City of Dublin Youth Service Board Annual Review 2016 & 2017 - CDYSB

Page created by Wanda Chapman
 
CONTINUE READING
City of Dublin Youth Service Board Annual Review 2016 & 2017 - CDYSB
City of Dublin Youth Service Board
Annual Review 2016 & 2017
City of Dublin Youth Service Board Annual Review 2016 & 2017 - CDYSB
The role of CDYSB is to support the provision,
coordination, administration and assessment of youth
services in our functional area and provide such
information as may be required by the Minister for
Children and Youth Affairs in relation to this support.

CDYSB                        The City of Dublin Youth
70 Morehampton Road,         Service Board (CDYSB) is
Donnybrook,                  a committee of the City
Dublin D04 X797.             of Dublin Education and
                             Training Board (CDETB).
Tel: (01) 432 1100
Fax: (01) 432 1199
Email: info@cdysb.cdetb.ie
Web: www.cdysb.ie
City of Dublin Youth Service Board Annual Review 2016 & 2017 - CDYSB
CDYSB ANNUAL REVIEW 2016

Contents
A Message from the Chairperson               2    Commencement of the Children First
                                                   Act 2015                                        21
Acknowledgements                             4
                                                   Outstanding Achievement Awards for
CDYSB Profile                                5    Voluntary Youth Work 2016 and 2017              24
Director’s Review                            6    Financial Statement 2016                        26
Corporate Governance Statement               9    Summary of Grants to Groups 2016                26
A Study of Voluntary Youth Clubs and Groups        Consolidated Project Payment List 2016          30
in the City of Dublin                        11
                                                   Financial Statement 2017                        35
Commencement of the National Vetting
Bureau (Children and Vulnerable Persons)           Summary of Grants to Groups 2017                35
Acts 2012 to 2016                            14
                                                   Consolidated Project Payment List 2017          39
A Research Study and Profile on Youth Work
funded Projects in Dublin                    17

                                                                                                      1
CDYSB ANNUAL REVIEW 2016 & 2017

A message from
the Chairperson
As Chairperson of CDYSB, I could not let the publication     2016 also saw the passing of our colleague and CDYSB
of our Annual Review for 2016 and 2017 go by without         staff member Mario Marchetti (RIP) which deeply
acknowledging once again the continued dedication of         saddened all who worked with him. Mario gave many
volunteers and staff across the diverse range of youth       years of service to CDYSB as a Liaison Officer and his
projects and organisations in receipt of funding through     contribution to and on behalf of youth work will not soon
CDYSB. Your commitment to youth work makes such a            be forgotten.
valuable contribution to the lives of young people across
                                                             2017 was a very positive year for the ongoing support
the country as they progress through the challenges of
                                                             and development of youth work provided by volunteer-
adolescents.
                                                             led clubs and groups with two significant developments
As I reflect on the work of CDYSB for 2016, I cannot but     at national level. In February 2017, the Department
help recall that the whole nation had through 2016 been      of Children and Youth Affairs (DCYA) incorporated the
celebrating 100 years since the 1916 Rising. As part of      National Quality Standards for Volunteer-led Youth
the Ireland 2016 Centenary Programme, a series of            Groups (NQSVlYG) into the Local Youth Club Grant
consultations took place with children and young people,     Scheme. These national quality standards were
between the ages of 8 and 18, across the whole island,       developed to support and enhance voluntary youth
to find out what things they liked about their country and   work provision with young people. Incorporating them
what things they would like to change for the future. The    into the grant scheme application process, reduces
results of the consultations were published in a special     administrative process for volunteers and ensures that
report Children Seen and Heard 1916-20161 which was          throughout the club/group year, volunteers adhere to
launched at the special ceremonial event on Wednesday        and progress actions relating to the standards that
the 15th of June 2016 at Áras an Uachtaráin.                 will improve the running of the club/group and the
                                                             experience of the young people involved.
In discussing what they like about Ireland, the young
people spoke of their pride and love for Ireland; its        In December 2017, the Minister for Children and Youth
beauty, language, history, culture, sports, dancing          Affairs, Dr Katherine Zappone T.D. announced details
and the warmth of its people. On the things they             of the almost 1,600 youth clubs and groups across the
dislike about Ireland, younger children spoke about          country awarded grants under the €6.35m Local Youth
drugs, alcohol abuse, smoking, racism, suicide and           Club Equipment Scheme across the country. €469K of
bullying while teenagers strongly disliked the negative      the funding was allocated to clubs and groups registered
stereotyping of teenagers, discrimination, inequality,       with CDYSB. The scheme was developed to support
homophobia and bullying. There is little doubt in my         the work of volunteers, to enhance the experience of
mind that youth work as a non-formal education               members, and to provide vital equipment to local youth
process, has played a significant role in enabling young     clubs and groups. The grants assisted clubs in the
people to explore, analysis, critique and challenge their    purchase of camping, gaming, sports and audio visual
dislikes, but most importantly; contributed so positively    equipment. Other clubs, for example, used the grant to
to the very fabric of a nation of which they are so proud.   purchase musical equipment which would otherwise be
                                                             unavailable to them.

2
CDYSB ANNUAL REVIEW 2016 & 2017

On behalf of the Board I wish to express our deep
appreciation to all the voluntary Management
Committees who have managed the range of youth
projects/organisations funded through CDYSB and the
diverse and innovative programmes provided over the
last two years by youth workers and volunteers alike.
As I reflect on the significant challenges of recent years,
I have no doubt that your dedication and commitment
will ensure the continuity of a vibrant youth work sector
well into the future.
I also wish to acknowledge the Department of Children
and Youth Affairs for the support and funding and to the
City of Dublin Education and Training Board (CDETB) for
its ongoing support to the work of CDYSB. In particular,
I would like to acknowledge the retirement in 2016
of Mr. Stephen McCarthy, Education Officer, CDETB,
who sat in attendance at this Board for many years.
His support and contribution to deliberations was very
much appreciated. We wish him well for the future.
In conclusion I wish to thank all my fellow Board
members for their time and commitment to the work of
the Board and to thank the Director and staff of CDYSB
for their commitment and dedication to the continuation
of youth work here in Dublin.

