Public Policies

Statement in response to the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse

The Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse was established in 2013 and issued reports between 2015 and 2017, containing over 400 recommendations.

Radford College is committed to implementing and supporting the Royal Commission’s recommendations, to enhance a culture of safety for children in our community. The College will not accept any form of child abuse. All children have a right to be safe and protected, to ensure their physical and mental wellbeing within and external to our community no matter what their culture, ability, ethnicity, gender, political or other opinions are. The College will work together with the Government and community to protect children and young people to ensure their full development.

The College accepts responsibility for ensuring that its facilities, curriculum and programs meet the compulsory standards. Radford College has implemented policies and procedures to ensure these responsibilities are met. This includes:

• Working with Vulnerable People (WWVP) – College policies and practices meet the ACT Government requirements for background checks for employees and voluntary workers at the College.

• Mandatory Reporting – All adults are mandated to report situations where they form a belief on reasonable grounds that a child or young person has experienced sexual or physical abuse or neglect. The College has appointed Child Protection Officers (Assistant Head of Junior School and Assistant Principal Students) who have the attributes, experience and training required to deal with child protection and safety issues. College staff are provided with regular training and updates regarding their responsibilities.

• Reportable Conduct Scheme – The College is required to report allegations or convictions of misconduct involving children.

• Radford College supports and is compliant with the work of the ACT Teacher Quality Institute (TQI). All College teachers are registered with the Institute.

• The Radford College curriculum equips students with the necessary behavioural skills and technical knowledge to ensure positive and safe online use. It is also proactive in providing age-appropriate education about sexuality and healthy relationships.

• Radford College employs qualified counsellors to provide initial support and guidance for children and young people affected by sexual assault.

• Radford College staff abide by a Code of Conduct.

• Radford College has a Child Protection Policy.

• Regular review and updates of College policies and procedures ensure compliance with the laws, regulations and standards of child protection.