When an allegation involving a child is made, the first few hours are often the most critical.
Whether the allegation arises within a school, childcare centre, sporting club, disability service or community organisation, how the matter is managed from the outset can significantly influence the integrity of the investigation, the safety of children and the organisation’s exposure to legal and reputational risk.
While every allegation will differ, organisations should avoid rushing to conclusions or attempting to resolve the matter informally. Instead, a structured and impartial response is essential.
Step 1 – Ensure the Immediate Safety of Children
The first priority should always be the safety and wellbeing of any child who may be affected.
This may involve:
- removing immediate risks;
- implementing interim safety measures;
- considering alternative duties for the worker, where appropriate; and
- ensuring appropriate support is available to those involved.
These decisions should be based on risk rather than assumptions about whether the allegation is true.
Step 2 – Preserve Evidence Immediately
One of the most common mistakes organisations make is unintentionally allowing evidence to be lost before an investigation begins.
Relevant evidence may include:
- CCTV footage;
- emails;
- text messages;
- Teams or Slack conversations;
- personnel records;
- access logs;
- incident reports;
- photographs;
- rosters; and
- handwritten notes.
Electronic evidence can disappear quickly if systems automatically overwrite data or users delete information.
Taking early steps to preserve evidence can be critical to establishing the facts.
Step 3 – Avoid Conducting Informal Interviews
Managers are often tempted to “have a quick chat” with those involved.
While well intentioned, these conversations can unintentionally compromise a future investigation.
Witnesses may later change their evidence, discuss the allegation with others or become influenced by information obtained during informal conversations.
Instead, interview planning should form part of a structured investigative process conducted by an appropriately qualified investigator.
Step 4 – Maintain Confidentiality
Allegations involving children are highly sensitive.
Information should only be shared with those who genuinely require it to perform their role.
Maintaining confidentiality protects:
- children;
- witnesses;
- the respondent;
- the integrity of the investigation; and
- the organisation itself.
Poor confidentiality practices can undermine both procedural fairness and public confidence.
Step 5 – Consider Whether an Independent Investigator Should Be Appointed
Many organisations have experienced HR professionals and capable managers.
However, serious allegations involving children often require specialist investigative expertise and complete independence.
An independent investigator provides:
- impartiality;
- procedural fairness;
- specialist interviewing skills;
- objective assessment of evidence;
- defensible findings; and
- confidence for Boards, regulators and external stakeholders.
Independent investigations also assist organisations in demonstrating that allegations have been handled professionally and without bias.
Step 6 – Follow Your Legislative and Governance Obligations
Organisations covered by Queensland’s Reportable Conduct Scheme have specific obligations when responding to allegations involving children.
Depending on the circumstances, there may also be obligations under employment legislation, child protection legislation, organisational policies and other regulatory frameworks.
Ensuring the correct processes are followed from the outset reduces the likelihood of procedural errors that may later affect disciplinary decisions or external reviews.
Don’t Rush the Investigation
Receiving a serious allegation can create understandable pressure to “get answers quickly.”
However, effective investigations are rarely rushed.
A professional investigation should be:
- properly planned;
- evidence based;
- impartial;
- procedurally fair;
- appropriately documented; and
- capable of withstanding external scrutiny.
Taking the time to establish the facts properly is almost always preferable to making decisions based on incomplete information.
How Regional Queensland Investigations Can Assist
Regional Queensland Investigations conducts independent Reportable Conduct investigations for organisations throughout Queensland.
Our investigators assist government agencies, schools, childcare providers, sporting organisations, disability service providers and not-for-profit organisations by delivering:
- independent investigations;
- evidence-based findings;
- professional witness interviews;
- procedural fairness throughout the investigation;
- comprehensive investigation reports; and
- practical recommendations to assist organisations in meeting their governance obligations.
Our focus is simple—establish the facts, protect the integrity of the investigation and provide organisations with clear, defensible outcomes.
Contact Regional Queensland Investigations
If your organisation requires an independent Reportable Conduct investigation anywhere in Queensland, Regional Queensland Investigations can assist.
Regional Queensland Investigations
📞 1300 870 923
Jason King is the Director of Regional Queensland Investigations Pty Ltd. He has a background in law enforcement, compliance, workplace investigations and corporate investigations, assisting businesses and organisations across regional Queensland and the Northern Territory.