ChildSafe Briefing for Boards and Leadership Teams 2026067W

Date and time

Wednesday 22 July 2026, 7.30am to 9.00am

Delivery mode

Online

Audience 

Board Members and Senior Leadership

Cost 

Course Fees: Free event for ISV Members

Description

The ChildSafe Briefing for Boards and Leadership Teams is a strategic session designed for board members, principals and senior leaders within independent schools to strengthen governance and leadership responsibilities for child safety. The briefing explores how school leadership shapes a culture where the safety and wellbeing of students is prioritised across all areas of the school community. Participants examine the Child Safe Standards and the practical systems, policies and governance practices required to embed child safety within school operations, decision-making and oversight. The session supports school leaders to understand their accountability in creating environments where students feel safe, staff are supported to act appropriately, and child safety is consistently reflected in the school’s culture, policies and daily practice.

Key takeaways 

• Understand the governance and leadership responsibilities of school boards and senior leadership teams in relation to student safety and wellbeing.
• Identify how the Child Safe Standards apply within an independent school context.
• Recognise the role of school leadership in shaping a culture where child safety is prioritised across the school community.
• Understand key reporting obligations and oversight responsibilities relating to child safety concerns or incidents.

Participants who successfully complete the program will be awarded a ChildSafe Certificate of Completion (in partnership with Independent Schools Victoria), recognising their engagement in professional learning relevant to their role in supporting child safety and wellbeing in a school setting.

The certificate reflects the development of knowledge and capability in child safety responsibilities, appropriate behaviours, and responding to concerns

Presenter information

Mal MacDowall

Mal has over 25 years of experience empowering businesses by providing solutions to challenges they face. Having grown up around and volunteered in camping and children’s ministry, Mal has experienced the practical challenges of implementation at a grassroots level. Mal is passionate about helping organisations, clubs, and churches on their journey of safety for children and vulnerable people.

While at ChildSafe, Mal is working with thousands of organisations to discover how to apply Child Safety in their context. He is passionate about keeping children and young people safe and empowering organisations to undertake this important task.