10Direct personal response given by representative

10 Direct personal response given by representative

(1) If the survivor agrees to a representative of the responsible institution giving the direct personal response in a face‑to‑face meeting on behalf of the institution, the institution must allow, where possible, the survivor to choose from representatives of different genders and cultural backgrounds, and who are differentiated by other relevant characteristics. (2) In considering a person as a possible representative, the institution must take into account each of the following: (a) the person’s position and seniority in the institution; (b) whether the person has demonstrated empathy and engagement; (c) whether the person has other traits and skills relevant to giving the direct personal response.

Note 1: The general principles guiding the provision of direct personal responses set out in section 56 of the Act include the requirement that direct personal responses be delivered by people who have received training about the nature and impact of child sexual abuse and the needs of survivors, including cultural awareness and sensitivity training where relevant.

Note 2: A representative for the purposes of section 10 is an agent or employee of the responsible institution who will be providing a direct personal response on its behalf.