Managing compliance in real time: An operators perspective

Some of the most valuable leadership lessons in early childhood education and care (ECEC) are not found in legislation, regulatory guidance or textbooks. They emerge when something goes wrong, and in the decisions leaders make in the hours, days and weeks that follow.

Whether responding to a compliance breach, navigating a challenging regulatory interaction, recovering from an unexpected incident or learning from a near miss, experienced leaders know these moments often become the catalyst for meaningful organisational change.

Those conversations will take centre stage during Panel 2 at The Sector Connect+ ECEC Compliance & Risk Forum 2026.

Moderated by The Sector Publishing CEO Jason Roberts, the session will feature Lisa Jones, Executive Director Risk and Transformation at Only About Children, Brendon Anderson, Regional Manager at Guardian Childcare and Education; and Jenni Gaffney, Head of Growth and Performance at Simba Education and previously Chief Network Officer at Young Academics. 

Together, they will share the leadership experiences that have reshaped their approach to governance, compliance, organisational risk and continuous improvement.

Titled Beyond best practice: real lessons from the front line, the interactive discussion has been designed to move beyond compliance theory and explore the realities of leadership when organisations are tested.

Rather than presenting ideal scenarios or examples of perfect compliance, the panel will focus on practical decision-making, reflective leadership and the behaviours that help organisations emerge stronger following adversity.

Panellists will explore questions including:

• How the regulatory environment has evolved over the course of the last several years
• How the shift has impacted how organisations prepare for and manage compliance risk
• What steps organisations are taking to re-inforce existing policies and procedures
• Where does best practice for compliance sit in today’s environment
• What are the tell tale signs that risk levels at a service may be elevated
• What classification and reporting tools have proven most effective in incident situations
• How incident response and HR intertwine and how to manage both streams effectively
• The intersection between incident reporting and complaint reporting
• How to manage all stakeholders, including families and team members, through incidents
• What have been the key lessons learned at a compliance and leadership level

The Sector Publishing CEO Jason Roberts said the session had been intentionally designed to create space for conversations that are anchored in lived experience.

"Every leader working in the ECEC sector today has undoubtedly been actively extending and embedding the governance around compliance and risk management at their services,” Mr Roberts said.

"The deepening of these essential safeguards combined with actual experiences of managing incidents and complaints are incredibly valuable and extremely relevant to the current moment."

“This Forum will seek to unpack these important themes and provide any ECEC professional interested in this crucial and foundational part of running an ECEC organisation first hand insights that will undoubtedly strengthen understanding and knowledge on how to deepen compliance governance at their organisations.”

“Keeping children safe isn't something any of us can do alone. That's why we're proud to support a forum that goes beyond compliance to ask how the sector can build services where children are safe and thriving. It's a conversation we care about at Storypark, and one we want to be part of, alongside the leaders and educators doing this work every day.” - Katie Dowle, Storypark’s Chief Product and Marketing Officer.

Designed for approved providers, CEOs, executive leaders, nominated supervisors and governance professionals, the session will provide practical insights drawn from real-world experience rather than hypothetical scenarios. 

Delegates will leave with insights, knowledge and information that will strengthen governance, identify organisational risk earlier, respond confidently to incidents and build cultures of accountability, resilience and continuous improvement.

Whether developing internal policies, expanding procedures, classifying incidents, engaging with regulators or managing stakeholders, the discussion aims to provide practical insights that leaders can apply immediately within their own organisations.

Event details

Date: Friday 4 September 2026

Location: Waterview, Bicentennial Park, Sydney Olympic Park

Time: 8.30am registration | 9am start – 4.30pm close

Tickets are selling fast. Early childhood leaders can secure their place at The Sector Connect+ ECEC Compliance & Risk Forum 2026 now.

Further program announcements will follow, including the line-up for Panel 3 and the sector champion who will take part in the Forum’s fireside chat.