Independent Schools Victoria Compliance Framework

Day to day operational issues including records management, food safety and privacy.

Incident Investigations

Please scroll to the bottom of the page for contacts and links

Do you need to comply?

Yes, depending on the type of incident.

Conditions of compliance

An incident is an occurrence or event that interrupts normal school procedure or precipitates an event at the school that requires intervention by teachers.

A serious incident is one that may require the involvement of an external agency or adversely affect the wellbeing of any student or the reputation of the school and requires immediate intervention by teachers.

If you have to comply, what do you have to do?

Schools should have clearly defined policies and procedures relating to the investigation of incidents in the school environment. For some incidents, such as drug dealing or sexual assault, the police and/or other agencies may need to be involved.

Staff should be made aware of the school's policies and procedures in relation to the investigation of school-related incidents. Teachers should be able to respond to incident notifications in a timely fashion and be able to take appropriate initial action when confronted with a serious incident.

What are the consequences if you don't comply?

You may be in breach of your duty of care responsibilities. You may also be in breach of various laws related to criminal activity.

Who will help you?

Independent Schools Victoria contact:

Peter Roberts
Director, School Services
Ph. 03 9825 7211
peter.roberts@independentschools.vic.edu.au

Independent Schools Victoria documents:

Illicit Drugs

Reporting Criminal Offences

Other links:

The following documents are used with the permission of CTN Training. It is recommended that schools familiarise themselves with all eight documents.

Document 1: Initial Action for Schools (PDF)

Document 2: Note Taking (PDF)

Document 3: Exhibit Management for Schools (PDF)

Document 4: The Investigator (PDF)

Document 5: Interview Questions Overview (PDF)

Document 6: Natural Justice (PDF)

Document 7: Diversion Options for Drug Offenders (PDF)

Document 8: Photography (PDF)

Submitted 8/9/2006, edited 18/12/2008