Garda Vetting
The Garda Vetting process is a vital step in implementing the Code of Conduct and Good Practice for Children in Tennis. Each organisation/club working within tennis is committed to protecting all those working with young people and to providing a safe environment for all.
The garda vetting process is just one step in the process of implementing the code. Leaders should also sign a code of conduct within their club / organisation and children and leaders should be adequately supervised.
It is MANDATORY for persons working with children or vulnerable adults to have completed the full vetting process by the Vetting Bureau (Children and Vulnerable Persons Acts 2012 to 2016).
Please note that:
There is a €10 Administration fee payable to 'Tennis Ireland', on each Garda Vetting application. Any returned applications due to incomplete forms in accordance with the guidelines for completion of the Garda Vetting application process, will require a further fee of €10.
ALL Garda Vetting Application forms must be accompanied by a fully completed 'Verification of Identification Form'. This form can be downloaded from the link below and MUST BE VERIFIED by the President/Chairperson/Secretary/Club Administrator/Designated Person/Children’s Officer. The form’s Section 2 provides details of what has to be provided. Applications received without this form will NOT be processed.
Applying for Garda Vetting
Tennis Ireland Policies and Procedures on Garda Vetting
Tennis Ireland Policies and Procedures on Vetting
The following guidance, policies and procedures for Vetting is information based around the new legislation that came into effect at the end of 2012 - National Vetting Bureau (Children and Vulnerable Persons) Act 2012 .
What is Vetting?
Vetting is the process of performing a background check on someone before offering them employment or a position on a committee that works with children or vulnerable adults. Garda Vetting is a procedure through which the National Vetting Bureau is asked, with a person’s permission, to disclose any information held on their files.
The National Vetting Bureau Act
It is mandatory for persons working with children or vulnerable adults to be vetted by the Vetting Bureau.
The Act also provides for the use of "soft" information in regard to vetting. This is information other than criminal convictions where such information leads to a bona-fide belief that a person poses a threat to children or vulnerable persons.
Who does the Vetting?
The National Vetting Bureau
The Bureau is based at Racecourse Road, Thurles, Co. Tipperary and deals with requests to provide information on certain prospective employees or volunteers in the Republic of Ireland. It only deals with requests from organisations that are registered with the Unit. Tennis Ireland is the official body registered with the unit for all Tennis Organisations in the Republic of Ireland.
Access NI deals with vetting for Northern Ireland.
Local Garda stations DO NOT provide vetting at a local level.
Roger Geraghty and Tara Congdon are the two Liaison Persons registered with the vetting unit on behalf of Tennis Ireland and between them, sign off on all the applications that come through Tennis Ireland's Head Office.
Tennis Ireland has a Child Welfare Committee chaired by a member of the Board of Directors and vetting is included as part of their terms of reference.
Garda Vetting Form Completion Guidelines
There are approximately 8,000 applications coming in a week to the Vetting Bureau. September and October is the busiest period due to the Education Sector. Applications may take more time during these months.
Personnel who are subject to Garda Vetting can download a Garda Vetting Application Form from the registered organisation where they are seeking a position.
The applicant completes the form and returns it to Tennis Ireland. He or she must sign the form, thereby providing authorisation for the Garda Vetting process.
Information Required on the Form
- The Form must be completed in full using BLOCK CAPITALS and writing must be clear and legible.
- The Form should be completed in ball point pen.
- Photocopies will not be accepted.
- All applicants will be required to provide documents to validate their identity.
- If the applicant is under 18 years of age, a completed NVB 3 - Parent\Guardian Consent Form will be required.
Personal Details
- Insert details for each field, allowing one block letter per box.
- For Date of Birth field, allow one digit per box.
- For Gender field please tick the appropriate box.
- Please provide changes of names, if any, from birth i.e. name change due to marriage, deed poll, adoption.
- For Place of Birth, please state County/State AND Country of birth as this is a mandatory field.
- Please state your Passport Number where applicable.
- Please state your Mother’s Maiden Name as stated on your birth certificate.
- Any fields not applicable to the applicant should be marked “N/A”.
Application Forms will not be processed if there are errors, please see below a list of common mistakes on forms:
- Date of Birth missing
- Application form not completed fully
- Initials in names must be clarified
- Addresses/information is illegible
- Self declaration question at top of page 2 not completed: Information in relation to all offences not given at top of page 2/failure to state all offences is read as applicant not declaring truthfully all information to an organization
- Declaration of applicant not signed on page 2: permission not given by applicant to process the form
- Applicants under 18 years must attach a completed Parent/Guardian consent form
- All Addresses from birth stating years from and years to
- Applicant must have an Irish address
- Declaration must be signed and dated by the applicant
- Application signed by the Applicant more than 6 months prior to date of receipt at Garda Vetting Central Vetting Unit.
- All three pages must be completed and sent in to Tennis Ireland.
- Northern Ireland addresses must include postal codes
For further information contact: tara.congdon@tennisireland.ie t: 01 8844010 or rogerbiscayne@me.com t: 086 2316478