Waves Resilience Policies

Child Safety Policy

Waves Resilience

Reviewed: October 2026

Scheduled for Review: October 2027

Child Safety Policy 

PURPOSE

At Waves Resilience we believe that every child regardless of gender, race, country of origin, socio-economic status, or religious belief, has the right to be safe, be respected, be protected, be valued, be seen, and be heard. Our policy guides staff, volunteers and students on how to honour and fulfil these beliefs and rights with children and youth connected to our business.

Waves Resilience is committed to encouraging Workers, Volunteers, Children, Carers or Community Members to raise any concerns or provide their views on the well-being of children engaged with Waves Resilience including any perceived risks to a child's safety or signs of abuse or harm.

1.1 AIMS

The Policy aims to ensure Waves Resilience is a child safe business by: 

providing a safe, inclusive and respectful environment for all children involved in our programs

proactively preventing child abuse 

ensuring all parties are aware of their responsibilities in protecting children from harm 

providing guidance to staff/volunteers/contractors as to interventions required when abuse is suspected within or outside the business

1.2 DEFINITIONS

Child means a person below the age of 18.

Child protection means any responsibility, measure or activity undertaken to safeguard children from harm.

Child Abuse and Neglect is maltreatment of a person under the age of 18 years. It is the result of action or inaction on the part of a person who has responsibility to care for a child resulting in harm or injury to the child. The harm may include delayed physical and/or intellectual development. The maltreatment experienced is normally described in five categories. Each category of maltreatment is described by a range of indicators.

Physical abuse ‐ occurs when a child has experienced severe and/or persistent ill‐treatment. It can include, but is not limited by injuries such as cuts, bruises, burns and fractures caused by a range or acts including beating, shaking, illicit administration of alcohol and other drugs, attempted suffocation, excessive discipline or physical punishment.

Emotional abuse is a sustained, repetitive, inappropriate, ill treatment of a child or young person through behaviours including threatening, belittling, teasing, humiliating, bullying, confusing, ignoring and inappropriate encouragement. Children who have been emotionally abused are likely to have a reduced capacity to experience a range of emotions, to express emotion appropriately and to modulate their emotional experience. Children who have been emotionally abused are likely to be fearful, withdrawn and/or resentful, distressed and despairing.

Sexual abuse covers a wide range of behaviour or activities that expose or subject a child to sexual activity that is exploitative and/or inappropriate to his/her age and developmental level. These behaviours include observation or involvement with inappropriate fondling of a child’s body, making a child touch an adult’s genitalia, showing pornographic material or sexual acts to a child, and sexual penetration of the child. Harm from sexual abuse may include significant emotional trauma, physical injury, infections and impaired emotional and psychological development.

Psychological abuse is the sustained, repetitive, inappropriate, ill treatment of a child or young person through behaviours including threatening, isolating, neglecting, discrediting, misleading, disregarding, ignoring and inappropriate encouragement. This abuse damages a child’s intellectual faculties and processes, including intelligence, memory, recognition, perception, attention, imagination and moral development. Children are likely to feel worthless, flawed, unloved, unwanted, endangered or only of value in meeting another’s needs.

Neglect is the failure of a parent/caregiver to provide a child with the basic necessities of life. These include adequate supervision, adequate food or shelter, suitable clothing, effective medical, therapeutic or remedial care and emotional security. Neglect can be acute, chronic or episodic, and can result in detrimental effects on the child or young person’s social psychological, educational or physical development and/or physical injury. Neglect should be considered in the context of physical, emotional or psychological abuse.

Cultural Safety is an environment that is safe for people: where there is no assault, challenge or denial of their identity, of who they are and what they need. It is about shared respect, shared meaning, shared knowledge and experience, of learning, living and working together with dignity and truly listening.

Staff means anyone who works or volunteers for the Business: be they contractor, regular or otherwise.

1.3 SCOPE OF THE POLICY

This policy applies to all members of the Waves Resilience Community. This includes all staff of Waves Resilience, volunteers, work experience students, individual contractors and consultants, supporters, partners and sponsors. It covers information about the process of recognising and reporting child abuse, sexual abuse or neglect.

Waves Resilience is currently operated by a sole trader (the Team Leader). Provisions in this policy that refer to staff, volunteers, contractors or work experience students apply whenever other people are engaged. Young people who take part in the program as Assistants, as a pathway to leadership, are children and young people under this policy and are protected by it in the same way as all other participants. Assistants may occasionally receive a small honorarium for a task; their parents or carers sign for it.

Part 2: POLICY

2.1 CHILD SAFE COMMITMENT, RECRUITMENT, SELECTION AND STAFF SUPERVISION

Waves Resilience is committed to encouraging Workers, Volunteers, Children and Carers to raise any concerns or provide their views on the well-being of children engaged with Waves Resilience including any perceived risks to a child's safety or signs of abuse or harm. 

Waves Resilience will:

regularly survey and talk to children and carers about child-safety matters including informing children about relevant government and non-government services available to them

provide a copy of our Child Safe Policy and Framework upon request by external community members 

provide Carers with a contact from Waves Resilience who is available to speak with them or to facilitate speaking with their children at any time during the operating hours of the business

2.1A In the event that Waves Resilience is recruiting via job advertisements: 

2.1A.1 All job advertisements will refer to Waves Resilience’s commitment to safeguarding children and young people and reference this policy. 

2.1A.2 All recruited staff will be required to read, agree to and sign the Child Safe Code of Conduct and other related Policies.

2.1A.3 All potentially successful applicants (staff and volunteers) will be asked whether they have ever been a subject of an employer investigation or been charged with a criminal offence involving children, violence, drug dealing or dishonesty. 

2.1A.4 A minimum of two reference checks are to be conducted for all applications who are being considered for employment before they are contracted. These should not be written references. Referees should be contacted via telephone. The results of these are to be documented and evaluated prior to any employment voluntary or paid. 

2.2 WORKING WITH CHILDREN CHECK & POLICE CLEARANCE

It is a legal requirement under the Child Protection (Working With Children) Act 2012 that any person working with children must have a WWCC Clearance.

All employees and volunteers whose roles involve direct contact with children and/or young people as part of their role with Waves Resilience are required to obtain a Working With Children Check (WWCC). If for any reason a WWCC Clearance number has been refused, the individual cannot work with children and/or young people and will be removed from all roles at Waves Resilience that require direct contact with children and young people. 

It is the responsibility of the individual to ensure that their WWCC is valid and renewed when necessary. 

The status of current staff’s Working With Children Checks will be monitored annually by the Team Leader. 

The Team Leader’s own Working With Children Check is also recorded and its expiry date is diarised, so that it is renewed before it lapses. Assistants who are under 18 are not required to hold a Working With Children Check; they take part as young people in the program and are supported by the Team Leader.

Waves Resilience will maintain a database of all employees and volunteers who work directly with children and young people. The information held on the database will include the individual’s full name, aliases, date of birth, WWCC Clearance number, WWCC date of expiry, information provided in statutory declarations, and any other relevant information. This information will be stored confidentially in line with privacy requirements.

Prior to commencing employment, all Waves Resilience employees are required to provide a current Working with Children Check in accordance with the Working With Children legislation, as well as a National Police Clearance issued within three months. 

