Has an incident occurred? Report it via our online incident report form.
If you would like to discuss an incident with us, please contact the team via hello@hireup.com.au or on (02) 9113 5933.
Introduction
Hireup has a Zero Tolerance policy towards the violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation of people with disability.
Whilst Hireup is actively working to prevent incidents of abuse and neglect, we recognise that we must also have strong procedures in place to respond to allegations of abuse, ensuring that we provide quality support for clients and support workers.
We are all responsible for taking immediate action if we witness or are notified of an incident or allegation of abuse or neglect in relation to a person with a disability.
Principles
We will ensure:
- there are no negative consequences for those who report allegations of abuse or neglect.
- all people involved in incidents relating to abuse and neglect receive quality medical, psychological and legal support.
- we seek consent from the person who experienced abuse before we notify the person responsible of the allegation of abuse or neglect.
- that the person who experienced abuse is informed of the action response plan, including any mandatory reporting requirements.
- all reporting requirements are met and all criminal notifications are made.
Responsibilities - Clients and Support Workers
Observing and responding to current abuse and neglect incidents
- Ensure the safety of yourself and those around you.
- Call emergency services (000) if anyone is in immediate danger. Emergency services will dispatch ambulance and police if required.
- Do not move or touch any evidence the Police may need in their investigation.
- If possible, isolate the area where the incident occurred and do not allow anyone to enter the area until the Police arrive.
- In cases of alleged sexual assault preserve the person’s clothing, bedding or other relevant material where possible. Try and delay bathing/showering until the Police arrive.
- Do not ask the person questions about what happened. That is the role of the Police.
- Call Hireup on 02 9113 5933 9.30am-4pm Monday to Friday or submit an incident report through the incident reporting tool on the Hireup platform.
Receiving an allegation or suspecting abuse or neglect of a client
- Listen openly and without judgement to the disclosure.
- Advise the person you are supporting that you will need to share this information with the Hireup Support Office team.
- Call Hireup on 02 9113 5933 or submit an incident report to the abuse or neglect disclosure.
Responsibilities - Hireup Support and Incident Response Teams
Receiving an allegation or suspecting abuse or neglect of a client
- If receiving the allegation on the phone:
- Listen openly and without judgement to the disclosure
- Take detailed notes of the conversation, including all facts disclosed to you.
- If receiving the allegation via email or through the incident report form:
- Review the information carefully
- Call the notifier to seek further information or clarification.
- Advise the notifier there may be mandatory reporting requirements that Hireup and the reporter needs to comply with.
- Escalate to the Trust & Safety Manager in line with Hireup’s Risk Guide.
- Commence an investigation in accordance with Hireup’s Incident Investigation Procedure which will include:
- Contacting the notifier to gather more information and to provide details of the investigation process
- Reviewing reportable incidents and mandatory reporting requirements and taking appropriate action.
The Hireup Support Office team will ensure compliance with these procedures in the response to an allegation of abuse or neglect:
- Reportable Incidents and Mandatory Reporting Procedure
- Incident Investigation Procedure
- Information Sharing Guidelines (South Australia).
NOTE: If a person does not want to report an incident, and has the capacity to make that choice, their decision should be respected, unless:
- a crime has been committed
- the person suffered serious harm
- their decision was made under duress
- they are still at risk of violence or abuse
- the event falls within Hireup’s mandatory reporting obligations
- there is a risk of harm for others within the environment.
Report an incident
Has an incident occurred? Report it via our online incident report form.
If you would like to discuss an incident with us, please contact the team via hello@hireup.com.au or on (02) 9113 5933.