Legal Framework Northern Ireland

Some pieces of legislation that relate to safeguarding apply across all of the UK, but much is devolved to regional governments.

Scotland, Northern Ireland, Wales and England, each have their own unique safeguarding set-up and different governing bodies.  There are also international and country specific legislation that organisations working globally will need to consider.

The legislation means your organisation needs to have things in place to prevent harm, such as a safeguarding policy and a safer recruitment processes for workers. If not, you may be breaking the law. 

In addition to the legal requirements, there are several pieces of guidance issued by government that organisations working with vulnerable groups will need to work to.

Legislation

• Children (Northern Ireland) Order 1995
• Children’s Services Co-operation (Northern Ireland) Act 2015
• Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups (Northern Ireland) Order 2007
• Criminal Law Act (Northern Ireland) 1967
• Safeguarding Board Act (Northern Ireland) 2011

National Policy

• Adult Safeguarding: Prevention and Protection in Partnership key documents

Guidance

• Co-operating to Safeguard Children and Young People in Northern Ireland (2017)
• The Safeguarding Board for Northern Ireland inter-faith group was set up to acknowledge the important and central role, which faith communities play in the wider safeguarding agenda for children and young people throughout Northern Ireland
• Standards of care for adults in residential homes and domiciliary services can be found in guidance issued by the Department of Health and can be found at: https://www.health-ni.gov.uk/