Goldfields Baptist College
P: 08 9022 7535
E:
P: 08 9022 7535
E:
Goldfields Baptist College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the safety, welfare and wellbeing of children and young people, and expects all staff, volunteers and contractors to share this commitment. In pursuing continuous improvement at the College, we welcome all feedback.
Our Concerns, Complaints and Disputes Policy is an essential element in the College's commitment to create a child-safe environment that is free from all forms of conflict, harassment and discrimination. While concerns, complaints and disputes or grievances will occassionally occur within the community, we strive to address these with procedural fairness, natural justice, cultural safety and, above all, in a Christ-like manner.
It should be noted that, although the College's goal is to respond to concerns and complaints by achieving restoration in all instances, the College is bound by both internal processes and external legal requirements, which must be honoured and abided by at all times.
If a significant issue emerges, which requires processes that supersede the College's Concerns, Complaints and Disputes Policy (such as matters pertaining to child protection, mandatory reporting or other criminal conduct), the College requires that mandated reporting processes are immediately and sensitively followed, in order to maintain the utmost levels of safety and care to students.
Our Concerns and Complaints Procedure flow charts show the processes for students and community members to follow, if they would like to lodge a concern or complaint.
The Director General of the Department of Education is responsible for ensuring that the school observes the registration standards, including the standard about its complaints handling system.
Any student, parent or community member is entitled to contact the Director General with concerns about how the school has dealt with a complaint. Information is available on the Department of Education website16. While the Director General may consider whether the school has breached the registration standards, she does not have power to intervene in a complaint or override the school's decision.
“I don’t want to complain as such, but there is something bothering me. What should I do?”
We are all working towards the same purpose or goal – the education and wellbeing of children within this community. If you have a concern, it is best to seek to have it resolved with the people immediately involved in the matter. This might be possible through a meeting, either formal or informal, a telephone call, or via email. At GBC, we welcome discussion with our community in whichever format can be accommodated for timely restoration.
"If I have a problem, shouldn't I just call to speak to the Principal or Deputy Principal?"
Restoration is best achieved when concerns are dealt with between the involved parties. Where possible, the resolution of concerns and restoration of relationships should occur at the lowest level appropriate in the Concerns and Complaints Procedure. If you are unsure whether your concern should be taken directly to the College Principal or Deputy Principal, please feel welcome to approach any of our staff members to ask for support in following the Concerns and Complaints Procedure.
“I am not sure whether to complain or not?”
If you have a concern, we encourage you to raise it with the College. If in doubt, remember we are here to help. Sometimes it is reassuring just to talk your concerns through with someone. If you are dissatisfied with the outcome, we want to partner with you to reach restoration, so will happily support you through our procedures in pursuit of this.
“What happens about confidentiality?”
Your personal information is always protected under the Privacy Act (1988), and any concerns you share will be treated with respect and as confidential. Knowledge of the issue will remain limited to those directly involved, unless further referral is required, which may include referral to the Chairperson of the College Board or external third parties such as the WA Police.
It is College policy that complaints do not rebound adversely on anyone. If we receive concerns or complaints at GBC, we are in pursuit of restoration, not winning. This means that, if we have an opportunity to make changes that will allow us to better meet your needs, we would like to hear about it and walk that journey with you. Restoration does not leave room for resentment or harbouring ill feelings towards others, so please don't worry that sharing a concern might lead to others treating you or someone close to you differently.