The Pope John Paul II Award values and encourages the participation of young people in activities which allow them to live their faith in Jesus Christ in their parish and wider community. The Award is designed to facilitate involvement in school, parish and community activities.
Safeguarding information for Parents/Guardians of those participating in the Pope John Paul II Award
We appreciate that the safety of your child is paramount, and to this effect all activities will be carried out in accordance with the National Safeguarding Standards as per the Diocesan Safeguarding Policy and Procedures including Code of Conduct for leaders and Code of Behaviour for young people.
When a young person carries out voluntary work outside the school, parish or diocese, those organisations need to be named on the Parish & Social Activities form and need to be approved by the Pope John Paul II Award Committee.
The following protocol applies to those who engage in the Award:
- Parental/guardian consent is a requirement for all those participating in the Award who are under 18 years.
- A completed application form must be given to the Award leader or Parish Coordinator prior to engagement in the Award.
- The parish/school will ensure there is adequate supervision and a safe environment for participants to carry out their chosen activities through school or parish.
- Specific activities may require additional parental/guardian consent at the discretion of either, or both – the Pope John Paul II Award Committee/Coordinator and Award Leader.
- Where possible, it is highly recommended that participants of the Award would carry out their parish involvement and social awareness activities in groups of two or more.
- Participants under 18 do not need to be vetted or have reference checks to work with younger children or vulnerable adults. However, they must be supervised at all times by an adult over 18 years who has successfully gone through the vetting procedures.
- Participants must act in accordance with the Diocesan Safeguarding Policy and Procedures, particularly the Code of Behaviour for Children/Young People.
- Award Leaders/Parish Coordinators must be vetted and work in accordance with the Code of Conduct.
- Photographs may be taken of participants during Award activities/trips to help promote the Award. Photographs cannot be posted on social media websites without the prior consent of the participant, parent and leader.
- Participants may be asked to provide an email and mobile phone number for communication. These details will only be used by the leaders for Award related activities. Texts and emails may be used to promote Award events. If you are unhappy with this please inform the Award Leader/Coordinator.
- Participants medical conditions or dietary requirements are the responsibility of the parent/guardian. Please make the Award Leader/Coordinator aware of any medical conditions, special needs or dietary requirements your child may have.
- External organisations outside diocese, school and parish will complete the Pope John Paul II Award Safeguarding Agreement Form to state they can provide a safe environment for Award participants and have adequate supervision, adequate insurance and a safeguarding policy in place.
- The participating diocese only accepts liability or responsibility for an incident caused by the negligence or breach of statutory duty of the diocese, its servants or agents.
- In signing the Pope John Paul II Award Application & Consent Form, the parent/guardian is taking responsibility for the safety and well-being of the participant during activities that take place outside the scope of the Diocesan Safeguarding Policy and Procedures.
Note: Each diocese in Ireland has a Diocesan Policy and Procedures Policy, a Code of Conduct and a Code of Behaviour for Children/Young People, copies of which can be obtained from your diocesan office or diocesan website.