Beyond the school office: Risk and compliance in action

Over the past five years, I’ve seen firsthand how much more complex the environment has become. In particular, child safety obligations have expanded, workplace relations and psychosocial health and safety expectations have increased and privacy, cyber risk and financial governance are now board-level concerns.

One of the most significant shifts I’ve observed is the move from reactive compliance to proactive risk management.

Increasingly, the question is no longer ‘do we have a policy?’ but ‘how do we know this works in practice?’

The Victorian Registration and Qualifications Authority’s (VRQA) cyclical review program reinforces this shift. While most Independent schools ultimately achieve compliance, the review process itself is a risk-based assessment that requires schools to demonstrate documented, real-world risk management systems – not just policy documents. Source: VRQA Website

Independent schools are complex organisations. They are educators, employers, community leaders and charities all at once. Many operate with lean executive teams, yet are held to the same regulatory standards as much larger for-profit organisations. Compliance requirements are increasingly competing with core operational priorities in environments where capacity is already limited.

That’s why I think risk and compliance shouldn’t operate in isolation. When they are done well, they support good decision-making, rather than slow it down. Clear frameworks, practical training and realistic policies give school leaders confidence. They also give boards the visibility they need to discharge their governance responsibilities effectively.

As Victoria’s regulatory landscape continues to evolve, Independent schools that develop well-established risk and compliance practices early may find it easier to adapt. They will spend less time reacting to issues and more time focusing on their core purpose: providing safe, high-quality education for their students.

Risk and compliance may never be the most visible part of a school’s work – but in my experience, they are now among the most important.

To support schools in strengthening their risk and compliance practices, ISV is offering the following professional learning initiatives in 2026.

Independent schools face an ever-evolving landscape of legal, risk and compliance challenges, from regulatory changes to emerging operational risks. To support school leaders in navigating these complexities, this Lunchtime Webinar Series a practical and time-efficient way to stay ahead of key issues impacting your school.

ISV’s Risk Managers’ Network brings together risk and compliance professionals from Independent schools across Victoria for collaborative, practice-focused sessions. Designed specifically for Risk Managers, the network provides practical insights, guest speakers, case studies and updates on key regulatory developments, offering up-to-date clarity on emerging issues and the opportunity to build a trusted professional network.