Reportable Conduct Scheme
The ACT reportable conduct scheme commenced on 1 July 2017 in response to the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse. The scheme is an employment-based child protection measure designed to ensure that allegations of abuse and certain criminal convictions are identified, reported and acted on appropriately.
Under the scheme, certain organisations that provide services for children, as well as all ACTPS Directorates, must notify the ACT Ombudsman of allegations that an employee has engaged in conduct that results in: ill treatment; neglect or psychological harm to a child; misconduct of a sexual nature; or the employee has committed criminal offences involving a child.
The definition of an ‘employee’ under the scheme includes volunteers and other persons engaged to provide services to children. The ACT Ombudsman has powers to independently oversee, monitor and report on an organisation’s investigation of allegations or convictions.
What is the purpose of the reportable conduct scheme?
The oversight role of the ACT Ombudsman provides assurance to the community that investigations into allegations of abuse by employees are independently reviewed. The scheme also supports organisations to appropriately respond to and address these allegations.
When did it start?
The scheme commenced on 1 July 2017.
How does it affect me?
All ACT employees are covered by the scheme both in their professional and private lives. It does not replace any other existing mechanisms for reporting allegations of misconduct.
All ACT employees are expected to be aware of child safety issues, and are responsible for ensuring that any allegations of reportable conduct are referred to an appropriate Reportable Conduct Contact Officer.
Who in my Directorate should I contact?
Reportable Conduct Contact Officers have been appointed in each Directorate to manage the implementation of, and ongoing responsibilities under, the scheme. If you have information in relation to an allegation of reportable conduct you should contact the relevant Reportable Conduct Contact Officer in your Directorate:
Health | CHS | TCSS | JACS | EDU | EPSD | TQI | CSD | CALVARY | CMTEDD |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
John Fletcher | Jim Tosh | Kim Ivens | Liz Beattie | Katie Dunn | Jaime Elton | Claudia Hale | Craig Rose | James Condon | Cameron Dawson |
Andrew White | Petra Crowe | Megan Moriarty | Janet Kaye | ||||||
Kalena Smitham | Steven Wright |
Where do I go for more information?
Read the ACTPS Reportable Conduct Policy {PDF103KB] Word version [259KB]
Further information about the scheme is available on the ACT Ombudsman’s website.
Employees should contact the relevant Reportable Conduct Contact Officer in their Directorate to clarify any issues. If a matter requires further clarification, the Contact Officer will approach the ACT Ombudsman.