Recruitment at GEKA

RECRUITING THE RIGHT PEOPLE - SAFEGUARDING OUR COMMUNITY

At GEKA, we believe that the safety of children is paramount, and the responsibility of employees at every level of the organisation. Effective recruitment practices are an essential component in safeguarding our community and ensuring that GEKA are employing people who align with our values and prioritise child safety.

It is vital that our processes and policies support us to ensure our staff are always operating with children's safety in mind from the moment we begin the recruitment process.

GEKA have several measures that we implement in the pre-employment process that support the safety of children. Our job application form, developed internally, allows us to isolate only the most qualified and recommended candidates. Only educators with a current Working with Children Clearance or VIT Registration, a current, clear police check (not more than 6 months old), and appropriate qualifications (including valid First Aid, CPR, Anaphylaxis and Child Protection certificates) can proceed to the interview stage with GEKA. Following interviews, candidates are not offered positions until the appropriate reference check process has been undertaken.

During the induction process, new employees are made familiar with our Child Safe Environment Policy, which is reviewed annually to ensure currency. All GEKA Kindergartens also display the GEKA Child Safe Environment Statement, which details our commitment to child safety and how child safety is implemented across the organisation.

GEKA is committed to supporting educators to embed a child safety approach in their everyday thinking and practice, to create a culture of partnership with children and families that protects children from the risks of abuse.

Commitment to child safety
GEKA is committed to fulfilling its duty of care and has a zero tolerance to child abuse: All children have the right to be and feel safe in environments that respect cultural safety and maintain a culture in which children, their histories, and identities are valued, respected and cared for. Protecting children from the risks of abuse is embedded in everyday thinking and practice.
Children’s rights to safety and participation Children have the right to be heard and to be active contributors to things that are important to them and that affect them.
Valuing diversity GEKA is committed to creating environments and programs, reflective of our communities, that support, reflect and promote equitable and inclusive behaviours and practices, along with a sense of belonging for all children, families and staff.
Recruiting staff and volunteers GEKA applies best practice standards in recruitment and screening of educators, staff and volunteers.
Supporting staff and volunteers The GEKA Code of Conduct provides guidance to staff and volunteers.
Reporting a child safety concern or complaint A person with a child safety concern are encouraged to report it to a member of the GEKA staff team (educators or management).
Risk Management GEKA recognises the importance of a risk management approach to minimising the potential for child abuse or harm and use this to inform policy and procedures. In addition to managing health and safety risks in our environments GEKA is committed to proactively managing risk of abuse to children in our care. We are aware of our responsibilities under the reportable conduct scheme and act accordingly to protect children.

Commitment to child safety

GEKA is committed to fulfilling its duty of care and has a zero tolerance to child abuse: All children have the right to be and feel safe in environments that respect cultural safety and maintain a culture in which children, their histories, and identities are valued, respected and cared for.

Protecting children from the risks of abuse is embedded in everyday thinking and practice.

Children’s rights to safety and participation

Children have the right to be heard and to be active contributors to things that are important to them and that affect them.

Valuing diversity

GEKA is committed to creating environments and programs, reflective of our communities, that support, reflect and promote equitable and inclusive behaviours and practices, along with a sense of belonging for all children, families and staff.

Recruiting staff and volunteers

GEKA applies best practice standards in recruitment and screening of educators, staff and volunteers.

Supporting staff and volunteers

The GEKA Code of Conduct provides guidance to staff and volunteers.

Reporting a child safety concern or complaint

A person with a child safety concern are encouraged to report it to a member of the GEKA staff team (educators or management).

Risk Management

GEKA recognises the importance of a risk management approach to minimising the potential for child abuse or harm and use this to inform policy and procedures. In addition to managing health and safety risks in our environments GEKA is committed to proactively managing risk of abuse to children in our care. We are aware of our responsibilities under the reportable conduct scheme and act accordingly to protect children.

GEKA Employee Profile: Jo Elmer – Early Childhood Teacher and GEKA Leader

Jo has been an employee of GEKA since Bentleigh East Kindergarten joined GEKA in 2012. She currently teaches at GEKA McKinnon Kindergarten and GEKA Glover St Kindergarten.

Jo enjoys working at GEKA due to the many opportunities she has received to educate children across different services and work alongside different educational teams. When she is at kindergarten, she likes being outdoors with the children, exploring nature and supporting their gross motor skills as they climb trees, balance on beams and swing on ropes.

In her spare time, Jo enjoys travelling, sightseeing, exploring tall structures like mountains, towers and buildings, and spending time with her family, dog and cat.

JO’S FAVOURITES

Food: Salmon

Movie: The Avengers

Book: Thrillers and mysteries

Colour: Red

Season: Spring and Autumn

Sports teams: Carlton Blues and Manchester United

Hobbies: Crochet, gardening, walking, shopping and cooking