Reporting or making a complaint
Reporting or making a complaint
Employees are encouraged to report incidents of discrimination or harassment as soon as possible. This helps the department to:
- address individual incidents
- identify systemic issues
- create safe, respectful and inclusive workplaces.
All employees can report unlawful behaviour in eduSafe Plus (staff login required)(opens in a new window). Employees can choose to make a report to their regional office if they prefer not to report to their principal.
eduSafe Plus reports to principals are visible to the principal and their relevant delegates. Employees can follow detailed guidance available in the eduSafe Plus knowledge bank to make a report to their regional office that is not visible to their principal.
At any time, employees may make a complaint to a relevant external organisation. For unlawful behaviours this may include:
- Australian Human Rights Commission(opens in a new window)
- Fair Work Commission(opens in a new window)
- Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission(opens in a new window)
Employees who believe they have been the victim of a criminal offence may choose to report the matter to Victoria Police and to advise their manager or principal.
Workplace Contact Officers can provide information and guidance about how to report.
Employees reporting unlawful behaviours may wish to access Employee Wellbeing Support Services. Go to Occupational Health, Safety and Wellbeing Management in Schools for information about using these services.
If a complaint is substantiated
Where unlawful behaviour is found to have occurred, action will depend on the circumstances. Possible outcomes may include:
- an apology
- training or development activities
- disciplinary action
- termination of employment.
Managing complaints
Allegations of unlawful behaviours are managed in accordance with:
- Managing Conduct and Unsatisfactory Performance in the Teaching Service
- Managing conduct and unsatisfactory performance in the Victorian Public Service(opens in a new window)
- Complaints – Information for Employees
The department encourages resolving complaints through its internal complaints processes where appropriate.
Responsibilities of principals, managers and executives when responding to complaints
Principals, managers and executives must take immediate action when unlawful behaviour is reported, observed or brought to their attention.
They are responsible for:
- responding promptly and appropriately
- managing concerns sensitively and confidentially
- supporting affected employees
- following department policies and procedures
- addressing behaviour that may breach this policy.
Principals and managers can seek advice from the Conduct and Integrity Division about responding to complaints. Conduct and Integrity can be contacted on 03 7034 6768 or at employee.conduct@education.vic.gov.au.
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