About Garda Vetting – Dublin City Volunteer Centre

The process by which the National Vetting Bureau (NVB) gives a statement (disclosure) on whether a person has any convictions – pending or completed – recorded against their name.

Vetting is a legal requirement for any person who is carrying out relevant work as per Schedule 1 of the National Vetting Bureau (Children and Vulnerable Persons) Act 2012

Read the Act in full.

Under the Act “vulnerable person” means a person, other than a child, who –

is suffering from a disorder of the mind, whether as a result of mental illness or dementia,
has an intellectual disability,
is suffering from a physical impairment, whether as a result of injury, illness or age, or
has a physical disability,

which is of such a nature or degree –

as to restrict the capacity of the person to guard himself or herself against harm by another person, or
that results in the person requiring assistance with the activities of daily living including dressing, eating, walking, washing and bathing.

The vulnerability may be “temporary” e.g. person in need of emergency first aid.

WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR ENSURING A WORKER IS VETTED?

The organisation that is contracting the work is responsible for ensuring Garda vetting is obtained.

IF THE APPLICATION IS PROCESSED, DOES THAT CONFIRM THAT THE ROLE REQUIRED VETTING?

No, if a role is not disputed by either the National Vetting Bureau or our Garda Vetting Service, that does not endorse that vetting application.

Vetting is a legal requirement for any person who is carrying out relevant work with children or vulnerable persons.

To vet someone who is not carrying out relevant work is a breach of the Act and Data Protection, as you have requested potentially sensitive information without a legal basis to do so.

An organisation or person who contravenes their legal requirements in regards to the National Vetting Bureau (Children and Vulnerable Persons) Act 2012 shall be guilty of an offence (potential fine of up to €10,000 or prison sentences of up to 5 years).

Relevant Organisation/Affiliate Organisation

An organisation that is affiliated with us for purpose of processing vetting.

Registered Organisation

Us, Dublin City Volunteer Centre.

We have a vetting relationship with the National Vetting Bureau and can request vetting on behalf of a Relevant Organisation.

No, an individual cannot request vetting. Vetting must go through an organisation.

The first step is to register with the National Vetting Bureau by emailing or writing to:

Registration Section,
National Vetting Bureau,
Racecourse road,
Thurles,
Co. Tipperary

Your letter should include the following:

Name and business address of your organisation
Contact person within the organisation
The nature of your business

If you have already received correspondence from the National Vetting Bureau confirming that vetting is required, and we have been listed as your Garda Vetting Service, please contact us directly by emailing a copy of the letter to vetting@volunteerdublincity.ie

Processing times can vary as a number of factors have to be taken into account. If the online Garda vetting form is completed promptly the processing time-frame is usually around 2 weeks.

If you are already registered with a Garda Vetting Service but are looking to change, contact us directly to discuss.