Safeguarding

First Friend Ireland's mission involves connecting people across age, ability and background — including, at times, children and adults who may be vulnerable. Safeguarding their wellbeing is a condition of everything else we do, not an afterthought.

Our commitment

• No volunteer will work one-to-one with children or vulnerable adults without appropriate vetting (including Garda vetting, once our vetting process is in place) and induction.
• Every volunteer and director receives guidance on our expected standards of conduct before taking part in any activity.
• Structured friendship and welcome connections (see Friendship & Welcome) are being built with consent and safety as the starting design principle, not launched ahead of that work being ready.
• Concerns are taken seriously and acted on promptly.

Reporting a concern

If you have a safeguarding concern about First Friend Ireland's activities, a volunteer, or anyone connected with the organisation, contact us directly at info@firstfriendireland.ie. If a child or adult is in immediate danger, contact An Garda Síochána or emergency services first.

What's still to come

A full, board-approved safeguarding policy — covering vetting procedures, a designated safeguarding officer, and a formal reporting and escalation process — is being developed. This page will be updated once that policy is adopted.