Worker Carer Exclusion Scheme Investigations Panel

### 📋 Tender Overview The Department of Families, Fairness and Housing (DFFH) in Victoria is seeking to establish a professional panel of independent investigators for the **Worker and Carer Exclusion Scheme (WCES)**. This scheme, governed by the *Social Services Regulation Act 2021*, is designed to protect children and young people by investigating the conduct of workers and carers in out-of-home care services. ### 🔍 Key Requirements and Scope The Social Services Regulator (SSR) requires appropriately skilled and experienced investigators to conduct formal inquiries into allegations of misconduct. The scope includes foster carers and staff providing residential or secure care services. Investigators must perform preliminary assessments and full investigations as prescribed by the Act, determining if individuals pose an unjustifiable risk of harm. Historically, the SSR manages 25 to 35 investigations annually, though this volume is expected to rise. ### 🎯 Desired Outcomes The primary goal is the creation of a reliable **Investigations Panel**. Successful bidders will be responsible for producing comprehensive reports that detail investigation findings and the specific grounds for those findings. These reports will inform the WCES Panel's decisions regarding the exclusion of individuals from the sector. ### 🛠️ Qualifications Bidders should demonstrate expertise in administrative law, investigative procedures, and child safety standards. Searchable keywords for this opportunity include: **independent investigations**, **child safety**, **regulatory compliance**, **social services**, **legal reporting**, and **Victoria government panel**.