Child Protection Policy Statement
Policy Summary
The Engineers Ireland's STEPS programme encourages primary and post-primary students to explore the world of science, technology, engineering and mathematics while also promoting engineering as a career of choice. STEPS interact with children across many platforms.
All STEPS post-primary activity is part of the national Smart Futures programme. Smart Futures is a collaborative government- industry partnership promoting STEM careers to post-primary students in Ireland. It is managed by SFI's Discover a partnership with Engineers Ireland STEPS programme.
STEPS are committed to safeguarding the wellbeing of children while they are participating in events run by or on behalf of STEPS. Our aim is to create a safe, creative and fun environment where children and young people across all levels can engage with volunteer engineers and where their welfare is paramount. To realise this aim, we will adhere to the recommendations of
Children First: National Guidelines for the Protection and Welfare of Children, published by the Department of Children and Youth Affairs.
STEPS undertakes to:
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Treat children with care, respect and dignity
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Ensure communication with children is open and clear
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Assess the risks posed to children when undertaking activities
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Ensure volunteers never spend time alone with children away from other adults
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Recognise that all children have a right to protection from harm or abuse
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Ensure best practice in the recruitment of staff or volunteers, which includes good HR practices in interviewing, induction training, probation, Garda vetting (where required)
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Provide guidance for staff and volunteers, who may have grounds for concern about the welfare of children involved
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Fully co-operate with the relevant statutory authorities in relation to child protection and welfare matters
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Fully respect confidentiality requirements in dealing with child protection matters
Contact
It is the responsibility of all staff and volunteers to promote the protection of children and young people and to comply with this policy. Please contact
steps@engineersireland.ie to discuss any aspect of our Child Protection Policy Statement or to report any incidents.
This policy will be reviewed by the STEPS team on an annual basis on experience and in light of any legislative changes which arise in the area of Child Protection.