ACT Launches Reportable Conduct Scheme

If there’s one thing that’s been made clear from the recent Royal Commission, it’s that the protection of children and the reporting procedures around child abuse need to be improved.

In August 2016, largely in response to the commission, the ACT Government passed legislation designed to cast a ‘wider net’ when it comes to the scrutiny of child abuse and the protection of children within certain organisations.

The ACT Reportable Conduct Scheme will take effect from July 1 2017. The scheme is designed to ensure that there are processes in place for allegations of employee abuse of children, and that these allegations are independently reviewed.

In essence, it provides a mechanism for employers to report employee misconduct in relation to children, with the ACT Ombudsman acting in the role of independent oversight body.   

WHICH EMPLOYERS DOES THIS APPLY TO?

Certain types of employers that work with children will be covered under the scheme, including health service providers, foster care and out-of-home services, residential care providers, schools and educational services.

In general, religious organisations (other than schools), instructional services (such as teachers of sports and music), scouts/guides and universities will not be included under the scheme.

The term ’employee’ in this instance refers not only to workers but also to contractors and volunteers within the relevant organisation, whether or not they work directly with children. This means conduct may be reported even if it is of a personal and non-professional nature.

WHAT ABOUT OTHER REPORTING PROCESSES? 

It’s important to be aware that the scheme will not override other reporting obligations – such as that of suspected crime to the police, or mandatory reporting of serious abuse or neglect of children to the Child and Youth Protection Services (CYPS). However, it does cover a wider range of behaviours in relation to children, and also provides a mechanism for employers to report conduct not covered under other mandatory reporting programs.

WHAT EMPLOYERS NEED TO DO

ACT employers covered by the scheme will need to notify the Ombudsman within 30 days of suspected or actual misconduct by an employee in relation to children. These acts of misconduct include neglect, mistreatment, psychological harm, sexual misconduct or inappropriate discipline.

Employers will also need to:  

• Perform investigations into alleged reportable conduct and provide a written report to the Ombudsman.
• Report to other bodies as required – including the police, the human rights commission, CYPS and others.
• Review and amend their organisational policies and procedures where necessary.
• Inform and educate employees regarding any new or amended policies and responsibilities.

THE OMBUDSMAN’S ROLE

The scheme is designed to go beyond just reporting misconduct. For instance, the Ombudsman’s role in regard to this is also to monitor and analyse trends, share information with other authorities as required, provide guidance to organisations regarding child protection, and monitor the practices of employers in relation to child safety and prevention of abuse.

WHERE TO FROM HERE?

WISE Workplace provides independent investigation services for organisations into reportable conduct, and training on how to respond and investigate allegations.