Vincent Jackson
Chairperson

1 Department of Children and Youth Affairs (2016) CHILDREN
   SEEN AND HEARD 1916-2016 Report of consultations with
   children and young people on their vision for Ireland and
   on remembering the children who died in 1916. Dublin:
   Government Publications. Available at: www.dcya.ie

                                                                                             3
CDYSB ANNUAL REVIEW 2016 & 2017

Acknowledgements
CDYSB as a committee of the City of Dublin Education        List Board Members 2016 and 2017
and Training Board (CDETB) funds a diverse range of
                                                            Cllr. Vincent Jackson, Chairperson
youth projects/organisations both nationally and across
the City of Dublin. The Board would like to recognise our   Cllr. Paddy Bourke
colleagues in the CDETB for their continued support.
                                                            Cllr. Patrick Costello
The Board would like to thank the staff of the Youth
                                                            Cllr. Críona Ní Dhálaigh
Affairs Unit of the Department of Children and Youth
Affairs (DCYA) for their ongoing support. Thanks are also   Ms. Mary Clarke
due to the staff of CDYSB for their professionalism and
                                                            Mr. Dermot Lacey
commitment to the work of the Board.
                                                            Ms. Ger Mcgee
The Board would like to acknowledge the funding we
receive from the people of Ireland through the National     Ms. Denise Ryan
Lottery, Department of Children and Youth Affairs,
Department of Education and Skills and the Drug             In attendance in 2016 and 2017
Prevention Unit of the Department of Health.
                                                            Ms. Mary Mooney, Director
                                                            Mr. Stephen McCarthy, Education Officer, CDETB (2016)
                                                            Ms. Ann Gliton, Director of Further Education and
                                                            Training, CDETB (2017)
                                                            Mr. Chris Kearns, Secretary to the Board, CDYSB

4
CDYSB ANNUAL REVIEW 2016 & 2017

CDYSB Profile
The City of Youth Service Board (CDYSB) is a committee     CDYSB co-operates and works with a broad range of
of the City of Dublin Education and Training Board         statutory and voluntary agencies, both at Dublin city
(CDETB) and was established in 1942.                       and at national level. We are committed to maintaining
                                                           strong working relationships with the CDETB, national
In accordance with the Education and Training Board’s
                                                           organisations funded by CDYSB, Dublin City Council,
Act 2013, the role of CDYSB is to support the provision,
                                                           project management committees/boards, local
coordination, administration and assessment of youth
                                                           community development organisations, and national
work services in our functional area and provide such
                                                           youth work service providers and regional youth services
information as may be required by the Minister for
                                                           throughout the country.
Children and Youth Affairs in relation to this support.
CDYSB is also responsible to the Department of             At a policy level CDYSB works with the Department of
Children and Youth Affairs, the Department of Health       Children and Youth Affairs (DCYA), the National Youth
and the Department of Education and Skills for the         Work Advisory Committee (NYWAC) and Education and
administration of grant aid.                               Training Boards Ireland (ETBI).
CDYSB services include:
• Administering grant aid to 125 projects in Dublin
  City and 80 youth projects nationally on behalf of the
  Department of Children and Youth Affairs
• Administering grant aid to 28 interim drugs task force
  projects on behalf of the drugs programme unit of the
  Department of Health
• Ensure the efficiency and effectiveness of
  management structures at local level and monitor
  activities, expenditure and general governance of
  projects
• Assisting youth projects/services and voluntary youth
  clubs/groups to develop and deliver services and
  supports to young people
• Roll-out of the National Quality Standards for
  Volunteer-Led Youth Groups (NQSVYG)
• Developing and disseminating resource packs,
  guidelines and templates for youth work practice

                                                                                                                   5
CDYSB ANNUAL REVIEW 2016 & 2017

Director’s Review
The CDYSB operational plans of work for 2016 and            DOES, through the main scheme pay allocation, provide
2017 were managed and delivered through CDYSB staff         funds to the CDETB for CDYSB staff taking CDYSB
teams; finance and administration, compliance and           revenues in 2017 to almost €24M.
assurance, projects/clubs and partnership projects.
                                                            Internal management of CDYSB finances was carried
CDYSB continued to work in partnership with a range
                                                            out in a proper manner; demonstrated by adherence
of organisations, statutory agencies and our colleagues
                                                            to policy supported by a high standard of operational
within the CDETB. CDYSB played a significant role in
                                                            practice and strong control mechanisms. In 2016
developments being led by DCYA in order to fulfil the
                                                            and 2017, CDYSB were audited by internal audit and
recommendations of the Value for Money Review (VFM)
                                                            the Comptroller and auditor General. The financial
and the National Youth Strategy.
                                                            statements for 2015 were presented for audit in 2016
The operational plan for CDYSB in both years was            and the financial statements for 2016 were presented
informed by a number of policy developments and             for audit in 2017. Both statements were found to be
compliance requirements from Government:                    compliant with accepted practice and a true reflection
• Requirements for management and accountability in         of the CDYSB’s financial transactions/activities for the
  respect of grants administered by CDYSB.                  accounting periods under review.
• Compliance with provisions set out within circular        Over the past number of years there has been an
  letter (13/2014) as issued by the Department of Public    increase in the levels of accountability and compliance
  Expenditure and Reform (DPER) for the administration      required by government in the management and
  of exchequer funding.                                     administration of exchequer funding. These apply to
• “Better Outcomes Brighter Futures” (The national policy   both CDYSB and to its funded organisations; there is
  framework for children and young people) 2014-2020.       now a greater responsibility to apply the principles of
                                                            economy, efficiency, effectiveness and demonstrate
• The Value for Money and Policy Review of Youth
                                                            value for money. The requirements that guide us are as
  Programmes (VFM) by the Department of Children
                                                            follows:
  and Youth Affairs.
• The National Youth Strategy by the Department of          1. Compliance by CDYSB with all acts of the Oireachtas
  Children and Youth Affairs                                   and regulations set out by the Offices of the Revenue
                                                               Commissioners.
• The CDETB Strategic plan.
                                                            2. Compliance with the ETB Act 2013 including any audit
The total income received for the year 2016 was €20.5M         regulations arising.
of which €19.2M was paid to designated projects
                                                            3. Compliance by all organisations for whom funding is
including CDYSB technical assistance, with €786K paid
                                                               administered by CDYSB with the Companies Act 2014
to clubs/groups. The total income (subject to audit)
                                                               in so far as it affects the proper administration of
received for the year 2017 was €21.7M of which €21.6M
                                                               these funds.
was paid to designated projects including CDYSB
technical assistance, with €1.23m to clubs/groups which     4. Compliance by all services/projects/organisations for
included €469K in equipment grants. The primary                funding sourced from DCYA/DOH/DOES/CDETB (or
sources of funding for both years were received from           any other public body) with DPER Circular 13/2014.
the Department of Children and Youth Affairs (DCYA),        5. Compliance with requirements of the Finance Act and
Department of Health (DOH) and the Department of               the Comptroller and Auditor General (Amendment)
Education and Skills (DOES). In addition to this the           Act 1993.