Exclusions from employment findings on a police check may include criminal histories of: 

child abuse

child/adult sexual abuse or assault

violence

child pornography or internet offences involving children

an undeclared criminal record of any sort

misleading or dishonest information

Other areas of concern may be:

substance abuse

major dishonesty

An applicant should not be automatically excluded from a position on the basis of having a criminal record. They may include charges for criminal activities that do not necessarily pose a risk to children eg shoplifting. Important factors to take into account are: 

the nature of the offence in relation to the nature of the position being offered

the length of time since the offence took place, as well as the age at which it was committed

whether there is evidence of an extended criminal history

severity of punishment imposed ie whether they were convicted, found guilty etc

An applicant should have the opportunity to present a case as to their suitability regarding the above.  

2.3 INDUCTION 

All new staff and contractors are to participate in formal induction within 30 days of their appointment and are provided with access to documentation outlining Waves Resilience’s policies and operating procedures including this Policy as well as the Waves Resilience Child Safe Code of Conduct. 

All new staff members and volunteers, during their induction, are also made aware of the risk of child abuse, indicators of child abuse and mandatory notification obligations and responsibilities. 

The Team Leader will refresh their own child protection and mandatory reporting knowledge each year when this Policy is reviewed, and will keep a record of the training completed.

2.4 PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS 

Whilst employed, engaged or representing Waves Resilience, all individuals will adhere to these principles:

Treat all children and young people with respect regardless of race, skin colour, sex, language, disability, religion, political or other opinion, national, ethnic or social origin, property, birth or other status.

Provide a welcoming, inclusive and safe environment for all children, young people, parents/guardians, community members, personnel, associates and representatives of Waves Resilience. 

Report all concerns and issues to the Team Leader.

Communicate clearly and undertake all tasks in an honest and transparent manner.

Exercise caution in using institutional authority. Positions of authority are not to be used for abusive, exploitative, intimidating, or manipulative purposes.

Maintain professional relationships and clear social boundaries with children and young people.

Abide by the Waves Resilience Child Safe Code of Conduct (Attachment 1)

2.5 CONFIDENTIALITY

Waves Resilience staff who have access to information regarding suspected or disclosed child abuse have a clear obligation to observe appropriate confidentiality in relation to the entire matter and an obligation to ensure that this information is kept secure and not communicated beyond mandatory reporting and staff reporting processes.

2.6 PROTOCOLS

It should be noted that it is the policy of Waves Resilience that: 

Staff members do not contact students directly on their personal mobile devices or other direct communication channels without the knowledge and permission of the child’s parent/guardian and this communication must be strictly restricted to practical elements of Waves Resilience programs i.e. asking whether the child/young person wants to attend a Waves Resilience training session, relaying times, what to bring, how to download their app etc. This communication should also be made with parents/guardians at the same time.

Staff members do not use their private vehicles to transport participants without the permission of the child’s parent/guardian

Staff members do not invite children into their homes

Staff members do not visit children inside their homes without the permission of the child’s parent/guardian

2.7 DIGITAL, PRIVACY AND INFORMATION SAFETY

Waves Resilience will:

only take, keep or share photos, video or audio recordings of children with the informed consent of the child and their parent/guardian, and only for the purposes explained to them

not publish identifying information about a child (such as full name, school or where they live) without the consent of the child and their parent/guardian

communicate with children by phone or online only in line with section 2.6 and the Child Safe Code of Conduct

keep information about children (including enrolment, health, incident and evaluation information) secure, share it only with people who need it or where the law requires, and keep only what is needed

explain to children and their parents/guardians how information collected for program evaluation or funding reports will be used, and respect their choice about taking part

act promptly if information about a child is lost or shared by mistake, including telling the people affected

2.8 CULTURAL SAFETY AND INCLUSION

Waves Resilience is committed to the cultural safety of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people, and to a program that is welcoming and inclusive of every child, including children from diverse backgrounds and children with disability. Waves Resilience will:

respect and support each child’s connection to family, community and culture

seek advice from local Aboriginal community members and organisations about cultural safety in the program, and review that advice each year

welcome families, carers and community members to take part in activities

make reasonable adjustments so that children with disability or additional needs can take part safely

Part 3: PROCEDURES (These are also documented in the Child Safety Framework, which contains more detail and should be read and implemented together with this policy.) 

3.1 RECOGNITION AND SUSPICION OF ABUSE OR NEGLECT 

A child or young person may disclose information about abuse or neglect, either privately or publicly. A staff member/volunteer may perceive there is a concern or believe they have evidence of abuse or neglect. 

The staff member/volunteer may confidentially consult with another staff member/volunteer before they make the formal notification to the Team Leader

Confidentiality is paramount, and the staff member/volunteer must not investigate child abuse or neglect matters.

3.2 REPORTING ABUSE OR NEGLECT  

3.2.1 A staff member/volunteer who observes or becomes aware through a child’s disclosure of physical, emotional or psychological abuse or neglect must report concerns to the Team Leader. 

3.2.2 A young person or child who becomes aware of physical, emotional or psychological abuse or neglect of a child must report to a staff member or volunteer who will then report the concerns to the Team Leader. 

3.2.3 Where there are reasonable grounds to suspect that a child is at risk of significant harm, the Team Leader reports the matter to the Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) Child Protection Helpline on 132 111 (or by eReport) under the Children and Young Persons (Care and Protection) Act 1998 (NSW). The NSW Mandatory Reporter Guide (reporter.childstory.nsw.gov.au) is used to help decide whether a report is required.

3.2.4 Under section 316A of the Crimes Act 1900 (NSW), any adult who knows, believes or reasonably ought to know that a child abuse offence has been committed against a child must report that information to NSW Police as soon as practicable, unless they have a reasonable excuse. Section 43B of the Crimes Act also requires a person in authority in an organisation that engages workers in child-related work to act to reduce or remove a known serious risk that a worker will commit a child abuse offence. If a child is in immediate danger, call 000.

3.3 DISCLOSURE IN PRIVATE 

3.3.1 If a child or young person discloses a situation of abuse to a staff member/volunteer, their role is to reassure and support the child or young person in their decision to disclose. They must assure the child or young person that they have a right to feel safe. 

3.4 DISCLOSURE IN PUBLIC – PROTECTIVE INTERRUPTION

It is possible that a child or young person may start to disclose in a class or with a group of other students. If disclosure begins in a public arena, it is important to use the strategy of protective interrupting.

3.5 ALLEGATION AGAINST A STAFF MEMBER OR VOLUNTEER

In the event that allegations are made against a Waves Resilience staff member or volunteer, the business is required to immediately suspend that person from all activities involving the direct supervision of, and/ or direct contact with, children and young people. 

Reinstatement of a staff member or volunteer may only occur after any and all allegations against that person have been dismissed or cleared to the satisfaction of the Team Leader of Waves Resilience and any authorised interveners involved in investigations. 

In the event that the allegations are made against the Team Leader, all activities of the Business will cease. Consultation will be made with the Supervisory Group of Waves Resilience who can, if necessary, manage any necessary communications and procedures at their expert discretion. 

The Supervisory Group is made up of experienced workers who have agreed to take the above responsibilities and to manage communications if the business owner is incapacitated. This group is made up of between 2 and 3 person’s experienced in working with children in child focused services. The make up of the Supervisory Group may change from time to time. The names of the Supervisory Group are published on the Waves Resilience website.

