Actions taken:
- A dedicated zero-tolerance policy is currently being drafted for endorsement by senior leadership.
- In 2024, Irish Red Cross appointed a dedicated full-time Safeguarding Manager.
- During this same year, Irish Red Cross revised and updated its Child Safeguarding Statement which includes reporting procedures. Our new draft Child Protection policy sets out a safeguarding code of behaviour.
- Our Personnel and Sexual Harassment Policy ‘deplores all forms of sexual harassment. The organisation provides mandatory induction and refresher safeguarding training for all Irish Red Cross personnel.
- All staff and volunteers working with children and vulnerable adults are either Garda (Police) vetted(domestic) or required to submit a Police Certificate (overseas).
- Our Overseas Delegates handbook has been updated to include greater reporting responsibilities and protections for whistleblowers.
- Irish Red Cross is considering joining the Inter-Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme.
- We are signatories of the Dochas (Irish network of International development and humanitarian organisations) Safeguarding Code and will be signatories of the updated Dochas Safeguarding Charter when it is finalised later in 2024.
- Reporting procedures at home and abroad have been strengthened.
- A new Safeguarding-Spotlight feature appears in the monthly Irish Red Cross ezine which goes to all staff and volunteers helping to raise the profile of a strong safeguarding culture across the organisation including signposting reporting pathways.
Implementation completion:
No