6
CDYSB ANNUAL REVIEW 2016 & 2017

6. Compliance by CDYSB and all funded organisations           In 2016, the implementation of DPER 13/2014 and the
   with reporting and assurance requirements as               enactment of the new Company’s Act 2014 have proved
   contained within any Circular letter of signed             to be challenging for Management Boards; CDYSB
   memorandum of understanding between CDYSB/                 have provided support through information sessions/
   CDETB and a Government Department.                         seminars/one to one meetings and the provision of
7. Compliance by all funded organisations with the            explanatory documentation. At the request of funded
   requirements of the CDYSB Service Level Agreement.         organisations CDYSB produced a comprehensive board
                                                              hand-book and risk assessment framework; these are
The structure put in place in 2015 further developed
                                                              currently in use in many funded organisations. The
the compliance and assurance role of CDYSB. Over
                                                              disbursement of grant aid to funded organisations was
the last two years procedures, policies and templates
                                                              completed; in 2016 the DCYA approved a new capital
continued to be extended and enhanced together with
                                                              grant and employability scheme. This involved an
the implementation of the work plan that included
                                                              assessment of all application and recommendations
financial reviews and service/verification visits in funded
                                                              to be submitted to the DCYA for approval.
organisations. All of the work relating to compliance,
assurance and verification is subject to audit as is the      With the commencement of the National Vetting Bureau
documentation, systems and operational practices.             (Children and Vulnerable Persons) Act 2012 in April 2016, a
                                                              newly defined administrative system for the processing of
The CDYSB carries out on an on-going basis extensive
                                                              vetting applications in accordance with the act (eVetting)
risk analysis and assessments, identifying; risks to
                                                              was designed, introduced and fully implemented.
strategy, physical environment, fraud, financial exposures
                                                              CDYSB participated in The Rise collaborative strategic
and client organisations. In terms of the comprehensive
                                                              partnership with other European service providers in
review of the Health and Safety policy/statement; this
                                                              the development of a system to assist youth workers to
was completed and is now fully operational.
                                                              record, tabulate and report on their work. The Logbook
CDYSB continued to support clubs and Groups through           system was launched simultaneously by the partners in
the general grant scheme with a total grant expenditure       October at an event to an audience of youth workers and
of €786K in 2016 and €1.23m (including €469K in               stake holders. CDYSB presented an arts showcase as
equipment grants) in 2017. The scheme provided support        part of the national celebrations to commemorate the
through the established grant categories but also             centenary of the 1916 rising.
provided for opportunities to develop and implement
                                                              Our commissioned voluntary youth club/group research
new ideas, special programmes and new initiatives.
                                                              project was successfully concluded in August 2016
Our objective of encouraging club/groups to claim their
                                                              with the launch of the publication A Study of Voluntary
annual grant in the first quarter of the year of 2016 was
                                                              Youth Clubs and Groups in the City of Dublin2 in November
successful and continued into 2017.
                                                              2016 at the annual Outstanding Achievement Awards
Throughout the two-year period under review, a                for Voluntary Youth Work event.
number of difficult issues arose for projects; these
included, transfers of undertaking and other complex
management problems; these were managed with the
support of CDYSB.

                                                                                                                        7
CDYSB ANNUAL REVIEW 2016 & 2017

In September 2017, the DCYA Local Youth Club Grant           The remaining provisions of the Children First Act
scheme (LYCGS) replaced the CDYSB Annual Grant               2015 were commenced in full in December 2017. This
form. This required negotiation with the Department          includes the commencement of mandatory reporting
and changes to the forms to be completed by clubs            of child abuse and the placing of a legal obligation on
and groups to ensure that CDYSB continued to capture         organisations providing services to children to prepare
information relevant to the club’s/group’s registration      and publish a Child Safeguarding Statement by the
with CDYSB that is not included in the Departments           11th of March 2018. In addition under Schedule Two
form. In October 2017 the DCYA also approved a Local         of the Act, paid professional youth workers and youth
Youth Club Equipment Scheme Grants for volunteer led         service managers/project leaders are now regarded
clubs and groups. This involved an assessment of all         as ‘Mandated Persons’ and will be legally required to
applications and recommendations to be submitted to          report where concerns of ‘significant harm’ exist, and
the DCYA by CDYSB. Equipment grants to the value of          to comply with the process of mandated assisting.
€469K were paid to registered clubs and groups.
                                                             Now that the legislation is commenced, the priority for
In the final quarter of 2017, our research project and       CDYSB (working in tandem with the Youth Work Sector
profiling of youth work funded youth projects and            Children First Implementation Committee strategy), is
services in the city were commissioned. The report will      to support Boards of Management and youth workers in
be completed and published in the summer of 2018 and         their understanding of their new legal responsibilities
a follow up event will be held to discuss the key findings   for child protection and safeguarding under the Children
and recommendations. A summary of initial findings           First Act. CDYSB also continued to provide child
from the research are presented in this review.              protection advice, consultation and training throughout
                                                             both years under review.
Throughout 2017, CDYSB continued its partnership
with other European service providers through The            While much of the work of CDYSB is ongoing, I can
Rise project with The Logbook currently being used by        report a high rate of achievement on the objectives
approximately 30 projects who received support from          set out in both the 2016 and 2017 operational plans.
CDYSB through the user’s network. A successful Arts
programme was delivered through the year, culminating
in the Big Sparkle event in the Helix in December where      Mary Mooney
200 young people from 20 clubs and projects performed        Director
to a full house.

