Duty of care

Implementing the school’s duty of care to its students is no more difficult for Student Volunteering than any of the other school-approved activities already undertaken by schools.

This one page diagram, Duty of care at a glance provides a flowchart to assist school personnel in managing their responsibilities.
The Department’s legal requirements, as well as insurance and indemnity arrangements are outlined in this PowerPoint presentation.
Schools should ensure all stakeholders are aware of the distinction between school-approved and external activities and the implications this distinction has on Department’s legal obligations.
All students engaging in volunteering should participate in appropriate activities at school which prepare them for the event. An outline of suggested strategies is provided here. Careers Advisers are generally an excellent source of information, having been involved in similar activities preparing students for workplace learning.

Sample templates and forms:
Some sample templates and forms have been developed to assist schools in meeting the Department’s legal requirements, and to ensure insurance and indemnity arrangements are activated for School-approved activities.

Student Volunteering Record
This is a permission note that combines all relevant information about the student, the parent/carer permission and emergency contact details, the host and specific volunteering activity details. Copies are to be provided to all parties. the original remains with the school.
Safety and Emergency Procedures Student Contact Card
This card is started by each student during class time and completed in conjunction with their parent/carer at home. It is to be carried with them at all times during the volunteering activity and used in the case of a genuine emergency.
Parent letter sample
It is important that parents/carers understand the school processes for signalling to parents when activities have been approved by the school and will be covered by DET insurance and indemnity. When they understand and anticipate specific steps in the process, the absence of these steps (such as a letter home to parents seeking their permission) should signify that their child may be participating in something which does not have the school’s approval.

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NSW Department of Education and Training

Duty of care