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Safeguarding

Safeguarding

Squash Ireland is dedicated to safeguarding the well-being of its members.

Safeguarding Policy

Squash Ireland is committed to ensuring that the best interests of children and young people playing squash is of paramount importance. The Safeguarding Policy for Children and Young People playing Squash is underpinned by national policy and legislation in ROI Children First: National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children 2017, and the requirements under The Children First Act 2015, and in Northern Ireland – the Children (NI) Order and Cooperating to Safeguarding Children and Young People 2017.

For safeguarding concerns, you can reach out to:

Safeguarding Training

Squash Ireland insists that all staff, coaches, volunteers working with Children and Young People receive safeguarding training.

Sport Ireland offers three different levels of safeguarding training:

  • Safeguarding 1 for all coaches, volunteers, staff working in sport with regular responsibility
    for children and young people
  • Safeguarding 2 for those taking on role of CCO – club children’s officer
  • Safeguarding 3 for those taking on role of DLP – designated liaison person

The local sports partnership network deliver safeguarding training – LSP Finder

Sport NI offer 2 different levels of safeguarding workshops, but these are coordinated by Local Council Sports Development officer so please contact them directly about next courses or check with Sport NI at [email protected] and see: The Sport NI Safeguarding Website Here

For those who need to refresh or update their safeguarding knowledge after 3 years you can complete the Sport NI free online learning here

or

Sport Ireland online course here

Garda Vetting / Access NI

All Squash Ireland certified coaches (listed on the coaches section of our website) must complete the Garda vetting procedure.

Legislation mandates that anyone with ongoing contact with children or vulnerable adults in the field of leisure or sport (whether paid or voluntary), other than those assisting occasionally or due to a family or personal relationship, must be vetted. Clubs are responsible for assessing whether a person’s contact is considered ‘occasional.’ Occasional contact is defined as “now and then” or a one-off event, such as a sports day.

Squash Clubs, Provincial Organisations, or Squash Ireland cannot engage anyone without Garda vetting—this is a legal requirement with no exceptions.

For those residing or working in Ireland, vetting is conducted through the National Vetting Bureau (NVB). For those in Northern Ireland, it is conducted through Access NI (ANI).

Full Vetting Process & Procedure can be found below, with relevant required forms.

More information can be found on the National Vetting Bureau

National Vetting Bureau

Staff Recruitment Procedures

The following forms and checks are critical for Squash Ireland and it’s clubs when recruiting staff to ensure that all candidates meet the necessary safeguarding standards, creating a safe and secure environment for all members

Contact Us

Got questions or concerns about safeguarding? We’re here to help. Visit our Contact Us page to connect with our team—whether you need advice, support, or answers, we’re ready to ensure everyone’s safety and peace of mind

Governance

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