Safeguarding

Safeguarding children and adults from abuse 

Safeguarding is grounded in the protection of human rights.

We define safeguarding as putting measures in place to promote and protect the safety, wellbeing, dignity and human rights of adults at risk, reduce their risk of harm, empower them to protect themselves and support them to live free from abuse, harm, exploitation and neglect. Safeguarding encompasses a broad continuum of activities and processes and is strongly influenced by organisational culture and leadership. (National Policy Framework for Adult Safeguarding in the Health and Social Care Sector 2025) 

All staff associated with or working with Corlann receive mandatory HSE accredited training in Safeguarding and Child Protection. Procedures are in place that must be followed if there is a concern or suspicion of abuse of any kind. 

Corlann’s policies and procedures outline: 

• Steps required for the prevention of abuse and the protection of children and adults supported by our service. 

• Procedures to follow when abuse is suspected, observed, alleged, or disclosed. 

1. National Policy and Procedure on the Welfare and Protection of Children 
2. National Policy for the Safeguarding of Vulnerable Adults at Risk of Abuse 
3. National Procedures for the Safeguarding of Vulnerable Adults at Risk of Abuse 
4. Child Safeguarding Statement 
5. Child Safeguarding Statement (CDNT) 

What happens if there are concerns about the welfare of a child? 

If a concern arises involving the welfare of a child: 

• Immediate action must be taken to ensure the child’s safety 

• Staff must report the concern to their manager and/or the Designated Liaison Person (DLP) 

• Parents or guardians will be informed (where appropriate) 

• A written report must be completed using Tusla’s Child Protection and Welfare Report Form. (Child and Family Agency) 

• Concerns are reported directly to Tusla, who investigate and follow up 

• Where appropriate, concerns may also be reported to HIQA and the Gardaí 

What happens if a concern arises for the welfare of an adult? 

If a concern arises for the welfare of an adult supported by Corlann: 

• Immediate action must be taken where required to ensure safety 

• Staff must report this to their manager and/or the Designated Officer 

• A written Adult Safeguarding Referral Form (ASRF) must be completed 

• Family or nominated contact persons may be informed with the individual’s consent (where appropriate) 

• The Designated Officer assesses the concern and, where necessary, works in collaboration with service managers to implement a service-based safeguarding plan.

Safeguarding culture at corlann 

Safeguarding adults and children at risk is an intrinsic element of delivering quality, safe, person centred services. It is everyone’s responsibility. 

Corlann’s Safeguarding Culture Includes: 

• Rights based and person centred practice 

• Safe environments with a focus on prevention 

• Openness, transparency, learning and improvement 

• Zero tolerance for poor practice or abusive behaviour 

• Early identification of risk and effective responses 

Designated adult safeguarding officers (DOs) 

Duties include: 

• Receiving concerns or allegations of abuse 

• Ensuring policies and processes are followed 

• Meeting internal and external reporting obligations 

• Providing safeguarding training and education 

• Liaising with statutory authorities 

If an individual or family member or third party has a concern, they may report it to staff, a manager, or the Designated Officer. 

Core functions of the corlann national safeguarding team 

The National Safeguarding Team comprises the National Head of Safeguarding and all Regional Designated Officers. 

Their work is informed by national and international best practice, legislation and policy. 

Key functions include: 

• Reviewing and developing safeguarding policies and procedures 

• Attend National Safeguarding meetings on a regular basis 

• Ensuring consistent implementation across regions 

• Analysing safeguarding referrals and identifying trends 

• Identifying training needs and ensuring appropriate training 

• Ensuring compliance with statutory and regulatory bodies 

• Acting as a point of contact for staff, management and partner organisations 

• Ensuring safeguarding information is available to families and people supported 

• Keeping up to date with national policy and training developments 

Regional designated officers 

West region 

Katie Campbell – katie.campbell1@corlann.ie
(Woodlands, Renmore Co. Galway. P: 091721400) 

Olivia Williams – olivia.williams@corlann.ie 
(Woodlands, Renmore, Co. Galway P: 091721400) 

Padraig Rooney — padraig.rooney@corlann.ie 
(Lanesborough St. Roscommon, Co. Roscommon P: 0906628500) 

Clare region 

Jo Rynne – jo.rynne@corlann.ie
(Banner House, Clare Road, Ennis, Co Clare P: 065 6849400) 

Limerick region 

Karen Lyons – karen.lyons@corlann.ie
(Blackberry Park, Dock Road, Limerick P: 061308149) 

Southern region 

Kieran Barrett – kieran.barrett@corlann.ie 

(Corlann, Administration Building, Lower Glanmire Road, Glanmire, Cork T23 PW59, Phone: 021 4556248) 

South East region 

Jackie Taylor – jackie.taylor@corlann.ie (Lisduggan Lodge, Tycor Road, Waterford 051378831) 

National Head of Safeguarding 

Breda Golden – breda.golden@corlann.ie
(Kilcornan, Clarenbridge, Co. Galway, H91K2E9  P: 091-721510)