The Victorian Reportable Conduct Scheme will be introduced to Central Gippsland Health in January 2018.
Health General Manager Human Resources, Kevin Gray, said the rollout of the scheme started in July this year with the aim of improving an organisation’s response to allegations of child abuse and neglect by their workers and volunteers.
The Commission for Children and Young People is the responsible body for administering the scheme.
Kevin said from 1 January 2018, the scheme would apply to all hospitals and health services. That means it will apply to all staff and volunteers who work CGH.
Kevin explains:
The Scheme requires CGH to notify the Commission about any allegations of child abuse and child related misconduct made against our employees, volunteers or contractors. It also requires CGH to undertake an investigation into any allegations and allows the Commission to oversee those investigations.
A child is regarded as anyone under the age of 18 years of age.
There are five types of reportable conduct:
- Sexual offences (against, with or in the presence of a child)
- Sexual Misconduct (against, with or in the present of a child)
- Physical Violence (against, with or in the present of a child)
- Behaviour that is likely to cause significant emotional or psychological harm
- Significant Neglect
Allegations are based on a reasonable belief that a worker, volunteer or contractor has committed a reportable conduct or misconduct that may involve reportable conduct. Allegations of a criminal nature must first be reported to Victoria Police.
Allegations of reportable conduct can be made to the General Manager Human Resources (GMHR) or your relevant Director.
Further details concerning the types of reportable conduct and the process to follow is contained within the procedure available on PROMPT (search Reportable Conduct).
Kevin said if any employees want more information, they could read the procedure available on Prompt, contact Human Resources or go to the following website:
cghsmatters 