3.6 REPORTING FOLLOWING A DISCLOSURE

Once disclosure has been made, the staff member/volunteer needs to determine the child or young person’s immediate need for safety and to consider the emotional state of the child or young person. The staff member needs to: 

Ensure the child is safe in the immediate future

Refer the matter to the Team Leader as soon as possible 

4 DOCUMENTATION

4.1 At the earliest opportunity (within 24 hours) the staff member/volunteer must fill out a Child Safety Incident Report (see attachment 2) about the incident including dates, the nature of the indications or disclosure, and action taken. These should be placed in a sealed envelope marked “Confidential ‐ Child Protection.” The Team Leader will ensure that any records made while waiting for initial concerns or suspicions to be supported, remain confidential.

4.2 DOCUMENTATION Responsibilities

4.2.1 Team Leader responsibility:

Once the staff member/volunteer has reported the situation further action rests with the Team Leader who will:  

Assess the report, obtained from the staff member, volunteer or external party and gather correct and concise information and statements from staff. The NSW Mandatory Reporter Guide (reporter.childstory.nsw.gov.au) is used to help determine whether a report to DCJ is required and the next steps.

Contact Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) Contact parent or parents, (if advised by the Department) Place the report in a secure place.  

Adhere to appropriate record keeping:

Ensure records relating to child abuse, alleged abuse and child safety incidents are archived in a safe and secure location (paper and electronic) for at least 45 years from the date the record was created, or longer where the law requires.

Ensure that processes have been adhered to in an honest and transparent manner, while also providing protection to all involved in the process.

If allegations of reportable conduct arise, the allegation and actions taken need to be documented in detail. It is necessary to always be mindful of confidentiality and privacy requirements and only disclose the information to relevant authorised persons.

All information is to be documented accurately and in an objective manner. All documents need to be signed and dated. 

5 DEBRIEFING

5.1 It is imperative for staff member/volunteer’s well‐being that after a disclosure, she or he seeks an opportunity to talk to somebody as soon as possible. The Team Leader is the most suitable person, however, if staff prefer to debrief with someone else, they must be mindful that the issues of confidentiality are paramount to protect the child or young person.

6 MANAGEMENT OF EXTERNAL PARTIES

6.1 It is extremely important that staff or volunteers are mindful of the damage that can be caused through gossip and innuendo. 

6.2.1 Waves Resilience staff members/volunteers are advised to not inform parents that their child/ren have been maltreated. It is recommended that officers of the DCJ undertake this task as they are trained and experienced in dealing with these situations and any questions the family may have. 

6.2.2. Details which would identify the alleged perpetrator, or the children and young people involved in allegations, should not be disclosed to parents of other children attending Waves Resilience activities. Discuss any plans to advise parents of these concerns with DCJ before you take this action. 

6.2.3. Staff who are not immediately involved in the allegation may need to be informed that an allegation has been made. Unless staff are briefed, they will not be aware what procedures Waves Resilience is implementing and will not be able to respond appropriately to parent concerns and other issues as they arise. 

6.2.4. Staff directly involved in the supervision of the person or involved in providing care to the child/ren affected by the maltreatment may need additional information to enable them to fulfil their duties. 

6.2.5. The decisions of what to tell staff and when to tell them needs careful consideration to ensure confidentiality is maintained and any investigations are not compromised. Staff should consult with the Supervisory Group, if it is involved in the investigation, before providing information to staff. 

6.2.6. Children and young people who have been maltreated may be traumatised or develop behaviours that require additional support. It is important that staff are aware of these issues and monitor the children’s behaviour. The DCJ can assist Waves Resilience staff attend to the needs of these individual children and young people. 

6.2.7. Allegations of maltreatment against a staff member of a service will normally cause strong responses from other staff members. These may include: 

Loyalty to the colleague who is the alleged perpetrator.

Disbelief and/or anger towards the child and/or the investigating authorities.

Disgust at the idea that a child in their care could be maltreated.

Confusion and mixed loyalties to the child/ren and the staff member.

Fear that an accusation could be made against them.

Sense of failure for not protecting children in their care. 

It is important that during and after an investigation of maltreatment, staff have an opportunity to be debriefed to enable them to deal with these emotions. 

6.2.8. Allegations of maltreatment in a children’s service are contentious and extremely emotional and may attract media attention. The Supervisory Group will advise and assist at their professional discretion.

7 INDICATORS OF POSSIBLE CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT- Refer to Waves Resilience Child Safety Framework Document

8 MONITORING OF POLICY

This Child Safety Policy is evaluated on annual basis by the Business owner/Team Leader. Staff are advised of revisions and updates to the policy and it is their responsibility to be aware of all changes. 

We are guided by legislation, standards and principles including: 

 The 10 Child Safe Standards under the Children’s Guardian Act 2019 (NSW), as set out by the NSW Government Office of the Children’s Guardian and informed by the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse, drawing on its findings, research and consultation about what makes business’s child safe.  

The 10 National Principles for Child Safe Organisations, which are adopted under the Commonwealth Child Safe Framework and apply to Commonwealth-funded activities through the child safety obligations in our funding arrangements (the National Principles are listed in the Child Safety Framework).

As a provider of recreational programs for children in NSW, Waves Resilience implements the NSW Child Safe Standards through this Policy, the Child Safety Framework, the Child Safe Code of Conduct, the Complaints Handling Policy and section 11 and the Risk Register, and reviews them annually.

Waves Resilience welcomes feedback on its policies and practice and will ensure feedback is analysed to inform continuous improvement. 

Waves Resilience Policies including the Child Safety Policy are available on the Waves Resilience website at https://www.coequal.com.au/waves-policies.

9 BREACH OF POLICY

If staff members or volunteers breach this policy they may be subject to disciplinary actions. 

10. Risk Management

10.1 Review Child Safety Risks annually via reviewing this policy and it’s implementation.

10.2 Contact with children is to be conducted in visible places, usually at the beach and in open public places.

10.3 Some Waves Resilience activities involve the Team Leader driving a child or young person alone in the Team Leader’s vehicle, and some support sessions are one-to-one. This is part of how the program works and is managed as follows:

10.3.1 Parents and carers give written permission at enrolment for children to travel in the vehicles of Waves Resilience staff to and from sessions, and parents and carers are aware when a session is one-to-one.

10.3.2 Trips outside usual Waves Resilience activities (for example court, medical or other service appointments) are discussed with the parent or carer beforehand, and a record is kept.

10.3.3 Trips and one-to-one sessions take place at, or on the way to, public or service locations where other people are usually present.

10.3.4 The Team Leader keeps a trip log recording who was in the vehicle and which sessions or supports they attended.

10.3.5 Children use a seatbelt or appropriate restraint.

10.3.6 Children and families are told they can raise any concern with the Team Leader or through the Complaints Handling Policy, including by contacting the Supervisory Group.

10.4 Children can be accompanied by parents or guardians at anytime and this is welcomed and parents/guardians can also participate in Waves Resilience activities and counselling/mentoring sessions.

10.5 The Risk Register records, for each risk, existing controls, the residual risk rating, planned treatments, the risk owner, the treatment due date and the review date. Child safety risks are grouped under six areas: people and workforce safety; reporting and response; program supervision and practice; physical and environmental safety; digital, privacy and information safety; and cultural safety, inclusion and governance.

10.6. Refer to Waves Resilience Risk Register for more risk management connected to the program.

11. COMPLAINTS AND CONCERNS

11.1 Waves Resilience has a Complaints Handling Policy, which, with the other Waves Resilience policies and procedures, is available at https://www.coequal.com.au/waves-policies and sets out how complaints are made and handled, including timeframes. In summary, anyone, including a child, young person, Assistant, parent, carer, worker or community member, can raise a concern or make a complaint about the safety of a child or the conduct of anyone connected with Waves Resilience. Concerns can be raised in person, by phone, by message or in writing, with the Team Leader, using the contact details published on the Waves Resilience website and provided to families. A child does not need an adult to raise a concern for them, and may bring a support person. Parents, carers and participants are directed to these policies and procedures on the website through the permission form and in verbal and written introductions to Waves Resilience.

