Safeguarding POLICY

Horse Racing Ireland is committed to ensuring that all children while either participating or attending any events related to racing, breeding or industry services/activities are safeguarded. Consequently, all staff within our industry share the responsibility to always ensure the safety of children. 

The Irish Horse Racing & Breeding Child Safeguarding Policy has been developed to ensure that all industry sectors are aware of their individual responsibilities in respect of child welfare and that they know where to bring a concern about any child/children. 

The policy details the guidance & protocol so that concerns arising about the safeguarding of children can, in accord with the Children First Act 2015, be referred through the named industry pathways to the appropriate statutory agencies.

IRISH HORSE RACING & BREEDING KEY SAFEGUARDING PRINCIPLES

• Children First: The welfare of the child is the paramount consideration.
• Shared Responsibility: Everyone has a role in keeping children safe.
• Transparency: Concerns are reported and handled properly, without delay.
• Prevention: Safe recruitment, training and supervision reduce risks.

ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Designated Liaison Person (DLP) – Point of Contact for all safeguarding concerns
• Employers/Managers – Ensure staff & volunteers complete Children First e-learning.
• Staff/Participants – Report any concern immediately to the DLP.

HOW TO REPORT SAFEGUARDING CONCERNS

• Record Concern – Report to DLP – DLP decides if referral to TUSLA/Gardai is required.
• Maintain confidentiality at all times.
• Immediate Danger – Contact An Garda Siochana & TUSLA.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

• All workplaces involving under-18s must have a Child Safeguarding Statement and a named DLP.
• Everyone working with children should complete Children First training.
• Equuip provides guidance and template documents to assist compliance.