The Social Services Regulator is an independent statutory authority established under the Social Services Regulation Act 2021 (Vic) (SSR Act).
The Act establishes a new framework for social services regulation in Victoria. It begins on 1 July 2024.
The initiatives in the SSR Act will:
- support the safe delivery of social services
- ensure social service providers understand their role in protecting the rights of social service users
- define roles and responsibilities of social service providers
- give the new regulator monitoring and enforcement powers, so it can respond to risks of harm
- improve information sharing between regulators so they can identify and respond to any risks of harm to service users.
The new system will mean Victorian social service providers will have:
- streamlined registration and reporting requirements
- a common set of social service standards
- a single independent regulator.
The Social Services Regulator will replace the current Human Services Regulator.
The new system will be more efficient and create a safer environment for all Victorians.
About the Regulator
Jonathan Kaplan was appointed the inaugural Social Services Regulator of Victoria on 1 February 2024.
He is responsible for exercising the duties, functions and powers of the Regulator under the Social Services Regulation Act 2021.
Prior to his appointment as the Social Services Regulator, Jonathan was the CEO of the Victorian Registration and Qualifications Authority, which regulates education and training in schools and vocational education and training providers.
Jonathan holds a Bachelor of Arts degree (with Honours) in Law and History, a Post Graduate Certificate in Management and a Diploma in Psychodynamic Psychotherapy and Counselling. He is also a Graduate member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD) and an Executive Fellow of the Australian and New Zealand School of Government (ANZSOG).
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