Independent Office for School Dispute Resolution

This office was established by and reports to the Minister for Education.

It helps people reach a workable solution to ongoing issues between a school and a family. If no resolution is possible, a recommendation can be made to the department about what further solutions or steps may be helpful. These recommendations are not findings of fault or blame. They are ways to resolve the current issue and may include ideas for system improvements that will have longer-term benefits.

Alternative dispute resolution

The office uses an alternative dispute resolution (ADR) approach. In this context ADR means not applying court-style standards and decision-making process. A legal process:

• applies strict standards based on rights, rules, and evidence
• focuses mainly on the past and who was wrong.

Legal forums are often costly, lengthy, distressing, and damaging to relationships.

An ADR approach assists people to find a practical solution to a dispute, looking for ways to improve the situation going forward. The issues creating conflict are identified and discussed so that everyone’s point of view is understood. With the right process assistance, everyone can:

• work towards sustainable resolutions
• keep ongoing relationships healthy
• keep the education system working effectively for the student.

Capability Building and Conflict Coaching

This work is designed to build skills and deliver system improvements in the education community. The work is often bespoke, adapted to the needs of individual schools and situations.

At a broader level, the Independent Office for School Dispute Resolution (IOSDR) has partnered with the Victorian Academy of Teaching and Leadership to deliver conflict resolution skills development programs across the education system.

The IOSDR is also an independent commentator on policy initiatives and system practices. The IOSDR also provides skill development presentations and practice sessions to professional practice groups and networks.