Garda Vetting FAQs

Q.1 Can we start/run a Dojo in Ireland without anyone being Garda vetted?

No all Champions and volunteers must be vetted before commencing. We are using the new E-vetting system which has a very quick turnaround time. Please find the CoderDojo Garda Vetting Process attached. 

Q.2 Is it ok to begin with no vetting, if every child in the group has a

parent/guardian present?

No, new legislation does not permit any activities within a Dojo to begin until volunteers are vetted. Parents do not need to be vetted unless they have chosen to regularly volunteer at a Dojo. If a parent decides to regularly mentor, volunteer, play ice-breakers or engage in any other regular relationship forming activities with children and young people at the Dojo they must be vetted.

Q.3 If someone is vetted under another organisation do they need to be vetted again under CoderDojo?

Yes, they must be vetted by CoderDojo via the new eVetting System. We cannot accept other organisations vetting acceptance. Each organisation has different levels of what they expect depending on what the volunteers role and the function of the organisation.

Q.4 Is it mandatory that a mentor be vetted before they can participate?

 Yes, it is now against the law to mentor regularly un-vetted.

Q.5 Is it mandatory for any parent/guardian be vetted before they can bring their own child?

 No, but when a parent moves from parent to volunteer, then they will need to be vetted.

Q.6 If you’ve been vetted before e-vetting do you have to do it again?

If you have been vetted by the old paper forms in the past 2 years you will not be required to be revetted by the CoderDojo Foundation. The old paper vetting system is still valid and stands. E-vetting is just a new and more efficient way to get lots of people vetted, quickly.

Q.7 I’m a Champion. How Do I get our volunteers eVetted?

1. Register your Dojo on the CoderDojo website.
2. Share the CoderDojo Garda Vetting Process (attached) with your volunteers, incorrect applications or any applications missing information can expect significant delays. Correct applications can expect a turnaround time of 3-5working days.

Every volunteer upon successful completion of the CoderDojo vetting process will receive an email as follows:

Garda Vetting: You Have Passed Vetting Via The CoderDojo Foundation

Hi Joe,

Congratulations, you have passed the eVetting process to volunteer at an Irish Dojo.

As a newly vetted mentor you can explore a range of free resources that will assist you in mentoring young people at a Dojo.

• Educational resources: Find all the educational resources you need to facilitate Dojo sessions on our community resource platform.

• Online Training: Thorough our community platform Zen, we have e-learning modules available to help volunteers and mentors learn about safeguarding, mentoring and our ethos. Find out more about the modules and how to take them here.

• Code of Behaviour: We have created a Code of Behaviour as a safeguarding framework for all Dojo volunteers, please familiarise yourself with this available here.

Be sure to keep in touch with the community, by joining our global Slack channel or starting a discussion in our Community Forums.

Warmest,


Rachel

• Every volunteer will have a copy of their vetting disclosure made available to them. 
• Request each volunteer furnish you with proof (their e-vetting disclosure) of their vetting, or with proof of this email before they start volunteering.

Q.8 I’m a Volunteer - What do I have to do to get eVetted for CoderDojo?

Your Dojo’s Champion/Child Protection Officer will give you a copy of the CoderDojo Garda Vetting Policy upon request, or you can print out the process attached. Complete.  

Q.9 I’m a Youth Mentor - What do I have to do to get eVetted for CoderDojo?

Youth mentors between the ages of 16-18 must fill out the Vetting Invitation Form NVB1 and the Parental Consent form NVB3. Both forms must be submitted as per instruction on the CoderDojo Garda Vetting Process. 

Q.10 I'm a Champion, do I need to verify ID and address?

All champions must keep a record of their volunteers I.D’s and personal details on file in case they are required for reference at a later date.

Q.11 What do I do once I have verified ID and address?

Instruct the volunteer complete the CoderDojo Garda Vetting Process (attached). 

Q.12 How long does the whole process take?

eVetting is entirely dependent on prompt and correct applications. Correct applications can expect to be processed in 3-5 working days.

Q. 13 How long do I have to complete the E-vetting form?

The e-vetting process has 30 days validity, please check emails & junk/spam box regularly upon application to make sure no correspondence is missed. 

For more FAQ’s see https://vetting.garda.ie/Help/FAQ