COVID-19 Policy & Procedures

  1. Purpose & Scope

This policy outlines the strategies employed by Verge Collaborative to minimise exposure of any stakeholder to the COVID-19 virus and to respond in the event that a stakeholder tests positive for the virus and/or is required to self-isolate for a period of time.

In addition, this policy is intended to meet the 2021 requirements of the NSW Government for NSW-based businesses to maintain a COVID-19 Safety Plan.

This policy and procedure will be reviewed and updated as required throughout the period that COVID-19 presents a risk to Australian residents.


  1. Definitions

COVID-19 - Strain of Coronavirus identified in 2019 that presents a significant life-threatening risk to humans. Worldwide spread initiating in December 2019 and impacting Australia in January 2020. At time of policy update, the COVID-19 vaccine rollout has occurred and restrictions are eased within NSW, but the spread of the Omicron virus strain is presenting significant challenges. There continues to be considerable risk to many population groups, with increased risk present for vulnerable populations, especially for those who have chosen not to be vaccinated at this time.

Risk - The potential for a hazard to cause harm. It is the chance of something happening, and is measured in terms of likelihood and consequences.

Risk Assessment - The overall process of risk analysis and evaluation. It provides a measure of risks to facilitate comparison, evaluation, and subsequent elimination, control or minimisation of assessed risks.

Risk Management - The implementation of strategies designed to eliminate, control, reduce or accept the risks associated with an identified hazard.


  1. Principles

Verge Collaborative is committed to ensuring that it's contractors, volunteers, customers, and Board of Directors are protected from the risk of contracting COVID-19 (coronavirus) whilst engaging in their work or custom with the organisation.

Contractors are expected to take responsibility for their own health and safety with respect to conducting their work for Verge Collaborative via a digital platform in general, and in this instance, management of the specific risks associated with potential contraction of COVID-19. Contractors are encouraged to conduct their own business risk assessments and develop a suitable COVID-19 Safety Plan.


  1. Procedures

The following procedures are in place as of 15 November 2022:

  • Verge Collaborative has been registered with the NSW Government as a COVID Safe Business.

  • A current government-approved COVID-19 Safety Plan can be accessed here.

  • All customer-facing services (including workshops, coaching, and business advisory services) have been made available digitally, to eliminate the risk of virus spread to or amongst customers and contractors during service delivery. This includes all components of THE LEADER'S WAY program, the INSPIRED! workshop, and For-Purpose Business Coaching services.

  • Customers and contractors are additionally requested and encouraged to physically distance from one another throughout service delivery events in the event that they are co-located with members of their own organisation during an event provided digitally.

  • The Board of Directors is conducting essential meetings online, and will assess the nature of ongoing risks prior to resuming essential governance meetings in-person.

  • Contractors or Board Members are able to meet face-to-face where required or preferenced. It is expected they will remain vigilant regarding appropriate physical distancing, wearing masks where mandated, checking in to premises as required, and providing evidence of vaccination where requested.

  • Ongoing risks to customers and contractors are being monitored and assessed prior to resuming any in-person service delivery.

  • This Policy and Procedure document will be updated monthly or more frequently as required, throughout the duration of the pandemic.


  1. Functions and Delegations

Board of Directors

  • Endorse the COVID-19 Policy and Procedures.

  • Be familiar with the organisation’s legislative requirements regarding operating a COVID Safe business in NSW.

  • Comply with COVID-19 Policy and Procedures.

Management

  • Be familiar with the legislative requirements regarding operating a COVID Safe business in NSW.

  • Ensure systems are in place across the organisation to adequately protect customers and contractors from contracting or spreading COVID-19 as a result of participation in Verge Collaborative activities.

  • Act in accordance with organisational systems in place to assess and manage risks associated with COVID-19.

  • Comply with COVID-19 Policy and Procedures.

Staff & Contractors

  • Be familiar with the legislative requirements regarding operating a COVID Safe business in NSW.

  • Act in accordance with organisational systems in place to assess and manage risks associated with COVID-19.

  • Comply with COVID-19 Policy and Procedures.


  1. References

VERSION: 11

REVIEWED: 15 NOVEMBER 2022