Synopsis: The learner wellbeing and safety system is a crucial requirement for tertiary institutions, according to Outcome 1 of the Code of Pastoral Care for Domestic Tertiary Students. The institutions must take a whole-of-provider approach to develop a strategic and transparent system that caters to the diverse needs of learners. There are four processes that the institutions must adhere to, which involve developing strategic goals and plans, reviewing learner wellbeing, self-reviewing learner safety practices, and publishing relevant information for learners, staff, and the general public. Furthermore, institutions must respond to emerging concerns about learners’ well-being and safety, gather and communicate relevant information, and train staff to identify and report incidents of discrimination, bullying, physical and sexual violence, and promote awareness of learner wellbeing and safety. Outcome 2 requires the institutions to listen and respond to diverse learner voices and safety needs while upholding their mana and autonomy. They must have practices to build and maintain effective relationships with diverse learner groups, provide formal and informal processes to actively engage with learner voices, and respond to complaints in a timely and efficient manner.

Discussion points:

1. How does your institution foster relationships with diverse learner groups to better understand and respond to their wellbeing and safety needs?
2. What complaints management practices does your institution have in place? How does it ensure that learners can access and use these processes without barriers?
3. How does your institution gather and communicate relevant information internally and externally to identify emerging concerns about learners’ wellbeing and safety?
4. Does your institution have training programs that promote staff awareness of diverse learner groups’ welfare issues and cultural competencies? What are some of the topics covered in these programs?
5. How does your institution ensure that learners have timely access to culturally appropriate social, medical, and mental health services in emergency situations?