Participation in Boyne TradFest acknowledges the patron’s understanding and agreement of the following policies.

Child Safeguarding Statement

Introduction:
Gormlaith Maynes (T/A MayneStage) is the event manager and organiser of Boyne TradFest.

Boyne TradFest is a 3-day festival of traditional music and song, which takes place annually in Drogheda, Co. Louth. Boyne TradFest organises music performances & provides workshops in music & song. People of all ages attend workshops & activities during the course of the festival.

In accordance with the requirements of the Children First Act 2015, Children First: National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children 2017, and Tusla Guidance on the preparation of Child Safeguarding Statements, MayneStage has agreed the Child Safeguarding Statement set out in this document.

1. The Designated Liaison Person (DLP) is: Gormlaith Maynes
2. The Deputy Designated Liaison Person (Deputy DLP) is: Henry Maynes

3. MayneStage recognizes that child protection and welfare considerations permeate many aspects of Boyne TradFest’s activities. In its activities, MayneStage will adhere to the following principles of best practice in child protection and welfare.

MayneStage will:

A. Recognize that the protection and welfare of children is of paramount importance, regardless of all other considerations;

B. Fully comply with its statutory obligations under the Children First act 2015 and other relevant legislation relating to the protection and welfare of children;

C. Fully cooperate with the relevant statutory authorities in relation to child protection and welfare matters;

D. Adopt safe practices to minimize the possibility of harm or accidents happening to children and protect workers (tutors & other staff) from the necessity to take unnecessary risks that may leave themselves open to accusations of abuse or neglect;

E. Fully respect confidentiality requirements in dealing with child protection matters.

4. The following procedures/measures are in place:

A. In relation to the selection or recruitment of staff and their suitability to work with children, MayneStage adheres to the statutory vetting requirements of the National Vetting Bureau (Children and Vulnerable Persons Act) 2012 to 2016.

B. In relation to the provision of information and, where necessary instruction and training to staff in respect of the identification of the occurrence of harm (as defined in the 2015 Act) MayneStage;

i. Has provided each tutor with a copy of this Child Safeguarding Statement

ii. Ensures all new tutors are provided with a copy of this Child Safeguarding Statement

iii. Encourages tutors to avail of relevant training

iv. Encourages it’s staff to avail of relevant training

v. Maintains records of all such training for tutors & staff

C. In relation to reporting of child protection concerns to Tusla, all tutors and staff are required to adhere to the procedures set out under mandated reporting under the Children First Act 2015.

D. MayneStage has appointed the above named DLP as the ‘relevant person’ (as defined in the Children First Act 2015) to be the first point of contact in respect of the this child safeguarding statement.

5. In accordance with the Children First Act 2015, MayneStage has carried out an assessment of any potential for harm to a child while participating in the activities of Boyne TradFest.
A written assessment setting out the areas of risk identified and the school’s procedures for managing those risks is attached as an appendix to these procedures.

6. The various procedures referred to in this Statement can be accessed via the Boyne TradFest website and will be made available on request to MayneStage.

7. This statement has been published on the Boyne TradFest’s website (www.boynetradfest.ie) and has been provided to all tutors. It is readily accessible to all those attending Boyne TradFest and a copy of this Statement will be made available to Tusla if requested.

8. This Child Safeguarding Statement will be reviewed annually or as soon as practicable after there has been a material change in any matter to which this statement refers.

9. This Child Safeguarding Statement was adopted by MayneStage on 1st August 2023.

Signed:

Name: Gormlaith Maynes

Child Safeguarding Risk Assessment