Should I keep a record of the conversation?
Making a brief note about your contact with the student is useful. It can help to demonstrate the manner in which you supported and directed the student, should this information be required at a later date. Consider documenting the following information, as appropriate:
- Basic information (e.g. time, date, location, student name)
- A brief description of what happened
- What you advised the student to do
- Whether other colleagues or Support Services are now involved as a result
- What follow-up is needed (if any)
For significant incidents, it’s also important to make a report on *Learning Institution*’s system for incident or hazard reporting system, *link to Health and Safety incident management system/process*. Remember to seek support for yourself if you need it. You can debrief with your manager or contact the Employee Assistance Program.
Duty of Care and Confidentiality
The confidentiality of any sensitive information a student discloses to you should be maintained. This means:
- You shouldn’t talk to other staff members about a student’s concerns without their permission.
- If you seek advice about a student’s concern and don’t have their permission, you should do so without identifying the student involved.
However, there is a duty of care to prevent harm or injury at *Learning Institution* that can override confidentiality. If you have any concerns about the safety of a student, then you must breach confidentiality and report your concerns. There are also mandatory reporting requirements for students under 18 years of age to be aware of – please contact the *Learning Institution* Safer Community team on *phone number* or *email address* for further information as soon as you become aware about the safety of an underage student.
