The National Vetting Bureau (Children and Vulnerable Persons) Acts 2012-2016 sets down a statutory basis for the vetting of persons carrying out ‘relevant work’ with children or vulnerable persons. This means that it is against the law for someone to commence ‘relevant work’ with children or vulnerable persons without first being vetted. The Act defines relevant work or activities as “any work or activity which is carried out by a person, a necessary and regular part of which consists mainly of the person having access to, or contact with, children or vulnerable persons”.

The Carmelite Garda Vetting Policy outlines the Order’s procedures that will be followed so as to comply with their legal obligations. A thorough recruitment and selection procedure must be followed prior to appointing someone to work with children or vulnerable persons. Garda Vetting is one element of this recruitment process.

Who must be Vetted?

The Carmelite Order Garda Vetting Role Matrix provides information on who should be vetted. However, the following are the general principles:

• All members of the Order in public ministry.
• All visiting priests.
• All staff and volunteers conducting ‘relevant work’ as defined in the Act.

Re-vetting takes place every 3 years.

What is the Vetting Process?

Step 1:  Applicant completes vetting Invitation Form (NVB1) and provides proof of ID, which can be confirmed locally.

Step 2:  NVB1 and copies of ID sent to nominated liaison person in the Safeguarding Office, who submits details on the Garda Vetting system.

Step 3:  National Vetting Bureau (NVB) sends applicant an online link to complete application (NVB2). Note: Link is only live for 30 days.

Step 4:  NVB will issue disclosure to the Nominated Liaison Person in the Safeguarding Office. Applicant will be advised by NVB that disclosure has been issued.

Who receives the disclosure from the NVB?

The disclosure is issued to the Nominated Liaison Person for the Carmelite Order. If you have any queries or would like to request vetting for workers or volunteers, please contact the Safeguarding Office directly. For further information see the Garda Vetting Policy and the Garda Vetting Disclosure Policy.

What is disclosed by the NVB?

A vetting disclosure will include a statement that there is:

1. a) No criminal record or specified information in relation to the person being vetted.

OR

1. b) Details of all convictions, pending prosecutions and/or specified information.

What happens next?

The Carmelite Order is committed to fairness and creating equal opportunities for people. Therefore, a disclosure of a conviction, pending prosecution and/or specified information will not automatically exclude someone from a position. The Garda Vetting Disclosure Policy will be followed to ensure transparency, equality and fairness when considering information that may be disclosed during the vetting process.

How is this information stored and who has access to it?

The NVB1 form, copies of applicant’s ID, and NVB disclosure will be kept on file, and held securely in the Safeguarding Office. If the disclosure reveals something of concern, information related to the decision-making process may also be retained. Where an agreement exists with a Bishop in a Diocese, a vetting disclosure may be shared for the purposes of members who provide supply. If it is deemed necessary to share vetting disclosures with personnel outside the Carmelite Order, consent of the vetting applicant will always be sought.