Greek-Irish Society Child Protection Policy
Introduction
The Greek-Irish Society ("GIS") was founded in 1977 with the aim of developing social and cultural relations between the people of Ireland and Greece. It also serves as a focal point for Irish people living and working in Greece, as well as for people of all nationalities living in Greece who are interested in finding out more about Ireland and its people.
The society is a non-profit making, non-sectarian, and non-political body. Anyone with an interest in Ireland is welcome to join. Membership runs from January to December each year and is available for both individual and families.
The GIS recognises that young people are a vital part of the society and aims to provide a safe and welcoming environment for them.
The GIS will endeavour to protect children by:
Having procedures to report any concerns for children’s safety and welfare, a code of behaviour at GIS events and a procedure to respond to accidents or complaints.
Appointing a designated liaison person ("DLP") for dealing with child protection concerns.
Developing procedures for the use of digital imagery of children taken at GIS events.
Reviewing this policy and the related procedures annually.
Child-protection strategy
Children attending GIS events should always be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Committee members planning events should consider whether the premises where the event will take place and the activities planned for the event are suitable for children. If they are not so suitable, Members should be informed that the event is not suitable for children.
Committee members at society events where children will attend should know the relevant emergency telephone numbers, where the first aid kit is, who is responsible for First Aid and what to do in the event of a fire or other emergency.
Code of Behaviour
No member at any GIS event should engage in or allow inappropriate physical contact, verbally abuse or physically punish any child, condone bullying or abusive behaviour or engage in practices which demean children.
Designated liaison person
The Vice-President shall act as the designated Liaison Person (DLP). If any member has any child safety concerns, they should discuss them with him or her. He or she will take on the following responsibilities:
Ensure the policy is being put into practice
Be the first point of contact for child protection issues
Keep a record of any concerns expressed about child protection issues
Bring any child protection issues to the attention of the Committee
In the event of an emergency, contact the emergency services
Digital imagery and social media
The use of cameras, smart phones and other recording devices is a normal part of social activities which are organized by the GIS. By attending GIS events, parents acknowledge that their children may appear on digital images published by the Society.
The GIS recognizes its responsibility in the protection of digital imagery of children members and the publication of images on social media platforms. The following procedures have been put in place:
Where a photo is used containing a child the name should not be affixed.
Where the name of a child is used a photo should not be used.
The activity and not the child should not be the focus of the photograph or the movie.
Where images or movies of a child are to be used as part of the promotion of GIS activities, permission should be sought from the parents and child.
Children photographed should be appropriately dressed and not engaged in activities that could be perceived as inappropriate.
If at any time, the child or parent / guardian wishes images or their details to be removed from the GIS website or social media page(s) the administrators should be contacted and the images or their details should be removed within a reasonable period.
Reporting of concerns, accidents and complaints
Any concerns related to child safety or accidents or complaints concerning this child protection policy should be reported to the DLP (the Vice-President), whose contact details are available on the society’s website (www.greekirishsociety.gr). In the absence of the DLP, another member of the Committee should be contacted.
Where there is a concern that a child has gone missing this information will be reported immediately to the emergency services.
The GIS undertake to ensure all complaints are taken seriously and dealt with fairly and confidentially. The GIS will endeavour to quickly and informally resolve complaints though discussion with the parents and members as appropriate.
Review of child protection policy
This policy shall be reviewed annually by the GIS Committee.