The ACNC is encouraging charities to regularly review their safeguarding policies and procedures to protect people from harm.
Charities are responsible for protecting the welfare and human rights of people connected to their organisation or its work – particularly people who may be vulnerable, and at risk of abuse, neglect or exploitation.
Ineffective safeguards can result in an increased risk of harm to vulnerable people, including children, seniors and people with impaired intellectual or physical functioning.
The ACNC has resources to help charities meet their safeguarding obligations, including a template safeguarding policy and incident response plan. We also have detailed safeguarding guidance covering obligations, risks and practical steps your charity can take. See the Governance Toolkit: Safeguarding vulnerable people.
Your charity’s Responsible People, paid staff and volunteers may be required under state or territory legislation to have certain checks done before working at the charity. This could include a police check, or a Working with Children or Blue Card Check.
One way that Responsible People and other senior staff can promote a culture of safeguarding is to also complete relevant checks, even if they are not legally required to do so in their role.
The Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission has information about requirements across Australia for a Working with Children Check, and where to obtain one.
Our online safeguarding tool supports good governance by guiding charities to review policies, manage risks, and meet legal obligations. Charities can work through topics in the tool at their own pace, and print answers or action items.