                                                             2 City of Dublin Youth Service Board (2016) A Study of Voluntary
                                                                Youth Clubs and Groups in the City of Dublin. Dublin: CDYSB.
                                                                Available at: http://www.cdysb.ie/Library/General-Publications.
                                                                aspx

8
CDYSB ANNUAL REVIEW 2016 & 2017

Corporate Governance
Statement
The Board of CDYSB is committed to maintaining                Responsibility for management of the organisation
the highest standards of corporate governance. This           rests with the Director supported by the management
statement describes how CDYSB has applied governance          team. The main areas where decisions remain with the
principles/practices and details the CDYSB’s risk             Board include approval of the annual plan, financial
management, internal control and compliance systems.          statements/budgets and grant aid.
The statement also includes an assessment of our own
compliance with standards of recommended practice.            Chairperson
                                                              The Chairperson’s primary responsibility is to lead
Supporting Features of the Statement
                                                              the Board, to ensure that it has a common purpose,
• Assurance that the process for producing the Statement      is effective as an organisation and at individual Board
  is adequate and covers all areas of our operations          member level that it upholds and promotes high
• Complies with regulations and requirements                  standards of integrity, correctness and corporate
• Clearly provide an understanding of the control             governance. The Chairperson is the link between
  structure of the organisation and a sense of its risks      the Board and the executive management of the
  and challenges                                              organisation and is specifically responsible for
                                                              establishing and maintaining an effective working
• A satisfaction that the systems are robust
                                                              relationship with the Director.
• Assurance as to the disclosure of all relevant matters
  including material issues from funded organisations
                                                              Membership and Composition
• Assurance that governance matters have been dealt
  with and provide evidence to underpin this                  The Board consists of public representatives and
                                                              others with an appropriate mix of skills, knowledge
• Assurance that management has responded
  appropriately to all observations/queries made              and experience that is drawn from across the sector in
  by the internal and external auditors                       which CDYSB operates. Board members are appointed
                                                              for a term of five years.
The Role of the CDYSB Board                                   Membership is made up of four councillors who are
The Board of CDYSB is collectively responsible for the long   members of the City of Dublin Education and Training
term success of the organisation; Its role is essentially     Board (CDETB) and nominated to the Board of CDYSB.
threefold – to provide leadership, contribute to policy and   There is also two staff members elected to the Board by
to ensure that the organisation provides its stakeholders     the staff of CDYSB. In addition there are three sectoral
with a balanced and understandable assessment of the          members nominated by external organisations. In terms
CDYSB’s current position and prospects.                       of the sectoral nominations the Board of CDYSB must
                                                              approve the representative organisation prior to the
The Board’s leadership responsibilities involve working
                                                              nomination. Board members receive no remuneration
with management to set corporate values and to
                                                              for their service
develop strategy. This includes identifying the risks the
organisation is prepared to take in pursuing its strategic
objectives. Oversight responsibilities involve providing
a constructive challenge to the management team in
relation to operational activities, approval of budgets
and obtaining assurances that risk management and
internal controls are sound.

                                                                                                                        9
CDYSB ANNUAL REVIEW 2016 & 2017

Board Meetings                                               • ETB Act 2013 including any audit regulations

The CDYSB holds eight scheduled Board meetings each          • Companies Act 2014
year and additional meetings are held on specific issues     • DPER Circular 13/2014 and any other relevant circular
as may be necessary. There is regular contact between          letter issued by a Government Department
Board members and management between meetings in             • Signed memorandum of understanding between
order to progress the CDYSB’s business. The business           CDYSB/CDETB and a Government Department
of the Board is formally recorded in minutes that contain    • CDYSB Service Level Agreement
key decisions and approvals. The minutes of the CDYSB
Board are submitted to the CDETB. Annually; the
                                                             Relations with Stakeholders
Director prepares a detailed business plan for review
by the Board and following formal presentation it is         CDYSB recognises the importance of communications
discussed and approved. The business plan provides a         with stakeholders. This is carried out through; meetings,
framework for managing CDYSB’s operational activities        seminars, formal reporting processes, correspondence,
and key objectives for the year.                             web site, dedicated YNOW magazine and other support
                                                             structures.
Audit, Compliance and Assurance
                                                             Organisation Policies and Procedures
CDYSB’s operates strong systems of risk management
and internal control. The responsibility for the ongoing     The CDYSB as a component of the CDETB is governed by
monitoring of their effectiveness belongs to the Director.   written policies and procedures that enable us to make
Individual tasks are delegated to the management team        decisions within defined boundaries. Our policies and
and other staff as appropriate. These systems manage         procedures enable staff to clearly understand individual
the risk of failure to achieve business objectives by:       and team responsibilities; thus maximizing the
                                                             organisations resources and thereby provide a premium
• Enhancing the top down governance structures
                                                             service to our funded organisations.
  including an increased focus on risk management
• Developing an organisation risk management policy          Going Concern
  and a risk assessment statement
                                                             The CDYSB’s business activities, together with
• Re-modelling the organisations risk register and
                                                             the factors likely to affect its future development,
  developing improved integrated assurance reporting
                                                             performance and position are set out in the Directors
  mechanisms
                                                             Review. The CDYSB’s financial position, its cash
The CDYSB is subject to audit by the offices of the          flows, liquidity position are described in detail within
Comptroller and Auditor General; internal audit from         the financial statements of the CDETB. The CDYSB’s
the CDETB internal audit unit and other external audit       objectives, policies and processes for managing
as may be carried out by a government department.            funds, risk management objectives and exposures are
                                                             documented within policy and operational procedures.
Policy and Regulatory Requirements to which the
CDYSB must adhere:                                           The CDYSB manage considerable financial resources
• National Youth Strategy                                    that are administered to a broad client spread across
                                                             national geographic areas. The Board believes that
• Value for Money and Policy Review
                                                             the CDYSB is well placed to manage its business
• Better Outcomes Brighter Futures (BOBF)                    risks successfully; is accountable and delivers its
• Acts of the Oireachtas and regulations set out by the      responsibilities to the highest standards.
  Offices of the Revenue Commissioners

