The school executive must be prepared to deftly handle any number of potential crises. On any given day you may be put to the test and asked to protect vulnerable students, work with police enforcement, navigate precarious privacy and online issues that seem to evolve every day, keep bullying in check and maintain the safety of students and staff alike. The legal risks arising from each of those situations are real and serious. Prepare yourself to be able to handle any and all of them by gaining the sage guidance of legal experts.
Session 1: Students at Risk and Your School's Obligations
Chair: Kaylene Macnee, Principal, Pinehaven School
The Vulnerable Children Act and Implications for Schools
Overview of the Act and Children's Action Plan
Educators as members of Child's Action Networks
Implications for boards of trustees as employers
Presented by Carolyn Heaton, Partner and John Goddard, Associate, Morrison Kent Lawyers
Working with Police when a Child Discloses, the Family Court Process in Child Protection Cases and the Vital Role of Schools
What to do you when a child discloses or you suspect abuse
Immediate responsibilities and obligations
Post-incident procedures
School child protection policies
Oranga Tamariki and the family court process
Schools working with lawyer for child
Family group conferences and the school's important role
Presented by Shelley Stevenson, Barrister and Natasha Allan, Detective Senior Sergeant, National Coordinator Child Protection, National Sexual Violence & Child Protection Team, National Criminal Investigations Group
Settle or Sue? Historic Abuse Claims in the Education Context
Dealing with the current Government-run settlement process: what it involves, how it is run, what to expect as an outcome, and some comments from past claimants
The litigation alternative: determining the defendant, possible causes of action, the court process, Legal Aid, and the difficulties of litigating historic claims
In search of a better process: the need for independence and transparency, lessons from other jurisdictions, and reflections on what the future holds for historic claims in New Zealand
Presented by Sonja Cooper, Principal and Courtney McCulloch, Associate, Cooper Legal
INSIGHTS FROM THE EDUCATION COUNCIL: Prevention is Better than Cure: Using the Code of Professional Responsibility and Standards for the Teaching Profession as a Positive Tool
The new Standards and the appraisal process: resources available from the Council
How our practice evaluators assess competence: the evidence we need from you
The Code: What defines a teacher as a professional?
Using the Code and Tribunal decisions to maintain professionalism
Presented by Julia McCook-Weir, Lead Lawyer, Education Council
Session 2: Privacy, Safety and Employment Risks in Schools
Chair: Adam Lewis, Barrister, Harbour Chambers
The Privacy Act: What Employers and Educators Need to Know
The rise of privacy: recent trends
A practical outline of your key legal obligations
Understanding your risk and tools for managing that risk
Likely reforms: guidance for the future
Presented by Hamish Kynaston, Partner and Jennifer Howes, Senior Solicitor, Buddle Findlay
Citizenship Online: Blurred Boundaries or Clear as Mud?
The Harmful Digital Communications Act 2015
Current digital challenges and risks affecting schools
Managing and preventing incidents
Developing a proactive approach to online safety and digital citizenship
Presented by Anjie Webster, Education Advisor and Ben Thomas, Legal Advisor, NetSafe
Bullying in an Education Law Setting
What is bullying? Useful definitions
Guidance from WorkSafe
Guidance from legislation
Overlap with:
Health and safety obligations
Employment obligations
Student care obligations
Options for addressing the issues effectively
Potential liabilities for Schools and Boards
Presented by Geoff Davenport, Partner, McBride Davenport James
The Health and Safety at Work Act 2015
Obligations and liability for principals, teachers, boards of trustees and students
Mental health and the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015
Health and safety outside the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015: regulations, guidelines, contract and the common law
Putting in place a policy framework for health and safety
Presented by Peter Cullen, Partner and Chris Scarrott, Lawyer, Cullen - The Employment Law Firm
