The University is committed to the safeguarding of children, young people, and vulnerable adults.
In accord with the recommendations from the Final Report of the Australian Government’s Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse (2017), the University of Divinity established a new Code of Conduct and Safeguarding Policy, in effect from 1 January 2020.
The objectives of the Safeguarding Policy are to:
- affirm the University’s commitment to safeguarding;
- support the understanding of appropriate standards of behaviour towards children, young people, and vulnerable adults;
- guide the development of systems and processes that contribute to the prevention and management of risks of abuse of children, young people, and vulnerable adults;
- encourage a culture and environment that is supportive and protective of children, young people, and vulnerable adults.
The commitment is also expressed in the University’s Responding to the Royal Commission statement.
The University of Divinity has adopted the National Principles for Child Safe Organisations, with particular focus through its work on
- Principle 1: Child safety and wellbeing is embedded in organisational leadership, governance and culture; and
- Principle 7: Staff and students are equipped with the knowledge, skills and awareness to keep children and young people safe through ongoing education and training.