10
CDYSB ANNUAL REVIEW 2016 & 2017

A Study of Voluntary
Youth Clubs and Groups
in the City of Dublin
On an annual basis, there are over 40,000 adult               Who was consulted and how?
volunteers involved in youth services and activities for
                                                              • 59 clubs/groups completed a survey on voluntary youth
young people up and down the country. Evidence, indeed,
                                                                clubs/groups
that volunteering is at the heart of the everyday fabric of
youth work provision and one of the most significant and      • 38 leaders from 11 selected voluntary youth clubs/groups
sustainable resources the youth sector possesses. The           were consulted through interviews and focus groups
contribution of volunteers, in terms of their engagement      • 88 young people from 11 selected voluntary youth
with young people and the experience they bring to the          clubs/groups were consulted through focus groups
non-formal learning process, is of inestimable value.
Within the Dublin City boundary, there are in excess of       Key Survey Findings
200 voluntary groups who are registered with and in
                                                              Key findings from the survey on voluntary youth clubs/
receipt of funding from the City of Dublin Youth Service
                                                              groups included:
Board (CDYSB) general grant scheme. These groups are
made up of youth clubs, uniformed groups, community
groups and special interest organisations. The groups         About the Clubs/Groups
are located within a broad geographical area across the       • The majority (89.5%) of clubs/groups cater for both
city, with over 10,000 young people between the ages of         boys and girls
10-24 years who are supported by over 2,100 volunteers.       • Over half of clubs/groups have 50 or more young
In 2016, a report was commissioned and published                people involved on a regular basis
by CDYSB who appointed consultants Sandra Roe                 • Over half of clubs/groups have ten or more leaders
Research to conduct and document research into the
                                                              • Almost seven out of ten (69.5%) clubs/group meet in
main policy, regulatory and practice issues influencing
                                                                the evening time
and impacting this voluntary youth work provision and
to assess if this model needs refining and updating in a      • The majority of clubs/groups (22%) have one meeting
changing youth work environment. The report’s findings          per week
provide not only a valuable insight into the challenges       • Over one third (35.6%) of clubs/groups provide ten or
facing voluntary youth work in the city, but highlights         more hours of contact with young people per week
how voluntary youth clubs/groups play a very important
part in the lives of marginalised young people and can        About the Young People
facilitate integration into communities and society.
                                                              • 93% of clubs/groups cater for 10-14 year olds, 84.2% for
While the research recognises the need for voluntary
                                                                15-17 year olds, 75.4% for under 10s, 61.4% for 18-21 year
clubs and groups to evolve and adapt to the changing
                                                                olds, 31.6% for 22-24 year olds and 17.5% for over 25s
needs of children and young people, it also notes that
the fundamentals of voluntary youth work provision            • A safe environment to socialise with friends, have fun,
remain the same; a safe environment for children and            be accepted, be themselves and be treated with respect
young people to socialise and develop their potential.          was identified as the single biggest need of young people
Central to this are voluntary leaders, without which,
voluntary youth work provision will not be sustainable
into the future. CDYSB will consider the report’s findings
and key recommendations in detail and seek to prioritise
them into meaningful actions as part of our future policy
development and operational plans.

                                                                                                                       11
CDYSB ANNUAL REVIEW 2016 & 2017

About the Leaders                                                Leader’s Consultation Findings
• The most common age group of leaders in clubs/                 Key findings from interviews and focus groups with
  groups was between 18-25 years and 31-40 years                 voluntary youth club/group leaders included:
• More than half (57.9%) of leaders have been                    • The key challenge facing clubs/groups is the
  volunteering for ten or more years                               recruitment of new volunteers as leaders
• Supporting the development of young people was the             • The most effective means of recruiting new volunteers
  most common reason given by leaders for volunteering             was judged to be through youth leadership programmes
• Leader’s most commonly reported skills/experience              • Barriers to the recruitment of volunteers identified
  were arts-based skills                                           included commitments, e.g. family, study and work,
• The most commonly completed training by leaders in               Garda vetting and compulsory training
  clubs/groups was child protection and welfare training
                                                                 • Financial support was the main type of support
• Almost seven out of ten (69.1%) clubs/groups find it             offered by CDYSB and the main future support need
  difficult to recruit new volunteers/leaders                      identified
                                                                 • Leaders reported having very positive relationships
Programmes and Activities                                          with CDYSB Liaison Officers
• The most common type of programme or activity                  • Future training needs highlighted by leaders included
  provided by clubs/groups was personal development                training in the areas of mental health, drugs, alcohol,
  programmes/activities (76.3%)                                    crime, bullying, child protection for working with
• The most commonly highlighted interest clubs/groups              young people with special needs, IT, internet safety
  would like to cater for in the future was outdoor activities     and career guidance
                                                                 • Leaders thought there should be more recognition
Supports                                                           of volunteers and the important role they play in
• Financial support was the most common support                    voluntary youth work in Ireland
  provided by CDYSB to clubs/groups, followed by                 • The key issues affecting young people involved in
  training, advice and support                                     voluntary youth clubs/groups included lack of facilities
• Financial support was also the most common support               and activities, mental health issues, family difficulties,
  need identified by clubs/groups                                  low educational attainment, youth unemployment,
• Almost two thirds (64.4%) of clubs/groups have availed           gambling and bullying
  of support or services from organisations other than           • The research highlighted significant challenges facing
  CDYSB                                                            clubs/groups in some communities which included
• The main development need identified by clubs/                   young people being exposed to drugs, alcohol misuse,
  groups was training, e.g. leadership, first aid, outdoor         violence and poverty
  pursuits and arts-based training, followed by facilities,      • Involvement in youth clubs/groups was deemed to be
  resources and funding                                            an effective means of diverting youth away from anti-
                                                                   social behaviour, substance misuse and crime
                                                                 • The main benefits of participation in clubs/group for
                                                                   young people identified by leaders were personal
                                                                   benefits, social benefits and educational benefits

