
2. the priest in charge will meet the individual for an interview 
3. the priest will consult with 3rd parties to confirm the applicant’s suitability (references) and keep a written record of all verbal references. The references will be available to the applicant under the Data Protection Act 1988 & 2003
4. the applicant will complete the Garda Vetting form
5. the parish will submit the completed Garda Vetting form to CSPS. This must be  renewed at least every 5 years.

Once recruited:

1. the applicant will be given a copy of the Code Of Conduct for Adult Volunteers, given time to read this and revert to the priest in charge with any questions. Once this is done the applicant will be asked to sign a declaration that they have read and understand the document and agree to abide by its contents.
2. the applicant will complete the  Safeguarding  Information session-refresher every 3 years
3. the parish will enter the applicant’s name, role and contact details into the Parish Volunteer Register

Category 3: Existing volunteers who work with children

1. must complete the Adult Volunteer form
2. must complete the Garda Vetting process. This must be renewed every 3 to 5 years. Good practice determines that should be renewed every 3 years.
3. must complete full day Safeguarding Training programme- refresher every 3 years
4. must have their name, role and contact details entered into the Parish Volunteer Register

Category 4: New volunteers who will work with children

1. the applicant will complete the Adult Volunteer Form
2. the priest in charge will meet the individual for an interview and induction (explaining role)
3. the priest will consult with 3rd parties to confirm the applicant’s suitability (references) and keep a written record of all verbal references. The references will be available to the applicant under the Data Protection Act 1988 & 2003
4. the applicant will complete the Garda Vetting form
5. the parish will submit the completed Garda Vetting form to CSPS. This must be renewed every 3 to 5 years. Good practice determines that this should be renewed every 3 years.

Once recruited:

1. the applicant will be given a copy of the Diocesan Safeguarding Policy & Procedures, given time to read this and revert to the priest in charge with any queries. Once this is done the applicant will be asked to sign a declaration that they have read and understand the document and agree to abide by its contents.
2. the applicant will be given a written role description
3. the parish will enter the applicant’s name, role and contact details into the Parish Volunteer Register
4. the applicant will complete the full day Safeguarding Training programme
5. the applicant will complete an agreed probationary period

**New applicants refer to anyone recruited after 30th April 2015