Child Safety Policy Update
The University recently reviewed the Child Safety policy during the first half of 2026, with input from subject matter experts, staff and students, to ensure the University is up to date with the implementation of the Victorian Child Safe Standards.
Key changes include:
- Child Safety Code of Conduct – the inclusion of a Child Safety Code of Conduct meets requirements in the Child Safety Self-Assessment Questionnaires and has been workshopped extensively. It sets out the responsibilities of every individual subject to the Child Safety Policy, when engaged in any activity for, or on behalf of the University.
- Child Safety Commitment – the addition of this overarching statement makes clear the University’s commitment to the safety of children and young people and the implementation of the Victorian Child Safe Standards.
- Updated terminology and policy references – where relevant, updates have been made to refer correctly to other University policies and statements.
- Research requirements – the policy is now aligned with the University Human Research Ethics and Safeguards policy and the National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research.
- Risk assessments – some additional information around child safety risk assessments have been added. The addition of this clause is a result of the Audit and Risk’s review into the implementation of the Child Safety policy and to ensure compliance with the Child Safety Self-Assessment Questionnaires.
- Child employment obligations – some additional details around child employment have been included to make it simpler for staff engaging with child employment to contact the Employment Compliance Directorate (ECD) so they can be supported through the relevant compliance steps. ECD must have oversight of child employment activities to meet regulatory requirements.