Child Protection and Safeguarding

Introduction 

Skillnet Ireland is committed to safeguarding the welfare of children and young people. 

We recognise the importance of creating safe environments and promoting the wellbeing of children who may come into contact, directly or indirectly, with our activities, programmes and funded services. 

Our Child Protection Policy and Child Safeguarding Statement have been developed in accordance with:

• Children First Act 2015
• Children First: National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children (2017)
• The Addendum to Children First (2019)
• Relevant guidance issued by Tusla. 

Our Commitment 

Skillnet Ireland is committed to:

• Protecting children from harm.
• Promoting safe and respectful environments.
• Following Children First guidance and legislation.
• Cooperating fully with Tusla and An Garda Síochána where required.
• Responding appropriately to safeguarding concerns.
• Maintaining appropriate safeguarding procedures and controls.

Reporting a Child Protection Concern 

If you are concerned about the safety or welfare of a child in connection with Skillnet Ireland activities or funded services, you should report your concern as soon as possible. 

Reports may be made to: 

Please include as much detail as possible about your concerns. 

How We Handle Concerns 

When a concern is received, Skillnet Ireland will:

• Treat the information seriously.
• Handle information sensitively and confidentially.
• Assess the concern using Children First guidance.
• Escalate concerns to the Designated Liaison Person where appropriate.
• Report concerns to Tusla or An Garda Síochána when required by law. 

Child Safeguarding Statement 

Under the Children First Act 2015, Skillnet Ireland has adopted a Child Safeguarding Statement. 

The purpose of the statement is to:

• Identify potential safeguarding risks.
• Set out measures to minimise those risks.
• Describe how concerns are reported and managed.
• Demonstrate our commitment to safeguarding children and young people.  

Download Child Protection Policy and Child Safeguarding Statement (PDF) 

Safeguarding Measures 

Skillnet Ireland has implemented a range of safeguarding measures, including: 

• Child protection reporting procedures. 
• Staff awareness and safeguarding training. 
• Appropriate vetting procedures where required. 
• Secure handling of safeguarding information. 
• Designated safeguarding responsibilities. 
• Governance and oversight arrangements.

Additional Resources 

Further information is available from:

• Tusla
• Children First National Guidance
• Children First E-Learning Programme
• An Garda Síochána
• National Vetting Bureau 

Frequently Asked Questions 

What is a child protection concern? 
A child protection concern is any concern that a child may be at risk of harm, abuse, neglect or exploitation. 

Who can report a concern? 
Anyone who has a concern about the welfare or safety of a child can raise it. 

Do I need proof? 
No. You do not need proof. If you have a genuine concern, it is important that you report it. 

What happens after I make a report? 
The concern will be reviewed and managed in line with Children First guidance and statutory requirements. 

Is my information confidential? 
Information will be handled sensitively and shared only where necessary to protect children and comply with legal obligations. 

Need Help? 

If your enquiry relates to:

• General customer service
• Feedback
• Complaints
• Appeals 

Please visit our Customer Service page. 

If your concern relates to wrongdoing in a work-related context, please visit our Protected Disclosures page.