The NDSS is committed to protection of our people, our community and the resources entrusted to us by our generous donors to carry out our charitable work. Child safe statement The NDSS is committed to providing safe, respectful and inclusive environments that protect children and all vulnerable people from harm, abuse, neglect and exploitation. We embed child safety and wellbeing in our governance, culture and everyday practices and make sure that children and young people are informed of their rights, can participate in decisions affecting them, and are taken seriously. Our workforce is required to act lawfully and ethically, supported through training, robust risk management, screening processes, clear reporting pathways and continuous improvement review. We prioritise the needs, rights and wishes of those affected, and maintain a no tolerance stance toward any form of abuse, neglect or exploitation. The NDSS commits to the Australian National Principles for Child Safe Organisations: Child safety and wellbeing is embedded in organisational leadership, governance and culture. Children and young people are informed about their rights, participate in decisions affecting them and are taken seriously. Families and communities are informed and involved in promoting child safety and wellbeing. Equity is upheld and diverse needs respected in policy and practice. People working with children and young people are suitable and supported to reflect child safety and wellbeing values in practice. Processes to respond to complaints and concerns are child-focused. Staff and volunteers are equipped with the knowledge, skills and awareness to keep children and young people safe through ongoing education and training. Physical and online environments promote safety and wellbeing while minimising the opportunity for children and young people to be harmed. Implementation of the national child safe principles is regularly reviewed and improved. Policies and procedures document how the organisation is safe for children and young people. See our Safeguarding Policy for more information. To learn more about children’s rights, including the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, visit the Australian Human Rights Commission. Speak up The NDSS is committed to acting ethically, lawfully and transparently. We encourage people to speak up if they become aware of wrongdoing, and we have protections in place for those who do. See our Speak Up Whistleblower Policy for more information, including how to report concerns.
