News 
CFA has commenced consultation on the following 2 draft policies and 1 procedure -all relating to Child Safety.
All brigades, groups and individuals are encouraged to contribute to this review and provide feedback.
These three documents are available for download from the bottom of this page. They are being shared by CFA without prejudice for the purposes of consultation, and we are now seeking volunteer views and feedback to assist with the formation of a VFBV position and response to the three draft documents.
CFA's Child Safe policy framework has been informed by the following:
Outline of the three documents that are currently available for consultation:
1. Child Safe Executive Policy
This is a high level policy that confirms CFA’s commitment to child safety and sets out the principles CFA will use in its approach to Child Safety.
2. Working with Children Checks for New Engagements Executive Policy
This and the corresponding procedure will be of most interest to Brigades.
This policy proposes that as of 1 February 2021, that all new CFA employees and volunteers joining the organisation from this date forward will be required to apply for a Working with children card as part of their application process, and will be a material condition of ongoing employment and membership.
3. Working with Children Checks – Procedure – Adverse notice received
This is a proposed procedure of what process will be followed when a member or CFA gets notified of an adverse notice in relation to their working with children check from the Department of Justice & Community Safety, and how it will be assessed and dealt with.
Feedback is requested no later than Monday 11th January 2021 – but much earlier if possible.
It would be preferred that members provide feedback ASAP, so that it can be received incrementally, allowing us enough time to consolidate, identify trends and research issues raised by members.
Feedback can be provided via:
- Your local VFBV District Council
- Emailing Executive Officer Mark Dryden via This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
- By Post: 9/24 Lakeside Drive, Burwood East VIC 3151
- By Fax: (03) 9886 1618
Feedback does not need to be long or detailed.
If you generally support the principle, then a quick note letting us know would be helpful. Similarly, let us know if you do not support it, or which aspects of it you don't support. Where indicating non-support, it would be helpful to understand the key reasons why, and even a couple of brief bullet points would be adequate. Likewise, if you would prefer to provide a more detailed response, or mark-up and suggest changes to the documents, all that would be welcome also.
Your feedback will assist us form a VFBV position and response to the proposed changes and help us advocate on behalf of CFA volunteers. Please consider getting involved, and providing us your feedback ASAP. Please remember to provide feedback in support as well as against. If we only hear from those who are against, it will be harder to determine the general comfort level of members with the proposals.
