Safeguarding Policy

Habitat for Humanity Ireland has no tolerance for sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment. Nothing is more important than the welfare of the people in the communities where we work, our volunteers and our staff. Details can be found in our safeguarding statement below. A copy of the full policy is available on request.

Safeguarding Children and Adults Policy Statement 

Our Commitment  

Habitat defines Safeguarding as ‘Preventing and responding to harm caused by physical or sexual abuse or exploitation, harassment, or bullying of the people in the communities we serve (especially vulnerable adults and children) and also the people who we work or partner with’. 

Staff and volunteers in Habitat for Humanity Ireland are committed to practice which promotes the welfare of children and adults at risk and safeguards them from harm.  

We wish to ensure that all children, young people and adults at risk can participate in an enjoyable and safe environment in which they can have fun and feel valued.  

Staff and volunteers in this organisation accept and recognise our responsibilities to develop awareness of the issues which cause harm to children and adults at risk, and to establish and maintain a safe environment for them.  

We are committed to reviewing our policy, procedures, code of behaviour and practice at regular intervals, with a full review at least every 3 years.  

Habitat Ireland is committed to safeguarding children and adults at risk by: 

• Adhering to our children and adults at risk safeguarding policy and ensuring it is supported by procedures.  
• Designing its programmes and executing its mission by keeping the health & safety of children, young people and adults at risk paramount at all times.  

• Following carefully the procedures laid down for recruitment and selection of staff and volunteers, including necessary checks.  
• Ensure parental or guardian permission is obtained for any child to participate on a Habitat Ireland site, ReStore or programme.  
• Providing effective management for staff and volunteers through supervision, support and training. 
• Implementing clear procedures for raising awareness of and responding to abuse within the organisation and for reporting concerns to statutory agencies who need to know and involving children and parents/adults at risk and their carers appropriately.  
• Safeguarding children, young people and adults at risk by implementing a code of behaviour for staff and volunteers. 
• Sharing information about safeguarding and good practice with children, young people, parents, carers, partner organisations, staff and volunteers.  
• Ensuring general safety and risk management procedures are adhered to.