WorkSafe investigation continues at Ballarat Clarendon College despite self-appointed investigator finding allegations ‘not substantiated’

A WorkSafe investigation into an alleged contravention of the OH&S Act is underway at Ballarat Clarendon College.

A Clarendon College-appointed investigator has wrapped up an investigation into bullying allegations at the elite school while a WorkSafe investigation is underway into an alleged breach of workplace legislation.

In October last year, the Herald Sun revealed an anonymous whistleblower letter had alleged there was a culture of bullying at Clarendon College which caused “genuine misery” and led to teachers breaking down in front of students.

Multiple sources afterwards told the Herald Sun they saw and experienced the culture outlined in the letter.

The Herald Sun does not suggest any of the allegations against principal David Shepherd or other senior staff are true, only that they were made.

The school appointed an investigator – but will say not whom – who within two months made an interim finding exonerating Mr Shepherd of the claims against him.

Principal David Shepherd, of whom many of the allegations were about, has welcomed the “exonerative findings and conclusions”. Picture: Supplied.

In a letter sent to parents about the final report on Thursday, Clarendon’s Board of Directors chair Mark Patterson said “none of the allegations in the anonymous letter were found to be substantiated”.

“The independent investigator also provided recommendations in relation to specific areas of workplace improvement and remediation, which the Board welcomed,” he said.

“These have now been implemented.”

The school says it has made some changes in the area of remediation.

WorkSafe and the Independent Education Union began their own inquiries in the wake of the whistleblower letter.

One complaint looked into by WorkSafe has come to a close without any action required by Clarendon, but an alleged contravention of the Occupational Health and Safety Act remains under investigation — a fact not mentioned by Mr Patterson.

“WorkSafe has received a complaint relating to an alleged contravention of the Occupational Health and Safety Act and is investigating the matters raised,” a spokesman for the organisation said.

Mr Patterson’s statement said Mr Shepherd, for whom the investigation had been “particularly hard”, welcomed the “exonerative findings and conclusions”.

Friday June 23 is Mr Shepherd’s final day with the school, as he begins extended leave before his retirement at the end of the year.

Clarendon College did not respond to questions about the identity of its investigator and what specific changes were implemented on his or her recommendations; nor did the school reply to a request to see the investigator’s final report.

The school has been contacted again regarding the active WorkSafe investigation.

The IEU did not respond to a request for comment.