National policy and procedures for the protection and welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults.
The Society of Saint Vincent de Paul is committed to the care, welfare and protection of those whom we assist. The contents of these documents are applicable to all SVP members, auxiliary members and employees across all 8 regions. Everyone is responsible for and has an obligation to protect the vulnerable in society.
The ‘National Policy and Procedures for the Protection and Welfare of Children, Young People and Vulnerable Adults’ provides information of the legislative framework and best practice in keeping children, young people and vulnerable adults safe. It also gives a detailed account of how SVP will meet its safeguarding obligations to the vulnerable.
We take our obligations seriously, and offer training to our members, staff and volunteers.
SVP Safeguarding Policy Q&A
Safeguarding means putting measures in place to promote and protect the safety, health, wellbeing and human rights of children, young people and adults at risk, while reducing the risk of abuse, harm, neglect and exploitation.
The Society of St. Vincent de Paul (SVP) actively supports individuals facing poverty and disadvantage. Motivated by our founder, Frederic Ozanam, and our patron, St. Vincent de Paul, we commit to a profound Christian mission. SVP is committed to creating a safe, healthy and inclusive environment for all, particularly the children, young people and adults who may be vulnerable that we assist in line with relevant national legislation and policy. We are always committed to ensuring their safety and welfare through upholding children’s rights specifically and human rights generally.
SVP developed and published a new safeguarding policy in 2026 to provide a single, organisation-wide safeguarding framework covering all SVP activities across both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, reflecting current legislation, policy requirements, governance arrangements and safeguarding best practice.
The new policy covers Safeguarding for children, young people and adults at risk, including recognising abuse and neglect, prevention and risk management, safe recruitment and vetting, training, responding to disclosures and reporting Safeguarding concerns.
Please familiarise yourself with this policy and understand the safeguarding responsibilities that apply to your role. Use it alongside SVP's relevant procedures and guidance, complete required safeguarding training, and seek advice from your Designated Liaison Person if you are unsure how to respond to a concern. Details of the DLP in the area can be found on the SVP website www.svp.ie/safeguarding
The policy is applicable to all SVP members, non-member volunteers, employees, or others acting on behalf of SVP. It is to be implemented in all SVP services and activities.
The SVP Safeguarding Policy 2026 can be accessed via Current-Safegaurding-Policy-2026.pdf
If you have a safeguarding related concern;
- Make sure the person is safe
- Report your concern to the Designated Liaison Person (DLP) without delay
- Record the facts clearly
- Allow the appropriate statutory agencies to assess and respond.
Details of the DLP in the area can be found on the SVP website www.svp.ie/safeguarding
