Notifiable Event reporting - on time, every time
Editor’s Note: This article was updated in October 2021
All personnel at the University have a responsibility to report Notifiable Events as and when they happen. This duty of disclosure extends to staff, students, titleholders, volunteers, visitors, contractors and staff of Controlled Entities.
Notifiable Events – what are they?
Any event, occurrence or ‘thing’ which may result in a claim being made against the University is referred to as a Notifiable Event. Here are some examples of ‘things’ that should be notified:
- An injury which occurs on campus or during a University activity
- Accidental release of a toxic vapour in a lab
- Vandalism of University equipment or property
- Threats of legal action
- A dispute over publication of research results
- A complaint about the University’s services
- Information on a University website which misrepresents the University
- Suspected fraud or embezzlement of University funds
For any matters you reasonably suspect to be corruption, you are required by law to report it to the Office for Public Integrity (OPI). You may also report misconduct or maladministration in public administration to the OPI.
No Report = No Insurance
The University maintains a comprehensive insurance program as one of the ways it manages the risk of liability when things go wrong. Provision of cover under a number of these policies relies on the University fulfilling its duty to disclose anything that may expose the University to an Insurance claim.
This duty of disclosure includes reporting Notifiable Events as soon as possible - in the calendar year they occur - as it is a condition of cover that these are reported to the insurer before the end of the year. Details should be captured in the Notifiable Event Summary and Risk Assessment Form and emailed to the Legal and Risk Branch.
If you fail to report a Notifiable Event, any losses which arise from a claim may need to be funded from your own budget.
Report adverse events when they happen to preserve the University’s entitlement to claim – and your own peace of mind!
Reach out to us for assistance with any insurance related query - either by email at helpdesklegal@adelaide.edu.au or by phone on 8313 4539. We are here to help you!