11.2 Concerns and complaints are taken seriously, handled promptly and kept confidential. The person raising the concern will be listened to without blame, will not be pressured, and will be told what happens next and what is being done, unless that would put someone at risk or interfere with an investigation. Complaints are handled in a way that puts the child’s safety and wellbeing first.

11.3 If a concern involves suspected abuse or a risk of significant harm to a child, the reporting process in Part 3 and the Child Safety Framework applies, including reports to the DCJ Child Protection Helpline and NSW Police where required.

11.4 If the complaint is about the Team Leader, or the person does not want to raise it with the Team Leader, they may contact the Supervisory Group (names published on the Waves Resilience website) or an external body: the NSW Office of the Children’s Guardian (ocg.nsw.gov.au); the DCJ Child Protection Helpline (132 111); NSW Police (Police Assistance Line 131 444, or 000 in an emergency); or Kids Helpline (1800 55 1800), which children can call for free at any time.

11.5 Concerns, complaints and the action taken are recorded and kept securely in line with section 4.2.1, and are reviewed each year to improve how Waves Resilience keeps children safe.

Attachment 1

Waves Resilience | CHILD SAFE CODE OF CONDUCT

All paid and unpaid staff, including volunteers, interns or trainees of Waves Resilience are responsible for the safety and wellbeing of children and young people who engage with Waves Resilience. All paid and unpaid staff are expected to act in accordance with this Code of Conduct in their physical and online interactions with children and young people under the age of 18 years.

I will:

Act in accordance with Waves Resilience’s child safety and wellbeing policies and procedures at all times.

Behave respectfully, courteously and ethically towards children and their families and towards other staff.

Listen and respond to the views and concerns of children, particularly if they communicate (verbally or non-verbally) that they do not feel safe or well.

Promote the human rights, safety and wellbeing of all children in Waves Resilience.

Demonstrate appropriate personal and professional boundaries.

Consider and respect the diverse backgrounds and needs of children.

Create an environment that promotes and enables children’s participation and is welcoming, culturally safe and inclusive for all children and their families.

Involve children in making decisions about activities, policies and processes that concern them wherever possible.

Contribute, where appropriate, to Waves Resilience policies, discussions, learning and reviews about child safety and wellbeing.

Identify and mitigate risks to children’s safety and wellbeing as required by Waves Resilience’s risk assessment and management policy or process.

Respond to any concerns or complaints of child harm or abuse promptly and in line with Waves Resilience’s policy and procedure for receiving and responding to complaints.

Report all suspected or disclosed child harm or abuse as required by New South Wales and federal legislation and by Waves Resilience’s policy and procedure on internal and external reporting.

Comply with Waves Resilience’s protocols on communicating with children.

Comply with state and federal legislation and Waves Resilience’s policies and procedures on record keeping and information sharing.

I will NOT:

Engage in any unlawful activity with or in relation to a child.

Engage in any activity that is likely to physically, sexually or emotionally harm a child.

Unlawfully discriminate against any child or their family members.

Be alone with a child unnecessarily.

Arrange personal contact, including online contact, with children I am working with for a purpose unrelated to Waves Resilience’s activities.

Disclose personal or sensitive information about a child, including images of a child, unless the child and their parent or legal guardian consent or unless I am required to do so by Waves Resilience’s policy and procedure on reporting.

Use inappropriate language in the presence of children, or show or provide children with access to inappropriate images or material.

Work with children while under the influence of alcohol or prohibited drugs.

Ignore or disregard any suspected or disclosed child harm or abuse.

If I think this Code of Conduct has been breached by another person at Waves Resilience I will:

Act to prioritise the best interests of children.

Take actions promptly to ensure that children are safe.

Promptly report any concerns to the Team Leader at Waves Resilience.

Follow Waves Resilience’s policies and procedures for receiving and responding to complaints and concerns.

Comply with state and federal legislation if relevant, and with Waves Resilience’s policy and procedure on internal and external reporting.

I agree to abide by this Code of Conduct during my employment with
Waves Resilience.

I understand that breaches of this Code of Conduct may lead to disciplinary action or termination of my employment with
Waves Resilience.

.........................................................................
Signature

.........................................................................
Full Name

.............................................

Date

Attachment 2

Waves Resilience | CHILD SAFETY INCIDENT REPORT

Complete within 24 hours of the incident, disclosure or concern. Record facts only, in the child’s own words where possible, without interpretation. Place the report in a sealed envelope marked “Confidential – Child Protection” and give it to the Team Leader.

Date and time of incident, disclosure or concern

Location

Report completed by (name and role)

Child’s name and age

Parent/carer name and contact (if known)

What was seen, heard or disclosed (child’s own words where possible; facts only)

Who else was present or may know about it

Action taken to keep the child safe

Reported to (Team Leader; DCJ Child Protection Helpline 132 111; NSW Police; other) – date, time and reference number

Parent/carer informed? (only if advised by DCJ or Police) – who, when

Follow-up needed and by whom

Signature and date

Child Safety Framework

Waves Resilience

Reviewed: October 2026

Scheduled for Review October 2027

CHILD SAFETY FRAMEWORK

Waves Resilience

Waves Resilience is committed to encouraging workers, volunteers, children, young people, carers or community members to raise any concerns or provide their views on the well-being of children engaged with Waves Resilience including any perceived risks to a child's safety or signs of abuse or harm.

This document outlines a framework for Waves Resilience’s Child Safety Policy requirements and provides guidance for its implementation. 

The purpose is to protect children and young people from the risk of harm and abuse, and support Waves Resilience staff and volunteers in their work with children and young people to understand and implement due diligence in situations that involve identifying and/or reporting child safety concerns. 

Waves Resilience is currently operated by a sole trader (the Team Leader). References in this Framework to staff, volunteers and contractors apply whenever other people are engaged.

1. RECOGNITION OR SUSPICION OF CHILD SAFETY CONCERNS

All incidents disclosures or suspicions of harm are to Waves Resilience are taken seriously and actioned immediately.

A disclosure or suspicion can often arouse strong feelings in the person to whom the disclosure or observation is being made. Such reactions may include shock, anger and helplessness. It is important for the staff member/volunteer to be aware and in control of these feelings and ensure that they are dealt with following the disclosure.  

A staff member/volunteer is never responsible for investigating his or her suspicions or the child or young person’s disclosure and the minimum amount of information is to be collected. Other agencies or individuals have this responsibility.  

If a child or young person discloses harm, only ask open questions to confirm the need to report the matter. Waves Resilience employees/volunteers should avoid asking probing questions as this could cause distress, confusion and interfere with any later enquiries.

For instance, Waves Resilience employees/contractors/volunteers should ask non-leading questions such as “What happened then?” or “Can you tell me about that?”, as opposed to leading questions such as “Did X touch you?”

1.1 DISCLOSURE IN PRIVATE 

If a child or young person discloses a situation of abuse to a staff member/volunteer, their role is to reassure and support the child or young person in their decision to disclose. They must assure the child or young person that they have a right to feel safe. 

