Child Protection Policy

INTRODUCTION

The English-Speaking Union (Victoria Branch) is committed to promoting and protecting the interests and safety of children. We have zero tolerance for child abuse.

We are aware of the 11 Child Safety Standards: https://ccyp.vic.gov.au/child-safe-standards/the-11-child-safe-standards/

Everyone working at The English-Speaking Union (Victoria Branch) is responsible for the care and protection of children and reporting information about child abuse.
 

PURPOSE

The purpose of this policy is:

  1. To prevent child abuse within The English-Speaking Union (Victoria Branch).
  2. To maintain an organisational culture of child safety.
  3. To ensure that all parties are aware of their responsibilities for identifying possible occasions for child abuse and for establishing controls and procedures for preventing such abuse and/or detecting such abuse when it occurs.
  4. To provide guidance to staff/volunteers/contractors as to action that should be taken where they suspect any abuse within or outside of the organisation.
  5. To provide a clear statement to staff/volunteers/contractors forbidding any such abuse.
  6. To provide assurance that any and all suspected abuse will be reported and fully investigated.
     

POLICY

The English-Speaking Union (Victoria Branch) is committed to promoting and protecting the best interests of children involved in its programs.

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

The English-Speaking Union (Victoria Branch) has zero tolerance for child abuse. Everyone working or volunteering at The English-Speaking Union (Victoria Branch) is responsible for the care and protection of the children within our care and reporting information about suspected child abuse.

Child protection is a shared responsibility between the all employees, workers, contractors, associates, and members of The English-Speaking Union (Victoria Branch) community.

The English-Speaking Union (Victoria Branch) supports and respects all children, staff and volunteers. The English-Speaking Union (Victoria Branch) is committed to the cultural safety of Aboriginal children, and those from culturally and/or linguistically diverse backgrounds, and to providing a safe environment for children living with a disability.

If any person believes a child is in immediate risk of abuse, telephone 000.

 

AUTHORISATION

Approved by the Counci of the The English-Speaking Union (Victoria Branch): 13 June 2024

 

FURTHER INFORMATION

This policy is reviewed every two years, or more frequently if required, for approval by the ESU Council.

The ESU's full Child Protection Procedures are available on request to: admin@esuvic.org.au

 

The page was created on 25 July 2025.