Are you a member of clergy, religious, employee, volunteer or contractor working with children? From 1 March 2020, new legislation has commenced in NSW that may impact upon you.

From 1 March 2020, the Reportable Conduct Scheme will be transferred to the Office of the Children's Guardian from the NSW Ombudsman under the new Children's Guardian Act 2019.

The scheme monitors how organisations investigate and report on certain conduct (known as 'reportable allegations' and 'reportable convictions') made against their employees, volunteers or certain contractors who provide services to children. The scheme will also cover religious bodies, in line with recommendations of the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse (Royal Commission).

Also, on 1 March 2020, amendments to the Children and Young Persons (Care and Protection) Act 1998 will commence to expand mandatory reporter groups and provide greater protection for reporters. These amendments are also in line with recommendations made by the Royal Commission.