It is not easy for a child or young person to disclose abuse or neglect as they may previously have been coerced, bribed or threatened into secrecy. They may need repeated reassurance that they are believed and that it was right to tell.  

Sometimes a child or young person will try to elicit a promise that the staff member/volunteer not tell anyone about the disclosure. Do not make this promise. If this happens it is important to explain that you have concerns about their safety and that you have to take action to ensure that they will be protected from further abuse.  

1.2 DISCLOSURE IN PUBLIC – PROTECTIVE INTERRUPTION 

It is possible that a child or young person may start to disclose in a class or with a group of other students. If disclosure begins in a public arena it is important to use the strategy of protective interrupting: 

acknowledge that you have heard the child or young person and stop them disclosing any further, be supportive and gently indicate that they may want to talk to you about it in a more private situation  

quietly arrange to see the child or young person as soon as possible, away from other students  

do not allow other children or adults to ask questions or make judgments 

A staff member/volunteer’s role is to listen actively to what the child or young person is saying but not push for details.  

1.3 SUSPICIONS OF CHILD SAFETY CONCERNS

Waves Resilience employee/volunteers may have ‘reasonable grounds’ to suspect harm if: 

Someone else, for example, another child or young person, a parent, or a staff member, tells Waves Resilience employees/volunteers that harm has occurred or is likely to occur 

 A child or young person informs Waves Resilience employees/volunteers they know someone who has been harmed. (It is possible the child may be referring to themselves)

Waves Resilience employees/volunteers are concerned at significant changes in the behaviour of a child or young person, or the presence of new unexplained and suspicious injuries, and/or 

Waves Resilience employees/volunteers witness the harm occurring. If this is the case, intervene immediately, provided it is safe to do so. If it is unsafe, call the police. 

1.4 INDICATORS OF POSSIBLE CHILD ABUSE OR NEGLECT

The following list of indicators of child abuse and neglect should be used as a guide only and are not exhaustive but contain those indicators which will be of most use to Waves Resilience staff members/volunteers. Indicators need to be considered in the context of their consistency with a child's developmental stage, medical history and social context. Any of these indicators may suggest that a child is being or has been abused or neglected. Some indicators may also suggest other emotional trauma. With young children their play or drawings often represent the trauma they are experiencing, and they do not always have the language to express themselves. They may not be aware that what is happening is not normal.

Sexual Abuse

Physical Indicators 

- Genital or anal bleeding

- Signs of pain or discomfort in the genital or anal areas
- Pregnancy
- Unexplained difficulty in walking or sitting

Behavioural Indicators 
- Disclosure of involvement in sexual activity
- Inappropriate interest or knowledge of sexual matters
- Reports of sexual assault or inappropriate sexual behaviour to a staff member 

- Changes in academic performance

Physical Abuse

Physical Indicators 
- Unexplained bruises and welts, particularly on face, lips, mouth, back, torso or on several different body parts
- Shaped or linear bruising

- Unexplained burns shaped or linear 
- Unexplained fractures
- Injuries in various stages of healing

Behavioural Indicators 
- Fear of adults, particularly parents
- Startled reflex, cringes when sudden movement by adult 
- Behavioural extremes, withdrawn or aggressive 
- Afraid to go home 
- Reports of injury from child 
- Changes in academic performance

Emotional Abuse

Physical Indicators 
- Speech disorders
- Failure to thrive
- Lags in physical development 

Behavioural Indicators
- Habit behaviours not consistent with developmental stage
- Conduct disorders, destructive, violent 
- Behavioural extremes 
- Changes in academic performance 

 Neglect

Physical Indicators 
- Consistent hunger 
- Unattended physical or medical problems

- Inadequate clothing 
- Abandonment 

Behavioural Indicators 

- Constant fatigue 
- Developmental delays 
- Changes in academic performance

2. PROCESS FOR REPORTING FOLLOWING A DISCLOSURE OR SUSPICION 

Waves Resilience requires all employees and volunteers to inform the Team Leader (Sole Trader) of any concerns that they may have about a child or young person. The Team Leader should be informed of any serious concerns, particularly where a child is considered to be at significant risk of harm. Where the threshold for significant risk of harm is reached, the Team Leader is required under the Children and Young Persons (Care and Protection) Act 1998 (NSW) to report the matter to the Department of Communities and Justice (NSW). Where the threshold for significant harm is not met, advice should be obtained from the Team Leader in order to take appropriate action to most effectively assist the child. 

The Team Leader uses the NSW Mandatory Reporter Guide (reporter.childstory.nsw.gov.au) to help decide whether a report is required, and reports to the DCJ Child Protection Helpline on 132 111 (or by eReport).

Under section 316A of the Crimes Act 1900 (NSW), any adult who knows, believes or reasonably ought to know that a child abuse offence has been committed against a child must also report that information to NSW Police as soon as practicable, unless they have a reasonable excuse. If a child is in immediate danger, call 000.

2.1 SAFETY OF CHILD OR YOUNG PERSON

Once disclosure has been made or suspicion has been observed, the staff member/volunteer needs to determine the child or young person’s immediate need for safety and to consider the emotional state of the child or young person. 

The staff member needs to:  

• Ensure the child is safe in the immediate future 

• Refer the matter to the Team Leader as soon as possible  

2.2 DOCUMENTATION 

2.2.1 STAFF/ VOLUNTEER RESPONSIBILITY:

At the earliest opportunity (within 24 hours) the staff member/volunteer must fill out a Child Safety Incident Report about the incident including dates, the nature of the indications or disclosure, and action taken. 

These should be placed in a sealed envelope marked “Confidential.” The Team Leader will ensure that any records made while waiting for initial concerns or suspicions to be supported, remain confidential.  

2.2.2 TEAM LEADER RESPONSIBILITY:

Once the staff member/volunteer has reported the situation further action rests with the Team Leader), who will:  

Assess the report, obtained from the staff member, volunteer or external party and gather correct and concise information and statements from staff. 

Contact Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) Contact parent or parents, (if advised by the Department) Place the report in a secure place.  

Adhere to appropriate record keeping:

Ensure records relating to child abuse, alleged abuse and child safety incidents are archived in a safe and secure location (paper and electronic) for at least 45 years from the date the record was created, or longer where the law requires.

Ensure that processes have been adhered to in an honest and transparent manner, while also providing protection to all involved in the process.

If allegations of reportable conduct arise, the allegation and actions taken need to be documented in detail. It is necessary to always be mindful of confidentiality and privacy requirements and only disclose the information to relevant authorised persons.

All information is to be documented accurately and in an objective manner. All documents need to be signed and dated.

2.3 DEBRIEFING 

It is imperative for staff member/volunteer’s well‐being that after a disclosure, she or he seeks an opportunity to talk to somebody as soon as possible. The Team Leader is the most suitable person, however, if staff prefer to debrief with someone else, they must be mindful that the issues of confidentiality are paramount to protect the child or young person. 

3. MANAGEMENT OF EXTERNAL PARTIES 

It is extremely important that staff or volunteers are mindful of the damage that can be caused through gossip and innuendo.  

3.1 SAFETY OF PARENTS, CARERS OR GUARDIANS

Waves Resilience staff members/volunteers are advised not to inform parents, carers or guardians that their child/ren have been maltreated. It is recommended that officers of the DCJ undertake this task as they are trained and experienced in dealing with these situations and any questions the family may have.  

Details which would identify the alleged perpetrator, or the children and young people involved in allegations, should not be disclosed to parents of other children attending Waves Resilience activities. 