12
CDYSB ANNUAL REVIEW 2016 & 2017

• Other benefits included exposure to positive role          • Involvement in voluntary youth clubs/groups has many
  models and integration of international young people         positive benefits for young people including personal,
  into communities and society                                 social, educational and mental health benefits
• Leaders felt voluntary clubs/groups should evolve          • Voluntary youth clubs/groups play a very important
  and adapt to the changing needs of young people, e.g.        part in the lives of marginalised young people, e.g.
  embrace technology and social media, address issues          those with special needs, from ethnic minorities and
  such as mental health and include young people in            disadvantaged areas, and can facilitate integration into
  decision-making on programme development                     communities and society
                                                             • Involvement in voluntary youth clubs/groups can
Young People’s Consultation Findings                           divert young people from anti-social behaviour, early
Key findings from focus groups with young people               school leaving and encourage personal, social and
involved in voluntary youth clubs/groups included:             educational development
                                                             • The creative arts play an important role in voluntary
• Young people said the best thing about their club/
                                                               youth clubs/groups
  group was meeting their friends and making new
  friends in a safe environment                              • The need for voluntary clubs/groups and CDYSB to
                                                               evolve and adapt to the changing needs of young
• The main thing young people would change about
                                                               people was recognised
  their club/group was the premises
                                                             • The recruitment and retention of volunteer leaders
• In general, young people had very positive
                                                               is the most significant challenge for voluntary clubs/
  relationships with the leaders from their club/group
                                                               groups in the City of Dublin
  and some described them as family
                                                             • There should be a focus on encouraging and supporting
• Key benefits of participation in clubs/groups identified
                                                               young people from voluntary youth clubs/groups to
  by young people were personal, social, educational
                                                               become leaders through developing and supporting
  and mental health benefits
                                                               youth leadership programmes in clubs/groups and
• The main issues affecting young people and their             providing on-going youth leadership training
  communities are lack of facilities and activities, drug
                                                             • The recruitment and retention of volunteers is central
  and alcohol abuse, violence, crime and vandalism
                                                               to the future development and sustainability of
• In terms of future activities, young people would like       voluntary youth work and must be reflected in funding,
  more trips away, sports activities, outdoor activities,      training, supports and any future CDYSB policies
  technology and career guidance

Conclusion
Key conclusions arising from the research include:
• Voluntary youth clubs and groups provide a safe
  environment for young people to socialise, play an
  important role in young people’s development and
  voluntary leaders provide an invaluable contribution       For a full copy of A Study of Voluntary Youth Clubs and Groups
                                                             in the City of Dublin, visit http://www.cdysb.ie/Library/General-
  to clubs/groups, young people and communities              Publications.aspx

                                                                                                                                 13
CDYSB ANNUAL REVIEW 2016 & 2017

Commencement of the
National Vetting Bureau
(Children and Vulnerable
Persons) Acts 2012-2016
On the 29th April 2016, the Minister for Justice and        The commencement of the Criminal Justice (Spent
Equality Frances Fitzgerald T.D., announced the             Convictions and Certain Disclosures) Act 2016 also
commencement of the National Vetting Bureau                 included amendments to the National Vetting Bureau
(Children and Vulnerable Persons) Act 2012.                 (Children and Vulnerable Persons) Act 2012 to provide
                                                            that minor convictions will not be disclosed in Garda
In announcing the commencement, Minister
                                                            Vetting under that Act. However, because of the
Fitzgerald, stated “This Act is an important part of
                                                            need to protect children or vulnerable persons, the
the Government’s suite of legislation to ensure that
                                                            non-disclosure provisions under that Act are more
we have appropriate legal protections for children or
                                                            restrictive. It will still be the case that all offences
vulnerable persons. The Act will ensure that relevant
                                                            against the person and all serious convictions will be
criminal convictions or other information which gives
                                                            disclosed where persons are applying to work with
rise to concerns regarding a person working with
                                                            children or vulnerable persons.
or seeking to work with children is disclosed in the
appropriate manner.” The Act also provides for the use
of soft information in regard to vetting, referred to in    What is Garda Vetting?
the Act as ‘specified information’. Specified information   Garda Vetting is conducted in respect of any person
is information other than a court determined criminal       who is carrying out work or activity, a necessary and
conviction and the Act provides that such ‘specified        regular part of which consists mainly of the person
information’ is only disclosed where it raises a bona       having access to, or contact with, children or vulnerable
fide concern that a person poses a threat to children       persons. The National Vetting Bureau will make such
or vulnerable person.                                       enquiries with An Garda Síochána or a Scheduled
Vetting procedures were already a requirement under         Organisation, as they deem necessary, to establish
the Children First National Guidelines. The primary         whether there is any criminal record or specified
purpose of the National Vetting Bureau (Children and        information relating to the applicant. They do not make
Vulnerable Persons) Act 2012 is to put these procedures     decisions in respect of the suitability of an applicant for
on a statutory footing. More importantly, the Act now       a position; this is the sole responsibility of the registered
makes it mandatory for persons working with children        organisation. Garda vetting will only be conducted on the
or vulnerable adults to be vetted, whereas previously       written consent of an individual vetting subject.
this was done on the basis of a voluntary code. The Act
balances the need to protect children and vulnerable        What is The National Vetting Bureau?
persons with the need to allow any person the right         Since the commencement of the act, the national vetting
to defend their good name. It does this by setting out      unit of An Garda Síochána (known before the Act as
detailed procedures that must be followed in such           the Garda Central Vetting Unit) is now known as the
disclosures and also sets out appeals procedures.           National Vetting Bureau (NVB). The NVB is the single
                                                            point of contact in An Garda Síochána to conduct Garda
                                                            Vetting. Its primary objective is to provide an accurate
                                                            and responsible vetting service which enhances the
                                                            protection of children and vulnerable persons through
                                                            enabling safer recruitment decisions.

