IEU Reportable Conduct Scheme information sessions hit the road
The IEU supports the intent behind the Victorian Reportable Conduct Scheme – we’re a union of education workers, after all, our chief concern is the welfare and development of children, and is vital that there is a viable, workable process to protect them.
We cannot, however, support the current operation of the RCS, which is hurting too many good people, threatening too many careers, and costing education too many dedicated educators during a growing workforce shortage. On an almost daily basis we are being contacted by members who have had a trivial or vexatious complaint made against them, and we’re having to break the bad news to them about the extraordinarily lengthy and punitive process that they are about to be subjected to as a result.
The IEU made a detailed submission to the Victorian government, highlighting the most significant issues for our members and proposing reforms which would uphold its original purpose and eradicate unnecessary persecution of education staff.
We met with Victorian education minister Ben Carroll and the new Chair of the Victorian Catholic Education Authority (and ex-education minister and Deputy Premier) James Merlino to discuss our submission and the progress of the RCS review, and we have offered feedback to schools and employers about how to avoid unnecessary reports.
We have also lobbied employers, education authorities, the government and the media to ensure the shortcomings of the scheme were well known to decision makers delivering the review of the scheme.
That review was due last July. It was finally tabled in early May, and it appears that many of the most problematic aspects of the current scheme will remain.
The lobbying in high places has been vital work. But just as important is getting the message out to every staff member who might be the subject of a report. Many busy school staff still know little about the scheme and don’t know what to do if they are the subject of an allegation.
That’s why IEU Organisers are now hitting the road, delivering in-school presentations covering the operation of the Scheme and outlining key facts that all educators should be aware of, including the rights of anyone who is subject to an allegation. We strongly recommend that you attend a presentation if you have the opportunity to do so – use the button below to request that we run one in your school.
We are also tweaking these resources to make them relevant for staff in Tasmanian schools, where a version of the RCS has recently come into operation.
As never before, it is crucial that you are aware of how to avoid situations that may give rise to a Reportable Conduct allegation, and what to do if you are the subject of a complaint.
Top tips for educators:
We strongly advise registered teachers in Victoria NOT to hold a Working With Children Check. Your teacher registration can be used in lieu of WWCC, and holding both forms of registration can cause enormous complications and delays if an allegation is made.
Be conscious of your limits and your wellbeing. Stress and fatigue lead to mistakes, and it is far better to take leave or seek assistance than put yourself in a high-risk situation.
Be mindful and vigilant and be aware of how others might perceive your actions.
Ensure that school leadership is aware of any significant ongoing student behavioural concerns – ignoring these or trying to deal with them yourself puts you at risk.
Limit your contact with students to official channels (such as school email) and during school hours only.
Keep records of any problematic incidents and alert school leadership to any concerns.
If you are made aware of an allegation made against you, seek advice immediately. IEU members have access to expert assistance and representation at no cost – but we can’t help non-members once an allegation is made.