The VRQA is now working with co-regulator, the Industry Engagement and Enforcement Operation (IEEO), to make sure independent schools continue to comply with Victorian Government public health orders in place to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.
The IEEO delivers intelligence-led engagement activity through the Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions (DJPR) and enforcement activity through the Department of Justice and Community Safety (DJCS) and regulatory partners. Its job is to assure the Victorian Government that businesses and organisations, including schools, comply with COVID-19-related public health orders. The IEEO will be in operation until at least June 2022.
The IEEO and VRQA approach to enforcement is to support schools to achieve compliance. The VRQA also exchanges COVID-19-related compliance intelligence with co-regulator WorkSafe.
IEEO inspection and enforcement activity will typically be undertaken in close cooperation with the VRQA, and will centre on COVID Safety requirements detailed in the current Guidelines to the Minimum Standards and Requirements for School Registration, including:
- mandatory vaccination requirements
- COVIDSafe plans
- mask wearing compliance (where relevant).
Government and Catholic school compliance with COVID-19 Safety requirements are monitored through existing review body arrangements with the Department of Education and Training (DET) and the Catholic Education Commission of Victoria (CECV).
For more information on the IEEO's remit, inspection strategy and cooperation with the VRQA, see: