CHSP Provider Hub

To help strengthen workforce understanding of safeguarding responsibilities, a new Elder Abuse, Safeguarding and Serious Incident Response Scheme (SIRS) in CHSP awareness resource has been developed by Sector Support and Development for workers, volunteers, contractors and associated providers.

The resource provides practical guidance on:

• Recognising different forms of elder abuse, including physical, psychological, financial, sexual abuse, neglect, social and cultural abuse, and coercive control.
• Understanding the difference between a concern, an incident, a near miss, and a reportable incident.
• Applying a simple worker response framework: Recognise → Respond → Report → Record → Escalate.
• Understanding when incidents may require SIRS assessment and notification.
• Promoting a trauma aware response: early reporting, effective safeguarding actions and escalation pathways.
• Accessing official resources and guidance from the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission and Department of Health, Disability and Ageing.

Suitable uses

CHSP providers may find this resource useful for:

• Workforce orientation and onboarding.
• Refresher training and toolbox talks.
• Volunteer education.
• Incident management and safeguarding awareness programs.
• Governance, quality and compliance initiatives.
• Elder abuse awareness activities and community education.

Important Disclaimer

This resource is designed as an awareness and educational aid only. It does not replace legislation, regulatory requirements, organisational policies, incident management systems, professional judgement, or provider-specific procedures. Providers remain responsible for ensuring compliance with all obligations under the Aged Care Act 2024, associated Rules, CHSP Program requirements, Serious Incident Response Scheme (SIRS) requirements, and any applicable state or territory legislation. Decisions regarding safeguarding actions, incident management, and SIRS reportability must always be made in accordance with the provider’s approved policies, procedures and governance arrangements. Where there is any uncertainty, providers should seek guidance from the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission and relevant regulatory authorities.

Key message: When in doubt, safeguard first, report internally, and follow your organisation’s incident management and escalation processes.

A resource developed by Catherine Witney, Senior Advisor Diversity and Inclusion. Reviewed and piloted within Clinical Quality and Governance Teams.

CHSP Elder abuse and SIRS SSD Resource July 2026.docx (144.0 KB)

CHSP Elder abuse and SIRS SSD Resource July 2026.pdf (322.1 KB)