Child safe organisation

Addressing child safety and wellbeing 

UQ College is committed to safeguarding the safety and wellbeing of children and young people enrolled in our programs and courses. 

We recognise that everyone who works with children shares responsibility for their care. We are dedicated to maintaining a child-safe environment where risks are actively identified and managed. 

UQ College has zero tolerance for any form of abuse or harm to children. Every child has the right to feel safe, respected, and protected. 

Our child safety and wellbeing framework 

We are committed to creating and maintaining a child-safe organisation through the following actions: 

• Implementing a Child Safety and Wellbeing Policy that requires all staff, students, and contractors to behave ethically and actively identify and manage risks to children. 
• Embedding the Queensland Child Safe Standards and National Principles for Child Safe Organisations across all activities, programs and courses involving children. 
• Providing appropriate support and arrangements for international students under 18 years of age. 
• Conducting thorough screening and suitability checks for anyone engaged to work with children. 
• Maintaining and monitoring Working With Children Checks, in line with relevant legislation, including: 
• Child Protection (Working With Children) Act 2012,  
• Working with Children (Risk Management and Screening) Act 2000  
• Guidance from the Office of the Children’s Guardian 
• Complying with the Queensland reportable conduct scheme, including the investigation and reporting of allegations involving harmful conduct towards children. 

Child Safe Standards and National Principles 

Under the Child Safe Organisations Act 2024 (Qld), organisations that work with children must implement Child Safe Standards and the Universal Principle. 

These standards provide clear guidance to help organisations: 

• Build a culture that prioritises child safety and wellbeing. 
• Strengthen leadership, governance, and accountability. 
• Support staff and volunteer training and development. 
• Engage children and families in decision-making. 
• Manage complaints effectively. 
• Promote equity, inclusion, and diversity. 

Together, these standards ensure organisations take proactive steps to create safe environments for children. 

Reporting Child Safety Concerns 

All staff, students, volunteers, and contractors are required to report any concerns about child safety. 

This includes: 

• Disclosures of abuse or harm. 
• Allegations or suspicions. 
• Observations of behaviour that may indicate risk or harm. 

How to report a concern or incident 

If a child or young person is in immediate danger, call 000 for emergency services. Contacting the police is the fastest way to get help in an emergency. 

If you believe a child is at risk of serious harm (including abuse or neglect), you can contact the Qld Department of Families, Seniors, Disability Services and Child Safety for guidance and to make a formal report. 

If your concern involves a College staff member, student, or contractor, you can: 

• Contact Campus Security.
• Contact Safer Communities.
• Submit a complaint through official channels.

All concerns and allegations should be reported as soon as possible so they can be assessed, escalated, and managed appropriately. This may include reporting to external authorities where required.