14
CDYSB ANNUAL REVIEW 2016 & 2017

What does the NVB do?                                          How is vetting conducted?
Garda Vetting is conducted in respect of any person            Persons who are subject to Garda Vetting will receive
who is carrying out work or activity, a necessary and          a Vetting Application Form (including electronic form)
regular part of which consists mainly of the person            from the relevant organisation where they are seeking a
having access to, or contact with, children or vulnerable      position. The applicant completes the application form
persons. It is a service designed to enhance the               and returns it to the relevant organisation. He or she
protection of children and vulnerable persons. The             must sign the form, thereby providing authorisation
NVB provides potential employers and voluntary sector          for the Garda Vetting process. A liaison person in the
organisations with relevant criminal history information       relevant organisation sends the form on to the NVB.
on individuals applying for relevant work. They issue
                                                               On receipt of an application for vetting disclosure
disclosures which give details of an individual’s criminal
                                                               in respect of a person concerning relevant work or
convictions or state that they have none. Using these
                                                               activities, the NVB will make such enquiries with An
disclosures will assist a potential employer or voluntary
                                                               Garda Síochána or a Scheduled Organisation as it
organisation in their recruitment decision, helping to
                                                               deems necessary to establish whether there is any
protect children and vulnerable persons.
                                                               criminal record or specified information relating to the
                                                               person. A Garda Vetting disclosure is issued directly to
What is relevant work?                                         the liaison person in the relevant organisation.
Any work or activity which is carried out by a person, a
necessary and regular part of which consists mainly of         What is a relevant organisation?
the person having access to, or contact with, children in:
                                                               A relevant organisation means a person (including a
• Childcare services.                                          body corporate or an unincorporated body of persons)
• Educational services.                                        who:
• Hospitals and health services.                               i. employs (whether under contract of employment
• Residential services or accommodation for children              or otherwise) any person to
  or vulnerable persons.                                       ii. undertake relevant work or activities;
• Treatment, therapy or counselling services for               iii. enters into a contract for services with any person
  children or vulnerable persons.                                   for the provision by that person of services that
• Provision of leisure, sporting or physical activities             constitute relevant work or activities
  to children or vulnerable persons                            iv. permits any person (whether or not for commercial
• Promotion of religious beliefs.                                  or any other consideration) to undertake relevant
                                                                   work or activities on the person’s behalf;
For further detail on what constitutes relevant work,
                                                               v. is a provider of courses of education or training,
refer to Parts 1 and 2 of Schedule 1 to the National Vetting
                                                                  including internship schemes, for persons and, as
Bureau (Children and Vulnerable Persons) Act 2012.
                                                                  part of such education or training or scheme, places
                                                                  or makes arrangements for the placement of any
                                                                  person in work experience or activities where a
                                                                  necessary part of the placement involves participation
                                                                  in relevant work or activities.

                                                                                                                          15
CDYSB ANNUAL REVIEW 2016 & 2017

but does not include an individual who does any of            It is information that is considered to reasonably give
the matters referred to in points (I) to (IV) above in        rise to a bona fide concern that the vetting subject may:
the course of a private arrangement.                          i. harm any child or vulnerable person,
For further detail on what constitutes a relevant             ii. cause any child or vulnerable person to be harmed,
organisation, refer to Part 1, Section 2 of the National      iii. put any child or vulnerable person at risk of harm,
Vetting Bureau (Children and Vulnerable Persons)
                                                              iv. attempt to harm any child or vulnerable person, or,
Act 2012.
                                                              v. incite another person to harm any child or vulnerable
                                                                 person.
What is disclosed?
                                                              Under Section 15 of the Act, if specified information is to
A vetting disclosure shall include particulars of the
                                                              be disclosed to a relevant organisation the Chief Bureau
criminal record (if any) relating to the person, and a
                                                              Officer must, in advance, notify the vetting subject of the
statement of the specified information (if any) relating
                                                              intention to disclose the information.
to the person or a statement that there is no criminal
record or specified information, in relation to the person.
A criminal record in relation to a person means a record
of the person’s convictions whether within or outside
the state for any criminal offence together with any
ancillary or consequential orders made pursuant to the
convictions concerned or a record of any prosecutions
pending against the person whether within or outside the
state for any criminal offences or both. A person shall not
be obliged to provide details of any convictions to which
Section 14A of the National Vetting Bureau (Children and
Vulnerable Persons) Acts 2012 to 2016 applies.

What is specified information?                                For further information on Garda Vetting visit the National Vetting
Specified information in relation to a person who is the      Bureau website https://vetting.garda.ie/
subject of an application for a vetting disclosure, means     For detailed information on The National Vetting
information concerning a finding or allegation of harm to     Bureau (Children and Vulnerable Persons) Act 2012, visit
                                                              http://www.irishstatutebook.ie/eli/2012/act/47/enacted/en/html
another person received by the National Vetting Bureau
from An Garda Síochána or a Scheduled Organisation            For detailed information on The Criminal Justice
                                                              (Spent Convictions and Certain Disclosures) Act 2016, visit
pursuant to Section 19 of the National Vetting Bureau
                                                              http://www.irishstatutebook.ie/eli/2016/act/4/enacted/en/html
(Children and Vulnerable Persons) Acts 2012 to 2016.

16
CDYSB ANNUAL REVIEW 2016 & 2017

A Research Study and
Profile on Youth Work
Funded Projects in Dublin
In responding to the diverse needs and aspirations           The overall aim of the research was to:
of children and young people, the last four years has        1. Gain an overview of youth work funded organisations
seen significant development in national policy by              in the City of Dublin that are in receipt of funding
Government in relation to the provision of universal            through CDYSB.
supports for adolescents. These policy developments
                                                             2. Identify the main policy, regulatory and practice
include the launch in 2014 of Better Outcomes, Brighter
                                                                issues influencing and impacting this type of youth
Futures – The national policy framework for children and
                                                                work provision.
young people, 2014-20203 (BOBF), which is the first
overarching national policy framework for children           3. Examine the existing community management model
and young people (aged 0-24 years). 2014 also seen the          and assess the current challenges facing this model.
publication of The Value for Money and Policy Review         4. Describe and analyse the scope and impact of
of Youth Programmes (VfMPR) by the Department of                existing service provision, and establish targets for
Children and Youth Affairs (DCYA). The review involved an       inclusion, for CDYSB funded organisations.
in-depth scrutiny of three major funding programmes          5. Make recommendations on the best use of resources
that target young people that are disadvantaged and that        to maximise youth work opportunities for young people.
are administered by DCYA.                                    6. Make recommendations to inform future CDYSB policy
The review makes recommendations for the future                 in relation to funded youth projects and services.
operation of the youth schemes and their development         In total, there are 44 youth work funded organisations
in the years ahead to ensure effective, value for money      in the City of Dublin boundary that are in receipt of
services that are evidence based and designed to secure      funding through CDYSB. A total of 33,432 young people
the best outcomes for young people. In particular, it        participated in these youth services/projects in 2017.
recommends that one targeted scheme should replace           In terms of gender, 58.7% were male and 44.3% were
the existing three schemes and that this new scheme          female. The most common age category of young people
should be based on evidence of what works and clear          accessing youth services/projects were young people
objectives to be achieved for young people. 2015 saw the     aged 10-14 years (40.1%), followed by young people aged
publication of the National Youth Strategy, 2015-20204,      15-17 years (33.7%), The group of young people most
which has its basis in BOBF and, in particular, its youth-   likely to access youth services/projects were young
specific commitments. The purpose of the National            males aged 15-17 years.
Youth Strategy is to coordinate policy and services
across Government and other stakeholders so as to
                                                             Who was consulted and how?
enable all young people aged 10-24 years to realise their
maximum potential.                                           • There were 31 responses from 26 different youth
                                                               services/projects to an online survey aimed at
In light of these significant policy developments and
                                                               Managers and Board of Management members
so as to better inform the development of CDYSB’s
future Youth Work Plan, CDYSB in 2017 commissioned           • 8 Board of Management members were consulted
Sandra Roe Research to conduct and document an                 through a focus group/telephone interviews
independent research study and profile on youth work         • 12 youth workers were consulted through a focus group
funded Projects in Dublin. The review also included an       • 52 young people in six youth services/projects were
assessment of the resources and facilities used by a           consulted
selection of youth work organisations in delivering their
youth work programme.

