Child Safeguarding Statement

MULLINGAR UNION OF PARISHES

Child Safeguarding Statement

1st  October, 2023

Mullingar Union of Parishes provides religious, educational and recreational activities and
services to children under 18 years of age through a range of local services.

Mullingar Union of Parishes is committed to safeguarding children by working under the
guidance of our national safeguarding policy Safeguarding Trust and its associated
procedures.
We acknowledge our duty of care to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and we
are committed to ensuring safeguarding practice reflects statutory responsibilities,
government guidance and complies with best practice.
Our clergy, volunteers and staff are committed to creating a safe environment for children
to grow and develop. The Safeguarding Trust policy recognises that the welfare and
interests of children are paramount in all circumstances. It aims to ensure that regardless of
age, ability or disability, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation or socio-economic
background, all children have a positive and enjoyable experience in a safe and child-
centred environment and are protected from abuse whilst participating in church related
activities.

Mullingar Union of Parishes has conducted a specific written risk assessment and child
safeguarding statement in line with:
 Children First Act 2015
 Protection for Persons Reporting Child Abuse Act 1998
 National Vetting Bureau Act 2012 and 2016
 Children First guidance 2017
 Tusla Guidance on Developing a Child Safeguarding Statement

The Mandated/Relevant Person for Mullingar Union of Parishes is Rev. Canon Alastair
Graham.

The written risk assessment indicates the areas of potential harm, the likelihood of harm
occurring, and lists the required policy, guidance, process and practice required to alleviate
the risks.
In addition to this service/activity risk assess the following procedures are in place through
Mullingar Union of Parishes as part of our safeguarding policies and procedures:
 Procedures for managing allegations of abuse or misconduct by clergy, volunteers or
staff against a child availing of our services.
 Procedures for the safe recruitment of volunteers or staff to work with children in
our services.
 Procedures to access child safeguarding training, including the identification and
reporting of harm.
 Procedures for reporting child protection and welfare concerns to Statutory
Authorities.

Mullingar Union of Parishes recognises that implementation is an on-going process – we
are committed to the implementation of this Child Safeguarding Statement and the
procedures that support our intention to keep children safe from harm and the risk of harm.

The Relevant Person for this Child Safeguarding Statement is Rev. Alastair Graham.

This Child Safeguarding Statement will be reviewed on 1st September, 2024