This policy ensures Mayfair College meets its legal and ethical obligations under the Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) Act 2000 and the National Code of Practice 2018 (the National Code) to provide timely and effective support to international students affected by critical incidents. It supports compliance with Standard 6 (Overseas Student Support Services) and related standards by outlining procedures to manage and respond to critical incidents impacting student safety and wellbeing.
This policy applies to all international students enrolled at Mayfair College, as well as staff members responsible for student welfare and support services.
A critical incident is any traumatic event or situation that causes serious harm or poses a threat to the safety, health, or wellbeing of an overseas student, including but not limited to:
– Serious injury, illness, or death of a student
– Missing student
– Natural disasters affecting students or their families
– Serious accidents or assaults
– Any event requiring emergency intervention or external agency involvement
College Management is responsible for ensuring the policy is implemented and complies with legal obligations.
Student Support Officers are responsible for providing immediate support, liaising with students and families, and coordinating external services.
All Staff must report any critical incident promptly to designated officers.
Immediate Action: Ensure student safety and provide urgent medical or emergency assistance. Contact emergency services as necessary.
Notification: Inform College management and the designated critical incident officer immediately.
Communication: Notify the student’s emergency contact or family as soon as possible, with sensitivity to privacy and cultural considerations.
Reporting: Report the incident to the Department of Education as required by the ESOS Act and National Code.
Support Services: Arrange counselling and ongoing welfare support for affected students and staff.
Documentation: Maintain confidential records of the incident, actions taken, and communications.
Mayfair College complies with all reporting requirements under the ESOS Act 2000 and the National Code, including notifying the Department of Education of any critical incident involving international students within the specified timeframes.
This policy will be reviewed annually and after any critical incident to ensure effectiveness and continuous improvement.