                                                                                                                        17
CDYSB ANNUAL REVIEW 2016 & 2017

Number of young people who participated in CDYSB funded youth services/projects in 2017

          Age group                       Male                      Female                           Total

        Under 10 years                    1,468                       1,643                       3,111 (9.3%)

          10-14 years                    7,042                       6,376                       13,418 (40.1%)

          15-17 years                     7,120                       4,132                      11,252 (33.7%)

          18-21 years                     1,860                       1,484                       3,344 (10%)

         22-24 years                      460                         393                         853 (2.6%)

          25 + years                      658                         796                         1,454 (4.3%)

            Total                        18,608                      14,824                     33,432 (100%)

Key findings from the online survey and direct             About the Boards of Management
consultations with key stakeholders
                                                           • The average Board of Management has nine or ten
Some of the key findings from the online survey and          members
direct consultations with key stakeholders in youth        • The most common age range of members was 41-50
services/projects included:                                  years and close to half of Boards of Management had
                                                             a majority of female members
About the youth services/projects
                                                           • There were no young people under 18 years
• All (100%) of youth services/projects who responded        represented on Boards of Management and low
  catered for both boys and girls                            numbers of members aged 18-21 years
• 69.6% of youth services/projects have 100 or more
  young people involved on a regular basis                 About the Community-based management model
• 96.4% of youth services/projects reported opening in     • The majority of respondents felt the community-based
  the daytime and evening time with just over two third      management model was the best model for youth
  (67.9%) of youth services/projects open at weekends        services/projects as it creates a direct link with the
                                                             community and members that have an understanding
About programmes and activities                              of local issues affecting young people and their needs

• The most common programmes and activities                • It was felt that this important aspect would be lost if
  provided were personal development programmes,             youth services/projects were centrally managed
  group work and sports programmes and activities          • Over three-quarters (77.3%) agreed the current
• The main reason given for providing programmes/            community-based management model of youth work
  activities to young people was to meet the needs and       services was sustainable into the future
  interests of young people in the local community
• Almost all (95.7%) of youth services/projects record
  young people’s outcomes that are aligned with the five
  National Outcomes of the National Youth Strategy

18
CDYSB ANNUAL REVIEW 2016 & 2017

Key issues, needs and interests of young people               • Other challenges included the annual funding model,
                                                                management and policy issues
• Drug and alcohol misuse was identified as the key
  issue affecting young people                                • Key difficulties related to recruitment of new
                                                                members included increased governance and
• A safe space to hang out with friends with a welcoming,
                                                                compliance, lack of volunteers and high workloads
  non-judgemental and supportive environment was
                                                                and representation on Boards of younger age ranges
  identified as the key need of young people
                                                              • Some respondents felt the community-based
• The other main issues affecting young people included
                                                                management model was not sustainable into the
  drug dealing, gangs and criminality, homelessness,
                                                                future due to difficulties recruiting new Board of
  mental health, poverty and family support issues
                                                                Management members and increased governance
  many of which services/projects struggle to address
                                                                compliance responsibilities
• The key benefits and outcomes of young people’s
  participation in youth work were judged to be               Key findings from direct consultations with
  educational, nutritional, mental health and personal        young people
  development benefits and outcomes
                                                              Some of the key findings from focus groups with young
                                                              people involved in youth services/projects included:
Key issues and challenges affecting youth services/
projects                                                      • Young people engaged in a wide range of programmes
                                                                and activities in their youth services/projects and
• The key issue affecting youth services/projects               would most like more drop-in services
  identified in the survey was lack of funding and high
                                                              • All young people would like their youth service/project
  running and rent costs
                                                                to be open more, including at weekends
• With regard to funding applications, 64.2% felt youth
                                                              • Most young people were happy with the facilities in
  services/projects should only have to apply for funding
                                                                their youth services/projects, but some would like
  every three years rather than on a yearly basis
                                                                facilities to be bigger and more youth friendly
• The main issue identified in terms of facilities was lack
                                                              • Astro-turf football pitches were the most requested
  of purpose-built youth friendly space which can impact
                                                                additional facility, with boys requesting this facility
  on the type of youth work which can be provided
                                                                more than girls
• Categorising target groups of young people was
                                                              • Young people said the best thing about their youth
  identified as a challenge
                                                                service/project was having a space to hang out with
• Some youth services/projects highlighted lack of              their friends, food, cooking, youth workers, trips, new
  opening hours at weekends as an issue                         experiences and opportunities
• The changing population of young people in the City         • According to young people, the key issues affecting
  of Dublin, e.g. the increase in population of young           them were lack of recreational facilities/activities,
  people from ethnic minority groups, was identified            alcohol and drug misuse, drug dealing, violence,
  as a challenge in some areas                                  intimidation, anti-social behaviour, crime and early
                                                                school leaving
Key challenges for Boards of Management
• The key challenges identified for Boards of
  Management were governance and compliance issues

                                                                                                                          19
You can also read