What is Garda Vetting?

Garda Vetting is a formal process carried out by the National Vetting Bureau (NVB) of An Garda Síochána. It is a legal requirement for people who undertake relevant work with children or vulnerable persons. This includes staff members, volunteers, student teachers, work experience students, and others who may have regular access to pupils.

Who must be vetted?

Under the National Vetting Bureau (Children and Vulnerable Persons) Acts 2012–2016, Garda Vetting must be completed before a person begins work or volunteering where they will have regular and necessary contact with children. This is a statutory requirement for schools.

How vetting is managed

All Garda Vetting for non-teaching and volunteer roles in Educate Together schools is processed through the Educate Together National Office, which acts as the official liaison with the National Vetting Bureau.

Powerstown ETNS works closely with the Educate Together National Office to ensure that all vetting is carried out:

• lawfully

• fairly

• in line with human rights and natural justice

• in compliance with data protection legislation

Suitability and safeguarding

Garda Vetting forms one part of a wider safeguarding process. Vetting alone does not determine suitability. The Board of Management remains responsible for ensuring that all staff and volunteers are appropriate for their role, including:

• reference checks

• role-specific suitability

• adherence to the school’s ethical and professional standards

Information included in vetting

As part of the vetting process, the National Vetting Bureau may disclose:

• criminal convictions (if any), and

• relevant non-conviction information (“soft information”) where there is a bona fide concern that a person may pose a risk to children or vulnerable persons

The e-Vetting process

Garda Vetting is completed online through the State’s e-Vetting system.

The process involves:

1. Completing an Invitation to Vetting form (NVB 1)

2. Submitting valid proof of identity and proof of address (as per the accepted documents list)

3. Verification of documents by the Principal or Chairperson of the Board of Management

4. Submission of the application to the Educate Together National Office

5. Receipt of an email link inviting the applicant to complete the online NVB 2 form

Please note:

• The Educate Together National Office cannot accept applications directly from individuals

• Paper NVB 2 forms are no longer accepted

Vetting of young people (16–17 years)

The National Vetting Bureau permits Garda Vetting for individuals aged 16 years and over.

Where an applicant is under 18:

• Parent/Guardian consent is required

• An NVB 3 Parent/Guardian Consent Form must accompany the application

• The parent/guardian’s email address and contact number must be used on the NVB 1 form (not the young person’s)

Our commitment

Powerstown ETNS is committed to maintaining a safe, inclusive, and respectful school environment. Garda Vetting is one of several safeguarding measures we use to protect children and uphold the trust placed in us by parents and guardians.

If you have any questions about Garda Vetting or safeguarding procedures in our school, please contact the school office.