Policy statement

All people, regardless of their age, gender, race, religious beliefs, disability, sexual orientation, or family or social background, have equal rights to protection from abuse, harassment or exploitation.

The purpose of the Child Safe and Vulnerable Persons Policy is to demonstrate the Australian Sewing Guild’s (The Guild's) commitment to the safety and wellbeing of children, young people and vulnerable people. This policy outlines the responsibilities of all office bearers and members in ensuring the safety and wellbeing of children, young people and vulnerable people and provides practical guidance for embedding safe practices into Guild meetings and events.

The Guild commits to promoting and protecting the welfare and human rights of people that interact with, or are affected by, our work - particularly those that may be at risk of abuse, harassment, discrimination or exploitation. The Guild values and respects children, young people and vulnerable people and welcomes them regardless of their abilities, age, gender, sexual orientation or social, economic or cultural/religious background. We have no tolerance for any risk of harm, or actual harm, including abuse, discrimination, exploitation, bullying or harassment. We will listen and act upon any concerns that are raised with us.
The Guild has a process for managing incidents that must be followed when one arises.

Scope

This policy applies to all Guild office-bearers, volunteers, members, industry partners and contractors, because they all share responsibility for protecting everyone from abuse, harassment, discrimination or exploitation.

The Board of Directors, Group Coordinators and organisers of Guild events or meetings have specific responsibilities, and they must carry out their duties without exception.

Definitions

Vulnerable person	Anyone 18 years or over who: is unable to take care of themselves/ protect themselves from harm or exploitation; or due to their gender, mental or physical health, disability, ethnicity, religious identity, sexual orientation, economic or social status, or as a result of disasters and conflicts, are deemed to be at risk.
Child, children or young person(s)	Any person who is under the age of 18 years
Persons with disability	A person who has long-term physical, mental, intellectual or sensory impairment, which in interaction with various barriers may hinder their full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others.
Cultural safety	An environment where culturally diverse people feel safe and secure in their identity, culture and community.
Harm	Physical harm or psychological harm (whether caused by an act or omission) and includes such harm caused by sexual, physical, mental or emotional abuse.
Abuse, harassment or exploitation	All forms of physical and mental abuse, exploitation, coercion or ill-treatment. This might include, for example: Sexual harassment, bullying or abuse; Sexual criminal offences and serious sexual criminal offences; Threats of, or actual violence, verbal, emotional or social abuse; Coercion and exploitation;  Abuse of power
Discrimination	The unjust or prejudicial treatment of different categories of people, especially on the grounds of race, religion, age, gender, sexual orientation or disability.

Roles and responsibilities

1.       The Guild board of Directors is responsible for overseeing policy compliance and for ensuring that:
2.      Group Coordinators and event or meeting organisers are responsible for:
3.      All members, office-holders and volunteers must:

Reporting and managing incidents

Harassment, abuse and exploitation are all serious misconduct and The Guild reserves the right to:

• Take disciplinary action against those it believes are responsible, which may include cancellation of membership;
• Report the matter to law enforcement or statutory bodies with responsibility for safeguarding children and vulnerable persons.

Reporting suspected incidents

All members, office-holders, volunteers and contractors must, as soon as practicable, report any suspicion that an incident has taken place, may be taking place, or could take place. They may do this through direct reporting to any member of The Guild Board, the Group Coordinator or event/meeting organiser.

If a person believes that another person is at risk of immediate harm or the victim of a criminal offence, they must dial 000.

Responding to suspected incidents

All suspected, perceived, potential or actual incidents must be reported to The Guild Board.

The Board will manage reported incidents through an incident response plan.

All personal information considered or recorded will respect the privacy of the individuals involved unless there is a risk to someone’s safety.

Privacy

All personal information collected is to be stored, used and disclosed in strict confidence and in accordance with the Australian Privacy Principles and the Privacy Act 1988. The assessment and formal investigation of complaints may involve the collection and use of personal information. Personal information may be disclosed to relevant authorities where required through voluntary reporting of suspected or alleged harm or abuse.

External reporting

The Guild Board will report any suspicion of a criminal offence to the police or the relevant criminal judicial body.

Relevant legislation

Commonwealth	Anti-discrimination Act 1977 Age Discrimination Act 2004 Disability Discrimination Act 1992 Sex Discrimination Act 1984 Racial Discrimination Act 1975 Crimes Act 1914 Criminal Code Act 1995 Criminal Code Act 1995 (Protection of children)
Australian Capital Territory	Working with Vulnerable People (Background Checking) Act 2011 Children and Young People Act 2008
Northern Territory	Care and Protection of Children Act 2007
New South Wales	Child Protection (Working with Children) Act 2012 Children and Young Persons (Care and Protection) Act 1998
Queensland	Working with Children (Risk Management and Screening) Act 2000 Child Protection Act 1999
South Australia	Children and Young People (Safety) Act 2017 Child Safety (Prohibited Persons) Act 2016
Tasmania	Registration to Work with Vulnerable People Act 2013 Education and Care Service National Law (Application) Act 2011
Victoria	Working with Children Act 2005 Children, Youth and Families Act 2005
Western Australia	Working with Children (Criminal Record Checking) Act 2004 Children and Community Services Act 2004