Turn on more accessible mode
Turn off more accessible mode
Turn off Animations
Turn on Animations
Skip to main content

​Reportable Conduct Scheme

The Reportable Conduct Scheme began 1 July 2017

Under the Scheme, a head of an organisation is required to notify the Commission for Children and Young People (CCYP) of all allegations of reportable conduct by employees and volunteers.

Reportable conduct is: 

  • a sexual offence (even prior to criminal proceedings commencing), sexual misconduct or physical violence committed against, with or in the presence of a child
  • behaviour causing significant emotional or psychological harm
  • significant neglect of a child.

 

A reportable allegation means information that leads a person to form a reasonable belief that a worker or volunteer has committed: 

  • reportable conduct or
  • misconduct that may include reportable conduct.

See the VRQA’s video The Reportable Conduct Scheme in Schools: a message from the Commissioner and Young People or www.ccyp.vic.gov.au for more information.

 

What has changed?

  • Heads of organisations have a responsibility to report allegations to the CCYP within three business days of becoming aware of the allegation.
  • Heads of organisations need to notify the CCYP of all allegations of conduct that may involve reportable conduct by employees, contractors, volunteers, allied health staff and school council employees.
  • Heads of organisations are required to report all reportable allegations, no matter where it occurs.
 

What has not changed?

  • Principals' responsibilities to manage employee misconduct has not changed.
  • The Reportable Conduct Scheme has not changed a principal's mandatory reporting and other reporting obligations. Principals must contact Victoria Police if they suspect a criminal offence has occurred involving a child.
​ 
 

Who is the head of the organisation?

The head of the organisation is the person primarily responsible for an organisation’s compliance with the Reportable Conduct Scheme. Depending on the structure or type of organisation, they may be:

  • the Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
  • the Principal Officer of the organisation.
  • For government schools, the Department of Education and Training Secretary is the head of the organisation. When an allegation is reported, the Employee Conduct Branch will provide advice and support to principals on how to manage the matter and will report the allegation to the CCYP (if appropriate). The process for government schools was communicated in the DET School Update on 2 May 2017.
 
 

Why do we have a Reportable Conduct Scheme?

Following the Betrayal of Trust Report, the Victorian Government passed legislation in February 2017 to introduce a Reportable Conduct Scheme in Victoria. The Reportable Conduct Scheme complements the child safe standards and other existing child safety measures.

 
 

Useful links

The Reportable Conduct in Schools: a message from the Commissioner for Children and Young People
Taking Children’s Safety Seriously: a message from the Commissioner for Children and Young People

Further information is available at the Commission for Children and Young People. The CCYP has published a number of information sheets providing more detail.  

Page Last Updated: 23/10/2021 11:05 PM
Skip Navigation Linksconduct