Discuss any plans to advise parents of these concerns with the Team Leader and/or the DCJ before you take this action.  

3.2 SAFETY OF STAFF

Staff who are not immediately involved in the allegation may need to be informed that an allegation has been made. Unless staff are briefed, they will not be aware what procedures Waves Resilience is implementing and will not be able to respond appropriately to parent concerns and other issues as they arise.  

Staff directly involved in the supervision of the person or involved in providing care to the child/ren affected by the maltreatment may need additional information to enable them to fulfil their duties.  

The decisions of what to tell staff and when to tell them needs careful consideration to ensure confidentiality is maintained and any investigations are not compromised. Staff should consult with the Supervisory Group, if it is involved in the investigation, before providing information to other staff members.  

Children and young people who have been maltreated may be traumatised or develop behaviours that require additional support. It is important that staff are aware of these issues and monitor the children’s behaviour. The DCJ can assist Waves Resilience staff attend to the needs of these individual children and young people.  

It is important that during and after an investigation of maltreatment, staff have an opportunity to be debriefed to enable them to deal with these emotions.  

4. RISK MANAGEMENT 

 Waves Resilience personnel will undertake risk assessments on all programs and activities that have contact with children. The assessments should identify risks, classify any high risk activities, and implement steps to reduce or remove these risks. 

Among our risk management we adhere to legislation, standards and principles including:

The 10 Child Safe Standards under the Children’s Guardian Act 2019 (NSW), as set out by the NSW Government Office of the Children’s Guardian and informed by the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse, drawing on its findings, research and consultation about what makes organisations child safe.  

1. Child safety is embedded in organisational leadership, governance and culture

2. Children participate in decisions affecting them and are taken seriously

3. Families and communities are informed and involved

4. Equity is upheld, and diverse needs are taken in to account

5. People working with children are suitable and supported

6. Processes to respond to complaints of child abuse are child focused

7. Staff are equipped with the knowledge, skills and awareness to keep children safe through continual education and training

8. Physical and online environments minimise the opportunity for abuse to occur

9. Implementation of the Child Safe Standards is continuously reviewed and improved

10. Policies and procedures document how the organisation is child safe

The 10 National Principles for Child Safe Organisations, adopted under the Commonwealth Child Safe Framework and applied to Commonwealth-funded activities through child safety obligations in funding arrangements:

1. Child safety and wellbeing is embedded in organisational leadership, governance and culture

2. Children and young people are informed about their rights, participate in decisions affecting them, and are taken seriously

3. Families and communities are informed and involved in promoting child safety and wellbeing

4. Equity is upheld and diverse needs respected in policy and practice

5. People working with children and young people are suitable and supported to reflect child safety and wellbeing values in practice

6. Processes for complaints and concerns are child focused

7. Staff and volunteers are equipped with the knowledge, skills and awareness to keep children and young people safe through ongoing education and training

8. Physical and online environments promote safety and wellbeing, while minimising the opportunity for children and young people to be harmed

9. Implementation of the national child safe principles is regularly reviewed and improved

10. Policies and procedures document how the organisation is safe for children.

Waves Resilience also takes account of the Commonwealth Child Safe Framework and the child safety obligations in its funding arrangements. As a provider of recreational programs for children in NSW, it implements the NSW Child Safe Standards through the Child Safety Policy, this Framework, the Child Safe Code of Conduct and the Risk Register.

The Waves Resilience Risk Register is reviewed annually. It records existing controls, residual risk ratings, planned treatments, risk owners, treatment due dates and review dates, and groups child safety risks under six areas: people and workforce safety; reporting and response; program supervision and practice; physical and environmental safety; digital, privacy and information safety; and cultural safety, inclusion and governance.

5. COMPLAINTS AND CONCERNS

Concerns and complaints from children, young people, families, carers and others are handled under the Waves Resilience Complaints Handling Policy and section 11 of the Child Safety Policy. Where a concern involves suspected abuse or a risk of significant harm, the reporting process in section 2 of this Framework also applies.

Waves Resilience Privacy Policy

Waves Resilience is committed to providing quality services to you and this policy outlines our ongoing obligations to you in respect of how we manage your Personal Information.

We have adopted the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs) contained in the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) (the Privacy Act). The NPPs govern the way in which we collect, use, disclose, store, secure and dispose of your Personal Information.

A copy of the Australian Privacy Principles may be obtained from the website of The Office of the Australian Information Commissioner at www.aoic.gov.au

What is Personal Information and why do we collect it?

Personal Information is information or an opinion that identifies an individual. Examples of Personal Information we collect include: names, addresses, email addresses, phone and facsimile numbers.

This Personal Information is obtained in many ways including [permission forms, interviews, correspondence, by telephone and facsimile, by email, via our website, via our apps,] and from third parties. We don’t guarantee website links or policy of authorised third parties.

We collect your Personal Information for the primary purpose of providing our services to you, providing information to our clients and marketing. We may also use your Personal Information for secondary purposes closely related to the primary purpose, in circumstances where you would reasonably expect such use or disclosure. You may unsubscribe from our mailing/marketing lists at any time by contacting us in writing.

When we collect Personal Information we will, where appropriate and where possible, explain to you why we are collecting the information and how we plan to use it.

Sensitive Information

Sensitive information is defined in the Privacy Act to include information or opinion about such things as an individual's racial or ethnic origin, political opinions, membership of a political association, religious or philosophical beliefs, membership of a trade union or other professional body, criminal record or health information.

Sensitive information will be used by us only:

• For the primary purpose for which it was obtained

• For a secondary purpose that is directly related to the primary purpose

• With your consent; or where required or authorised by law.

Third Parties

Where reasonable and practicable to do so, we will collect your Personal Information only from you. However, in some circumstances we may be provided with information by third parties. In such a case we will take reasonable steps to ensure that you are made aware of the information provided to us by the third party.

Disclosure of Personal Information

Your Personal Information may be disclosed in a number of circumstances including the following:

• Third parties where you consent to the use or disclosure; and

• Where required or authorised by law.

Security of Personal Information

Your Personal Information is stored in a manner that reasonably protects it from misuse and loss and from unauthorised access, modification or disclosure.

When your Personal Information is no longer needed for the purpose for which it was obtained, we will take reasonable steps to destroy or permanently de-identify your Personal Information. However, most of the Personal Information is or will be stored in client files which will be kept by us for a minimum of 7 years.

Access to your Personal Information

You may access the Personal Information we hold about you and to update and/or correct it, subject to certain exceptions. If you wish to access your Personal Information, please contact us in writing.

Waves Resilience will not charge any fee for your access request, but may charge an administrative fee for providing a copy of your Personal Information.

In order to protect your Personal Information we may require identification from you before releasing the requested information.

Maintaining the Quality of your Personal Information

It is an important to us that your Personal Information is up to date. We will take reasonable steps to make sure that your Personal Information is accurate, complete and up-to-date. If you find that the information we have is not up to date or is inaccurate, please advise us as soon as practicable so we can update our records and ensure we can continue to provide quality services to you.

Policy Updates

This Policy may change from time to time.

Privacy Policy Complaints and Enquiries

If you have any queries or complaints about our Privacy Policy please contact us at:

Waves Resilience
Phil@coequal.com
0427697173

COMPLAINTS HANDLING POLICY – Waves Resilience

Reviewed: October 2026

Scheduled for Review: October 2027

DEFINITIONS

Worker means any person that performs work for Waves Resilience including but not limited to:

• Business Owner/Team Leader

• employees (permanent and casual)

• volunteers

• contractors and sub-contractors

• work experience students/interns/secondments/student placements.

