The Department of Education (the Department) is committed to the effective management and resolution of complaints and notifications with a focus on prioritising student wellbeing. Complaints and notifications will be managed equitably with an emphasis on maintaining relationships and restorative approaches.
Principals and line managers will:
All employees will comply with the Complaints and Notifications Framework.
A complaint to the Department includes:
An expression of dissatisfaction with an aspect of Government education made to the Department by any person other than a staff member unless the complaint relates to the staff member’s child and the child is a student at a public school, as prescribed under section 55(2)(c) of the School Education Regulations 2000 (WA). It may be general in nature and relate to matters including, but not limited to:
A notification to the Department includes:
A report by a staff member regarding the conduct or decision of a staff member, contractor, volunteer, or a business area of the Department. A notification does not include any matter that should be managed under another relevant Department framework or policy such as the the Department’s Grievance Framework, Occupational Safety and Health policy, Employee Performance policy, Equal Opportunity, Discrimination and Harassment policy or Bullying in the Workplace policy.
The Department’s values are outlined in the Code of Conduct and the Department’s priorities are promoted through its strategic directions.
The Department encourages any person, other than a staff member as described in section 235(1) of the School Education Act 1999 (WA), to make a complaint to facilitate improved learning, best practice and high-quality service delivery.
The Department strives to resolve complaints and notifications efficiently, equitably and locally where possible.
Complaints and notifications may require referral or reporting to another Division within the Department or to another agency external to the Department for action and legislative compliance. In some instances, the external agency may be responsible for the complaint or notification resolution.
Complaints and notifications can be made verbally or in writing to the Department.
People making complaints and notifications are provided an outcome advising of the Department’s resolution of the matter.
Complaints and notifications can be made anonymously.
If a complaint or notification remains anonymous, every effort will be made to provide an outcome. This communication can be made by the Department either verbally or in writing.
People making complaints or notifications can elect to report the matter to another relevant agency at any time. Suggested relevant agencies include:
The requirement for employees to notify Standards and Integrity Directorate as soon as possible in relation to allegations and convictions of sexual offences, sexual misconduct and physical assault on a child by employees, volunteers and contractors has effect regardless of where the alleged incident occurred (on school site or other location) and regardless of when (during school hours or outside of school hours). The requirement is in accordance with the Parliamentary Commissioner Act 1971 and reportable conduct. For more information see Ombudsman Western Australia.
Principals and line managers are responsible for implementing this policy.
The Director, Standards and Integrity Directorate is responsible for compliance monitoring.
This policy applies to all employees.
This Policy does not apply to decisions by the Minister, Director General or delegate, made under a legislative instrument such as, however not limited to:
An expression of dissatisfaction with an aspect of Government education made to the Department by any person other than a staff member unless the complaint relates to the staff member’s child and the child is a student at a public School, as prescribed under section 55(2)(c) of the School Education Regulations 2000 (WA). It may be general in nature and relate to matters including, but not limited to:
Corruption has the meaning of the term ‘misconduct’ as defined under section 4 of the Corruption, Crime and Misconduct Act 2003 (WA). Corruption occurs if a public officer corruptly acts or fails to act in the performance of their functions of employment; or corruptly takes advantage of their employment to obtain a benefit for themselves or another, or cause a detriment to another; or commits an offence connected to their official capacity. It also includes conduct that is not honest or impartial, amounts to a breach of trust, or involves misuse of Department information or assets and constitutes a breach of discipline that could result in termination of employment.
Culturally responsive means the ability to understand, interact and communicate effectively and sensitively with people from a cultural background that is different to one’s own. It is characterised by respect for culture, ongoing self-reflection, expansion of knowledge and commitment to improving practices and relationships.
Fraud has the same meaning as defined under section 409 of the Criminal Code Act Compilation Act 1913 (WA). Fraud is defined as conduct with intent to defraud, by deceit or any fraudulent means, to obtain property or gain a benefit, pecuniary or otherwise.
A process conducted by the Department, on the request of the person making the complaint, to examine whether the complaints management process was fair, reasonable and appropriate.
The staff member must be separate from the original complaint management process and in a position at least equivalent to the person who managed the original complaint.
An internal review is not a re-examination of the original complaint or notification.
A complaint managed by a School, Education Regional Office, Residential College or Central Services business area.
A report by a staff member regarding the conduct or decision of a staff member, contractor, volunteer, or a business area of the Department.
A notification does not include any matter that should be managed under another relevant Department framework or policy such as the Department’s Grievance Framework, Occupational Safety and Health policy, Employee Performance policy, Equal Opportunity, Discrimination and Harassment policy or Bullying in the Workplace policy.
Any person, organisation or their representative making a complaint about an aspect of Government education including the conduct or decisions of a staff member, contractor or volunteer engaged by the Department of Education. This includes students, parents, members of the public and Department staff where their complaint relates to their child and the child is a student at a public School.
Any Department staff member or contractor making a notification about the conduct or decisions of a staff member, contractor or volunteer engaged by the Department of Education.
To make a finding about an allegation arising from a complaint or notification or make a decision without a finding and communicate that finding or decision to the person making the complaint or notification. A resolution occurs when the complaint has been managed in accordance with the Department’s Complaints and Notifications Policy.
Corruption, Crime and Misconduct Act 2003 (WA)
Criminal Code Act Compilation Act 1913 (WA)
Disability Standards for Education 2005 (Cth)
Equal Opportunity Act 1984 (WA)
Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission Act 1986 (Cth)
Parliamentary Commissioner Act 1971 (WA)
Public Sector Management Act 1994 (WA)
Public Interest Disclosure Act 2003 (WA)
Racial Discrimination Act 1975 (Cth)
School Education Act 1999 (WA)
School Education Regulations 2000 (WA)
School Education (Student Residential Colleges) Regulations 2017 (WA)
Working with Children (Criminal Record Checking) Act 2004 (WA)
Working with Children (Criminal Recording Checking) Regulations 2005 (WA)
Policy manager: Director, Standards and Integrity
Policy contact officer: Manager, Standards and Integrity
Standards and Integrity Directorate
Department of Education
151 Royal Street
East Perth WA 6004
Complaints Advice Line: 1800 655 985
| Effective date | Last update date | Policy version no. | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 24 August 2021 | 1.0 | ||
| The new Complaints and Notifications Policy and Framework, replaces the Disputes and Complaints Policy. Approved by the Director General on 24 August 2021. D21/0466895 Summary of changes to the Complaints and Notification policy and framework on Ikon (staff only). | |||
| 24 August 2021 | 13 April 2022 | 1.1 | |
| Contact information updated as per D22/0285252 | |||
| 17 October 2023 | 2.0 | ||
| Major Review. Signed by the Director General on 19 September 2023. D23/0992814 | |||
| 19 November 2024 | 2.1 | ||
| Major Change signed by the Director General on 3 October 2024. D24/0654117 | |||
Framework
This policy:
Complaints and Notifications Policy v2.1
Policy and all supporting documents:
Complaints and Notifications Policy Bundle
Framework
Complaints and Notifications Framework
19 November 2027