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Safeguarding at the RAD

We are committed to putting the wellbeing of our staff, teachers and students first. Safeguarding children and young people (anyone under the age of 18) and vulnerable or ‘at risk’ adults is central to that commitment.

In Australia, Child Protection Acts apply in each state and territory, including:

  • Children and Young People Act 2008 (ACT);
  • Children and Young Persons (Care and Protection) Act 1998 (NSW);
  • Care and Protection of Children Act 2007 (NT);
  • Child Protection Act 1999 (Qld);
  • Children’s Protection Act 1993 (SA);
  • Children, Young Persons and their Families Act 1997 (Tas.);
  • Children, Youth and Families Act 2005 (Vic.);
  • Children and Community Services Act 2004 (WA).

All organisations that work with or come into contact with children should have safeguarding policies and procedures to ensure that every child, regardless of their age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation, has a right to equal protection from harm. The RAD globally has three Senior Safeguarding Officers, a Safeguarding Committee and a Safeguarding Policy and set of procedures. We also have a Safeguarding officer here in Australia.

We do not, however have the authority to investigate allegations of abuse or other safeguarding concerns. If a safeguarding concern is reported to us, we will report it to the relevant Local Authority or to the Police.

A list of Local Authorities can be found in our RAD Australia Child Protection Policy on pages 15 and 16.

Reporting concerns

Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. If you have a concern about a child, you should report it to your relevant Local Authority or to the Police. Many people worry, “What if I am wrong?” but if we take a child-centred approach to safeguarding, we should all be asking, “What if I am right?” By raising a concern, you could be protecting not just one child but future children:

  • If a child is in immediate danger, call the police on 000.
  • Contact your local child protection services. Their contact details can be found on the website for the local authority the child lives in.
  • Contact the police. They will assess the situation and take the appropriate action to protect the child.

Advice for RAD Teachers

RAD teaching members have access to a dedicated Safeguarding Hub in the Members’ Area, which outlines safeguarding requirements in accordance with best practice, as well as guidance on the principles of safeguarding and safer recruitment. We are committed to supporting and guiding teachers through their own commitment to keeping children safe whilst dancing. The Hub will be regularly updated with useful resources, training opportunities and advice on best practice.

RAD Australia Safeguarding Contact

The Designated Safeguarding Officer may be contacted as follows:

  • National Examinations Manager: (02) 9380 1908 or 0415 557 552

Communications will be treated confidentially on a ‘need to know basis’ and all Personal Information will be dealt with in accordance with the Royal Academy of Dance Privacy Statement.

Anyone can also submit a report confidentially via the following email address: tellsomebody@rad.org.au

 

Useful resources