Child safeguarding

STEPS, Engineers Ireland, 22 Clyde Road, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4 D04 R3N2.

The Engineers Ireland STEPS Programme is a non-profit outreach programme that promotes interest and awareness in engineering as a future career to school students through a portfolio of projects. 

STEPS is committed to safeguarding the wellbeing of children (persons under the age of 18 years, who is not or has not been married) . 

Everyone working with children has a responsibility for their well-being and protection, including those working as staff members or volunteers at STEPS through the organisation’s educational programme and activities.

Procedure in place to manage risk:

Identified Volunteers participating in our Young Engineers Award will go through a comprehensive recruitment and screening process including an application, phone interview, reference check, training and Garda vetting.

STEPS will seek assurance from Engineering Your Future colleges & industry that they comply with Children First Act 2015.

Procedure in place to manage risk identified 

Photo consent is sought in advance from parents and/or schools for use of images in publications and online.

Procedure in place to manage risk identified:

STEPS have developed a Code of Conduct which Young Engineers Award Volunteers will be trained in. 

Engineering Your Future and Engineers Week organisers will be provided with the Code of Conduct on the website and at information sessions.

Procedure in place to manage risk identified:

All STEPS staff to complete the Children First E-Learning Programme

STEPS Team Lead to complete Children First, Designated Liaison Person training and STEPS Executive to complete Children First, Child Protection training

There will be an induction for all Engineers volunteers

Procedure in place to manage risk identified:

All staff will be trained on child protection procedures, including reporting child protection complaints and concerns. 

A clearly defined child protection designated person will be in place.

Circulation of Safeguarding Statement and Code of Conduct to all and on display to the public

Procedure in place to manage risk identified 

All records pertaining to child safeguarding complaints or concerns are held securely and on a “need to know” basis.

Procedure in place to manage risk identified 

A minimum of two adults should be present always at STEPS activities to ensure adequate supervision of groups or activities 

Teachers should remain in the classroom with STEPS volunteers.