1. HEADS OF SCHOOL WORKSHOP HEADS OF SCHOOL WORKSHOP April 2010 Student/Staff Matters – The Challenges for the Head of Schools

2. Presenters: Diana Chegwidden, Director Human Resources Alexander Toltz, Employment Relations Officer Professor Anne Cummins, PVC, Students, Learning and Teaching Professor Michelle Campbell, Head of School, School of Nursing & Midwifery (Vic) and Head, School of Nursing (NSW & ACT)

3. Today’s Session: Student/Staff Matter – the Challenges Case Study with an activity – Group Feedback Summary and Learnings

4. Student Appeals Policy Student Complaint Management Policy Academic Regulations Staff Code of Conduct Relevant HR Policy Relevant University policies:

6. Questions for discussion: Based on this information – what do you identify as the issues? What expectations do you have of your staff in reporting this matter? What actions do you take as soon as the matter comes to your attention? What factors might you consider in identifying which of the University processes should be followed? What do you do when you make your decision on the most relevant process?

7. Case Study - What happened next?

8. Some awareness considerations in making the decision on process What is the outcome being sought by the student?; Seriousness of the incident? Is it a critical incident – how might this be managed in the short term, long term? University obligations – to the student / to the staff member? Duties – Duty of care?

9. Some awareness considerations in making the decision on process (cont’d) Has there been a change in student behaviour? What is the impact of the decision on which process? Risk framework – is this an identified risk, how is the University managing this risk? What is the exposure to the University?

10. What should you do in any circumstance of an allegation by a student against a staff member? Treat it seriously and on its own merit – the process will uncover the facts and lead to an outcome; Don’t let your judgement be clouded by past experiences with the student or the staff member; Undertake all necessary processes and fully in line with policy and procedure?

11. What should you do in any circumstance of an allegation by a student against a staff member (cont’d)? Respond to the student in writing. Identify and collect the evidence – start a chronology of events; Treat the matter confidentially; Document, Document, Document! Consult the Dean and as necessary the PVC Students, Learning and Teaching and/or Human Resources

12. Organisational Learnings: Management of issues at the closest point; Need for complaints to be heard – timely, equitably and appropriately; Case management is crucial; Identification skills is crucial; Using organisational expertise;

13. Organisational Learnings (cont’d): Responsibilities in case management; Decision on the process to be undertaken – crucial; Transparency.

14. Personal Learnings : a reflection from each of the areas