Garda Vetting, explained. Not scary, we promise.
A background check by An Garda Síochána.
Four steps. About 20 minutes of your time.
You apply for a role
We email you a digital form
AND
One valid proof of address
*please note that only certain types of phot ID and proof of address are valid.
Your nominated Liaison Person signs off
Disclosure time
What actually shows up on a vetting?
Shows up
Does NOT show up
Things people ask us privately.
Will I see my own Disclosure?
Yes, absolutely. By law, you receive a copy of your Disclosure at the same time as the organisation. If anything on it is incorrect, you have the right to have it amended through AGS.
Who has access to my vetting information?
Only the nominated Liaison Person at the Wexford Volunteer Centre and the named contact at the organisation you are volunteering with. Vetting data is stored securely and is not shared further — not with other volunteers, not with the public.
How long is my vetting valid for?
There’s no fixed expiry date set by AGS, but most organisations re-vet volunteers every 3 years as good practice.
I was vetted for a different organisation — can I reuse it?
Generally no. A Garda Vetting Disclosure is specific to the organisation that requested it. If you are taking on a new volunteer role, you will usually need a fresh vetting through the Wexford Volunteer Centre.
What if I have something on my record? Will I be turned away?
Not automatically. Having a criminal conviction does not automatically disqualify you from volunteering but this is entirely a decision for the organisation you want to volunteer with, not Wexford Volunteer Centre.
Can I withdraw my vetting application?
Yes. You can withdraw at any time before submission by emailing manager@volunteerwexford.ie. Once submitted to An Garda Síochána, the process runs its course, but the resulting Disclosure is only shared with you and the organisation.