Safeguarding and support since 1999

Abuse in Care Royal Commission of Inquiry: 1950–1999

How IHC has strengthened safeguarding and support since the Inquiry period

IHC has made major improvements over the past 25 years to make sure people with intellectual disabilities are safe, respected and supported to live good lives. These changes align with the Abuse in Care Royal Commission of Inquiry’s recommendations and reflect our ongoing commitment to accountability, transparency and continuous improvement. Some of the significant initiatives are summarised here by themes.

Stronger safeguarding and protection

Comprehensive safeguarding policies for vulnerable children and adults (updated 2017–2025).
Regular staff training in identifying, preventing and reporting abuse and neglect.
Clear complaint procedures, independent oversight, and anonymous reporting options (Whistleblower Policy, 2022).
Electronic systems to record and monitor incidents and complaints (since 2017).
Regular audits, lessons learned reports, and independent reviews to drive improvements.
Dedicated Safeguarding Lead and Child Protection Officer to be appointed in 2025.

People’s rights, voice and mana at the centre

Supported Decision-Making policies and training ensure people make their own choices with support as needed.
MySupport system (2018). This system provides comprehensive information for the individual in services, which can be shared with family/whānau if they are involved.
Chief Executive’s Advisory Group (from 2025) – seven people with lived experience advise IHC leadership directly.
IHC Member Council advises the Board and includes members with intellectual disability.
Leadership by People with Intellectual Disability Policy (2024) promotes self-advocacy and leadership across all services.
Publications and information for people with intellectual disability provided in Easy Read format.
Volunteer friendship programme connects people with intellectual disabilities with friends who share interests.
Skill-based learning volunteer programme connects people with a volunteer who can teach a skill, game or activity they are interested in.
IDEA Services area managers lead projects to increase leadership by people with intellectual disability.

Partnership with whānau and Māori  

Comprehensive strategic priorities for kiritaki Māori, their whānau and for workforce in Te Rautaki Urupare Māori O IDEA Services 2020 ke 2025 (Māori Strategy for IDEA Services 2021-2025). Initiatives that bring strategy to live include:
  • Strengthening of kapa haka groups in each region
  • Holding noho marae (overnight stay on a marae) to learn, connect and immerse in Māori culture
  • Staff cultural capability training and support
  • A whānau engagement model based on tikanga Māori
  • By 2024, there are 23 kapa haka groups across the motu participating in performances and festivals
  • Māori cookbook
  • Matariki celebrations and competitions.
Regular surveys and focus groups with people IHC supports and their families and whānau since 2022, inform service improvements.
Māori Responsiveness Plan since 2014, guided by Te Anga Pāua o Aotearoa (TAPOA) national advisory group.
Regional Māori leadership groups, kapa haka and cultural initiatives for people in IDEA Services.
Research with Waikato University (2024–2025) on the benefits of kapa haka for people with intellectual disabilities.

Safe, skilled and supported workforce  

Police and background checks for all staff and volunteers.
Clear Code of Conduct and Conflict of Interest policies.
All support workers complete NZ Certificate in Health and Wellbeing (Level 2) within 12 months, with pathways to Levels 3–5.
Online learning platform (since 2015) includes safeguarding, trauma-informed, and cultural safety training.
Managers complete leadership qualifications, with diploma options for senior staff.

Healthy and safe environments   

Annual health checks for all people supported, supported by advocacy for government-funded checks.
1Chart electronic medication system (2022–23) improves medication safety and oversight.
National Safer Eating and Drinking (SEAD) programme (2023–2025) improves safety and nutrition during meal times.
Partnership with Hospice Waikato ensures compassionate palliative care for people at end of life.
Regular home audits (since 2019) ensure safety, quality and inclusion.
Toolkit for Planning New Living Arrangements (2024) helps create safe, compatible living environments.

Continuous improvement and accountability    

Monthly 'Lessons Learned' summaries from incident reviews shared with all staff.
Annual Quality Evaluation and Outcomes Reports summarise improvements and trends.
From July 2025, IHC will report critical incidents through the Health Quality and Safety Commission Learning Review process.
Policies regularly reviewed to stay current, easy to read, and aligned with human rights principles.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Policy (updated 2025) supports a workforce that reflects our communities.
Home
/
About us
/
Privacy statement

IHC's apology and response

Find out more

Download the apology in Easy Read

Download

About our survivor engagement process

Find out more

Visit us

IHC National Office
Level 15,  57 Willis Street
Wellington

‍

Open hours

9am to 5pm
Monday to Friday

Postal address

P.O. Box 4155
Wellington 6140

‍

General enquiries

0800 442 442

‍

Fundraising enquiries

0800 746 444

donate@ihc.org.nz

Privacy statement|Accessibility
Powered by 
IHC Group logo
Website designed by Melville Design