ChildSafe Briefing for Boards and Leadership Teams 2026068W

Date and time

Wednesday 21 October, 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

Joel McCoy

Joel has worked with young people in a range of contexts for over 15 years. Having been a leader across a variety of sectors, including churches, camps, leadership development, and overseeing teams to deliver workshops within schools, he has a depth of understanding of the myriad of challenges young people face and the practicalities of creating safe cultures for them. He is passionate about healthy leadership and equipping organisations to work with young people in transformative and safe ways.