Policies

Entity: StudioBE (The BE Codesign Pty Ltd ABN 30 685 936 305)
Effective Date: August 2026 (Version 1.0 Web)
Framework: Aligned with Victorian 11 Child Safe Standards
Review Frequency: Annual / Continuous

1. Our Commitment to Child Safety

Children have a right to be safe wherever they are - including in the physical and built environments we design, inspect, and photograph. At StudioBE, we hold zero tolerance for child abuse or harm of any kind. Every concern raised with us is taken seriously, investigated, and acted upon immediately.

We actively support and promote:

·       Child Safety & Inclusion: The safety, wellbeing, rights, and empowerment of all children and young people.

·       First Nations Cultural Safety: Cultural safety for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, respecting their identity, heritage, and connection to Country, with zero tolerance for racism.

·       Equity & Accessibility: The needs and rights of children from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds, children with disability, LGBTIQA+ and gender-diverse children, and children who have experienced trauma.

2. Regulatory Scope & Alignment

While architecture and design practices are not directly regulated entities listed under Schedule 1 of the Child Wellbeing and Safety Act 2005 (Vic), StudioBE fully aligns its operations and design governance with all 11 Victorian Child Safe Standards. We do this because our clients (schools, early learning centres, health services, and councils) are regulated, and because keeping children safe is essential to professional practice.

This policy applies to all StudioBE directors, employees, subconsultants, contractors, interns, and volunteers ('our people') across all work environments - including studio premises, client sites, construction zones, co-design workshops, and digital communications.

3. How We Protect Children in Our Work

Screening & Qualification

We enforce strict pre-employment screening. Anyone in our team who works directly with children, conducts repeat site visits to occupied child-facing facilities, or supervises team members under 18 must hold a valid Victorian Working with Children Check (WWCC) and undergo child safety induction training.

Code of Conduct & Field Rules

When visiting sites, running workshops, or conducting research involving children, our people must:

·       Maintain High Visibility: Never be alone with a child; always remain in open, visible areas supervised by client or facility staff.

·       Strict Boundaries: Never request or accept personal contact details, social media connections, or engage in private contact with children.

·       Site Compliance: Follow host facility rules, sign in properly, wear identity passes, and stay within designated work zones.

·       Media & Privacy: Obtain prior written parental/carer and client consent before taking any photographs or video. We do not publish identifying details (names, school uniforms) and prefer non-identifiable photography.

Designing for Child Safety

Our primary long-term impact on child safety occurs at the drawing board. We formally review and document child safety risk mitigation across all project design phases, evaluating:

·       Sightlines & Supervision: Clear line-of-sight for staff across corridors, thresholds, outdoor areas, and hidden nooks.

·       Amenties & Concealed Spaces: Safe placement and visibility of entry points, changing facilities, and amenities.

·       Physical Safeguards: Invasive or hidden spaces, entrapment hazards, fall risks, and hot water/glazing safety.

4. Reporting & Response Procedure

We respond immediately to any child safety concern, belief, or allegation. You do not need proof to raise a concern - a reasonable belief is sufficient.

EMERGENCY & IMMEDIATE DANGER

Immediate Risk: If a child is in immediate danger or a life-threatening situation, call Emergency Services on 000 immediately.

Victoria Police: Call 000 for immediate police assistance.

Child Protection: Contact DFFH Child Protection (13 12 78 for after-hours emergency response).

Reporting to StudioBE

To lodge a child safety report, allegation, or inquiry directly with StudioBE:

·       Child Safety Inbox: childsafety@yourorganisation.org.au (Monitored inbox)

·       Designated Officer: Child Safety Officer / Designated Director

·       Response Timeframe: We acknowledge all formal child safety communications within two (2) business days and initiate mandatory reporting processes (to Victoria Police, Child Protection, or the Social Services Regulator) without delay where required by law.

External Regulatory & Support Contacts

Social Services Regulator (SSR): 1300 310 778 | ChildSafeOrgs@ssr.vic.gov.au

Commission for Children and Young People (CCYP): ccyp.vic.gov.au

DFFH Child Protection Intake: services.dffh.vic.gov.au

5. Governance & Full Documentation

This policy is reviewed annually by StudioBE's Directors and updated continuously to reflect legal changes and operational learnings. Everyone raising a child safety concern in good faith is fully protected from victimisation or disadvantage.

This web publication summarizes our operational commitments. For full details on our legal duties under the Crimes Act 1958 (Vic) (including Failure to Disclose and Failure to Protect), Risk Registers, and internal grievance handling, please consult our primary operational governance documents:

·       StudioBE Full Child Safety and Wellbeing Policy (PDF): Full document detailing legal duties, risk management, and mandatory reporting.

·       StudioBE Child Safety Code of Conduct: Detailed behavioral expectations for staff and subconsultants on client sites.

·       StudioBE Media & Privacy Guidelines: Detailed guidelines for photography, video, and project publication.scription text goes here