City of Dublin Youth Service Board Annual Review 2016 & 2017 - CDYSB
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
City of Dublin Youth Service Board Annual Review 2016 & 2017
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
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
1CDYSB 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.
2CDYSB 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
3CDYSB 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
4CDYSB 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
5CDYSB 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.
6CDYSB 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.
7CDYSB 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
8CDYSB 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.
9CDYSB 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
10CDYSB 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.
11CDYSB 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
12CDYSB 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
13CDYSB 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.
14CDYSB 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.
15CDYSB 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.
16CDYSB 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.
17CDYSB 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
18CDYSB 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
19You can also read