Child means a person under the age of 18.

Complaint means an expression of dissatisfaction (including by a Child or Carer or anyone on their behalf) about Waves Resilience's Workers or practices where a response or resolution is explicitly or implicitly expected or legally required and is to be distinguished from:

• feedback about Waves Resilience’s practices or Workers where a response is not explicitly or implicitly expected or legally required

• reports of problems or wrongdoing merely intended to bring an issue to Waves Resilience's notice with no expectation of a response.

SCOPE

This Policy applies to all Complaints about Waves Resilience's Workers or practices.

This Policy applies to Complaints made by or on behalf of Children, Carers, community members and Workers. Waves Resilience is currently operated by a sole trader (the Team Leader); provisions about Workers apply whenever other people are engaged. It operates together with the Waves Resilience Child Safety Policy and Child Safety Framework, which apply to any concern or Complaint involving the safety of a Child.

PURPOSE

Waves Resilience is strongly committed to the safety and well-being of all Children that it engages with by creating and maintaining a Child-safe environment.

Waves Resilience is committed to ensuring that all Complaints made about its Workers and practices, including in relation to Complaints involving Children, are dealt with fairly, efficiently and effectively in order to:

• protect the welfare and safety of Children that Waves Resilience engages with

• ensure public confidence in Waves Resilience’s Workers and practices

• assist Waves Resilience to improve the quality of its Workers and practices.

POLICY

Organisational commitment

Waves Resilience is committed to fair, effective and efficient Complaint handling while at the same time recognising:

• its responsibilities to perform its core functions in the most effective and efficient way possible

• the importance of the health, safety and security of its Workers

• the need to allocate resources fairly across multiple Complaints.

Waves Resilience expects that the Team Leader will promote a culture that values Complaints and their effective resolution including where appropriate by:

• providing a copy of this policy to anyone who requests it, and making it available at https://www.coequal.com.au/waves-policies.

• keeping records on Waves Resilience’s Complaint handling and reporting publicly if required.

• providing adequate support and direction to any staff responsible for Complaint handling

• regularly reviewing reports about Complaint trends and issues arising from Complaints

• encouraging Workers to be alert to Complaints and assist those responsible for handling Complaints to resolve them promptly

• encouraging Workers to make recommendations for system improvements and acting upon those recommendations

• recognising and rewarding good Complaint handling.

Waves Resilience expects that all Workers will understand and comply with Waves Resilience’s Complaint Handling Policy and Procedure including where appropriate by:

• treating complainants with respect

• assisting people to make a Complaint, if needed

• being alert to Complaints and assisting Workers handling Complaints to resolve Complaints promptly

• providing feedback to management on issues arising from Complaints and/or ways to improve Waves Resilience's Complaints Handling Procedure

• implementing changes arising from Complaints as required.

1. Guiding principles

Waves Resilience is committed to facilitating the making of Complaints by:

• making information available about its Complaint handling process and how Complaints can be made, including anonymously

• respecting complainants and ensuring they do not suffer detriment by reason of having made a Complaint or having had one made on their behalf

• protecting the identity of complainants where this is practical and appropriate.

Waves Resilience is committed to responding to Complaints in an appropriate manner by:

• promptly acknowledging receipt of Complaints

• assessing and prioritising Complaints in accordance with the urgency and/or seriousness of the issues raised

• managing expectations by informing complainants of the Complaint Handling Procedure including expected time frames, the progress of the Complaint and reasons for any delay, the complainant's likely involvement in the process where appropriate, the possible or likely outcome and, if Waves Resilience is unable to deal with any part of the Complaint, providing advice about alternative avenues of redress

• addressing each Complaint in a fair, objective and unbiased manner

• adopting a flexible approach to Complaint handling

• resolving Complaints in a timely manner

• providing complainants or their representatives with information regarding the outcome of a Complaint.

Waves Resilience is committed to managing the parties to a Complaint by:

• where a Complaint is made about Waves Resilience's practices or Workers and an external organisation (such as a Complaint involving a contractor), working with the other organisations where possible, to ensure proper communication with the complainant and/or their representative subject to privacy and confidentiality considerations

• where similar Complaints are made by multiple parties establishing a representative of the group with whom to communicate, where possible

• where Waves Resilience considers that a Complaint is not genuine or where a complainant has acted unreasonably, by taking proactive and decisive action to manage such conduct and to protect its Workers.

HOW TO MAKE A COMPLAINT

Anyone can make a Complaint, including a Child, Carer, community member or Worker. A Complaint can be made in person, by phone, by message, by email or in writing, anonymously, or through someone who speaks for the person, such as a support person, family member or advocate. A Child does not need an adult’s permission or help to make a Complaint and may bring a support person of their choice. Contact details for the Team Leader are provided to families.

TIMEFRAMES

Waves Resilience aims to:

• acknowledge every Complaint within 2 working days (immediately, if it involves the safety of a Child)

• give the complainant the outcome, or a progress update and the reason for any delay, within 20 working days

• tell the complainant what will happen next, unless doing so would put someone at risk or interfere with an investigation.

COMPLAINTS INVOLVING THE SAFETY OF A CHILD

Any Complaint that involves abuse, harm or a risk of harm to a Child, or the conduct of a Worker towards a Child, is dealt with immediately under the Child Safety Policy and Child Safety Framework. This includes making a report to the Department of Communities and Justice Child Protection Helpline (132 111) and/or NSW Police where required. The matter is not delayed until the Complaint process is finished, and Waves Resilience does not investigate alleged abuse itself; that is for the authorities. A Worker who is the subject of an allegation is removed from contact with Children while the matter is dealt with (Child Safety Policy, section 3.5).

Complaints from Children are handled in a child-focused way. The Child is listened to, taken seriously, not blamed, and supported. They are told in age-appropriate language what will happen next.

IF THE COMPLAINANT IS NOT SATISFIED, OR DOES NOT WANT TO COMPLAIN TO THE TEAM LEADER

A complainant may contact the Supervisory Group (see below) or an external organisation:

• NSW Office of the Children’s Guardian – ocg.nsw.gov.au

• DCJ Child Protection Helpline – 132 111 (24 hours)

• NSW Police – Police Assistance Line 131 444, or 000 in an emergency

• Kids Helpline – 1800 55 1800 (free, 24 hours, for children and young people).

RECORDS

Complaints, the action taken and the outcome are recorded and kept securely and confidentially. Records of Complaints involving Children, including allegations of abuse or harm, are kept for at least 45 years (Child Safety Policy, section 4.2.1). Records are reviewed at least annually to identify trends and improvements.

PERSON RESPONSIBLE

The Team Leader of Waves Resilience will be responsible for management of Waves Resilience’s Complaint Handling Procedure. If the Complaint is about the Team Leader and it is not appropriate for them to handle the Complaint, the complaint will be referred to the Supervisory Group of Waves Resilience (the names of its members are published on the Waves Resilience website). To contact the Supervisory Group directly, please email: ed.u.playillawarra@gmail.com

POLICY REVIEW PROCESS

This Policy will be reviewed annually and the Team Leader will undertake to incorporate feedback from Children, Carers and Workers.

USEFUL CONTACTS

Anyone can contact these services at any time, including to raise a concern about Waves Resilience:

• Emergency (police, fire, ambulance): call 000.

