Integrity Code consultation

Minimum standard 4 requires an organisation to notify us about serious integrity issues.

The purpose of notifying us is to:

• help us perform our monitoring role and, if necessary, step in to resolve or investigate the issue
• help build a more accurate understanding of serious issues in the sector and how often they happen.

To comply, organisations must notify us:

• of issues of serious concern
• when it imposes a suspension or exclusion under the Integrity Code.

This definition does not mean that other matters are not also serious. An organisation may still contact us about other serious issues but it is not required to unless it falls within the definition in the Integrity Code.

Notifying us does not mean we will necessarily intervene. However, it ensures we are aware of the issue and, if required, can work with the organisation on appropriate next steps.

The notification must be made as soon as practicable after the organisation becomes aware of the issue. Even if the organisation intends to address the matter itself, it must notify us.

The definition of issues of serious concern includes:

• abuse, intimidation or violence affecting one or more children, young people, or vulnerable adults
• sexual misconduct
• any prohibited behaviour that gives rise to an imminent risk of serious harm to a participant
• an organisation breaching its obligations in relation to safeguarding children, young people and vulnerable adults
• retaliation or victimisation in breach of the Act.