• NSW Police, non-urgent: Police Assistance Line 131 444, or report online at portal.police.nsw.gov.au. Crime Stoppers (to give information anonymously): 1800 333 000.

• Child Protection Helpline (NSW Department of Communities and Justice): 132 111, open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week (TTY 1800 212 936). Use this to report a child at risk of significant harm.

• NSW Office of the Children’s Guardian: (02) 8219 3600, Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 4:50pm. Website: ocg.nsw.gov.au (online contact form at ocg.nsw.gov.au/contact-us). Postal address: Locked Bag 5100, Strawberry Hills NSW 2012.

• Kids Helpline (for children and young people aged 5 to 25): 1800 55 1800, free, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. WebChat at kidshelpline.com.au.

Waves Resilience - Workplace, Health and Safety Policy

Purpose

The Workplace, Health and Safety Policy (WHS) supports the health and safety management system at Waves Resilience? and describes the relevant responsibilities and accountabilities under this system to ensure compliance with the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (NSW) (the Act).

Scope

This policy applies to all staff, affiliates and contractors (hereafter 'workers'), participants, officers of the organisation and visitors to the organisation when undertaking work, activities and or function at, or on behalf of Waves Resilience (or 'the organisation’).

The Business Owner (Team Leader) is the Safety Officer of the organisation, for the purpose of this policy.

Principles

Waves Resilience is committed to ensuring the health, safety and wellbeing of its workers, participants and visitors in line with its values and strategy.

Waves Resilience will manage risk to prevent serious injury that impacts the health, safety and wellbeing of staff, participants or individuals.

Workers, participants and visitors have a collective and individual responsibility to adhere to safe work and study practices to prevent injuries and illnesses and act in compliance with the Act. The success of the organisation's health and safety management system depends on the commitment, cooperation and input of all those under the scope of this policy.

Waves Resilience recognises its responsibilities to comply with the requirements of the Act and aims to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health and safety of workers, participants and visitors by:

complying with all applicable legislation

integrating health and safety risk management practices into its operations, and functions with a focus on continuous improvement

ensuring that effective consultation and communication mechanisms are implemented, monitored and improved to ensure general understanding of the health and safety management system

providing a safe environment for work and study (including safe plant, structures and safe systems of work)

ensuring the safe use, handling and storage of plant, structures and substances

providing adequate facilities for the health and safety at work of workers, students and visitors

monitoring the health of workers and the conditions at the workplace as part of an illness and injury prevention strategy

providing relevant information, training, instruction or supervision to workers and where appropriate, students, affiliates and visitor

managing any accidents and incidents that occur, in order to minimise harm and prevent recurrences

allocating appropriate resources to facilitate the fulfilment of the organisation's health and safety responsibilities.

Policy statements

The Act sets out the broad responsibilities for the Person Conducting Business or Undertaking (PCBU) (henceforth 'the organisation'). Whilst tasks related to fulfilling these responsibilities may be performed by others, the responsibilities themselves cannot be delegated, transferred or contracted out.

Officers of the organisation must exercise due diligence (defined in section 27(5) of the Act) to ensure the organisation complies with its duties or obligations.

Workplace Health and safety responsibilities

Risk Management Officer (Team Leader)

The Risk Management Officer has primary responsibility for overseeing, delegating, facilitating and coordinating the workplace health and safety management tasks and protocols, which includes:

supporting staff and contractors in meeting their health and safety objectives

referring to external bodies (such as the Safe Work NSW and NSW Health) in the fields of work health and safety, and risk management

providing a workplace injury management and return to work program that assists staff to promptly return to safe and durable work following injury or illness

managing the organisation's workers' compensation insurance strategy and procedures

monitoring compliance through the regular auditing of equipment and facilities

providing information and training resources to assist colleagues and contractors

advice and guidance to key stakeholders to strengthen awareness of the compliance requirements of Waves Resilience's health and safety procedures.

ensuring that appropriate resources and processes are allocated to eliminate or minimise risks to health and safety that may arise as part of the organisation's operations

ensuring that the organisation has appropriate processes for receiving and considering information regarding incidents, hazards and risks and responding in a timely way to that information

ensuring that the organisation has processes for complying with any duty or obligation under the Act such as:

reporting notifiable incidents

consulting with workers and affiliates

ensuring compliance with notices issued under the Act

ensuring the provision of training and instruction to workers about work health and safety.

Workers

In taking responsibility for health and safety at Waves Resilience, workers (including contractors and casuals) must:

take reasonable care of, and cooperate with actions taken to protect, the health and safety of both themselves and others

follow safe work practices as provided by the Risk Management Officer, including the proper use of any personal protective equipment supplied

seek information or advice before performing new or unfamiliar tasks

report all health and safety accidents, incidents and hazards to the Risk Management Officer as soon as is practicable

comply with workplace injury management and return to work programs

follow the emergency evacuation procedures and any instructions given by emergency personnel

Visitors or participants

In taking responsibility for health and safety at Waves Resilience, visitors and participants must:

undertake the necessary health and safety induction training when coming onto an activity location

take reasonable care of, and cooperate with actions taken to protect, the health and safety of both themselves and others

report all health and safety accidents, incidents and hazards to a staff member as soon as is practicable

follow the emergency evacuation procedures and any instructions given by emergency personnel.

6. Definitions

The following definitions apply for this policy:

Officers are as defined by section 9 of the Corporations Act 2001 (Cwlth) as persons who make, or participate in making, decisions that affect the whole or a substantial part of the business.

Participant means any member of the public undertaking an activity with Waves Resilience? workers.

PCBU is defined as 'persons conducting a business or undertaking' as defined in section 5 of the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (NSW). In this policy, the organisation (Waves Resilience?) is the PCBU.

Plant includes any machinery, equipment, appliance, container, implement and tool, and any component of any of those things, and anything fitted or connected to any of those things.

Risk management is defined as the identification, evaluation, and prioritisation of risks followed by coordinated and economical application of resources to minimise, monitor, and control the probability or impact of unfortunate events or to maximize the realization of opportunities. For the specific purposes of this policy, in includes the 'coordinated activities to direct and control an organization with regard to risk' (Australian/New Zealand Standard AS/NZS ISO 31000:2018 Risk management — Guidelines).

Reasonably practicable is as defined in section 18 of the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (NSW) as ' …that which is or was at a particular time, reasonably able to be done in relation to ensuring health and safety, taking into account and weighing up all relevant matters including:

the likelihood of the hazard or risk concerned occurring, and

the degree of harm that might result from the hazard or risk, and

what the person concerned knows or ought reasonably to know about the hazards and risks and ways of eliminating or minimising those risks, and

the availability and suitability of ways to eliminate those risks, and

after assessing the extent of the risks and the availability of ways of eliminating or minimising those risks, the costs associated with available ways of eliminating or minimising those risks, including whether the costs are grossly disproportionate to the risk’.

Structures means anything that is constructed, whether fixed or movable, temporary or permanent, and includes components of a structure and any part of a structure.

Visitor means any member of the public visiting or transiting the campus.

Worker is as defined in section 7 of the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (NSW), and includes people carrying out work in any capacity for UTS, including UTS staff, contractors/subcontractors and their employees, employees of labour hire companies who have been assigned to work at UTS, outworkers, apprentices, trainees, work experience students at UTS, and volunteers (including members of the UTS Peer Network).

Nikke Gladwin

Honora Jenkins

Jenny Briscoe-Hough

See below