As psychological pressures on teachers increase, so too does the complexity of managing performance, conduct, and workers’ compensation claims. This session explores how schools can distinguish genuine injury from performance-related issues, respond to complex scenarios, and build strong defences. It also examines key legal intersections, recent and proposed legislative changes across states, and practical strategies for reducing risk and liability.

Presenters

Dr Steven Middleton, Associate Principal, St Margaret’s Berwick Grammar
Dr Steven Middleton is an accomplished educational leader with close to 30 years of experience across several leading Independent Schools. Holding a Doctorate in Education from The University of Melbourne, Dr Middleton has a profound commitment to enhancing student and staff well being, promoting academic excellence, and fostering community engagement. As Associate Principal at St Margaret’s Berwick Grammar, Dr Middleton has been instrumental in leading strategic initiatives that have significantly improved academic results and school culture. Dr Middleton’s leadership style is marked by strategic vision, educational innovation, and a genuine commitment to developing inclusive, supportive school environments. His extensive experience and research focus on leadership and character education make him a respected figure in the educational community. Dr Middleton has both a professional and personal interest in legal matters to pertaining to schools.


Andrew Douglas, Managing Director, FCW Lawyers
Andrew Douglas is the Managing Director of FCW Lawyers – a workplace and commercial law firm based in Australia. Andrew is a leading senior legal practitioner with more than 30 years’ experience working with publicly listed businesses, companies, and substantial SMEs across a range of industries including manufacturing, agriculture, construction, government, NFP, education, health, and financial services. Andrew practices a range of workplace law, including employment, health and safety, workers’ compensation, dispute resolution, privacy, and investigations. Andrew is an accomplished speaker and chair of masterclasses in workplace law throughout Australia, New Zealand, and Asia. He has also authored several books on health and safety law and is a widely published legal practitioner on workplace wellbeing. Every Friday, Andrew co-hosts the Friday Workplace Briefing with members of the Workplace Relations team, informing a growing audience of senior HR professionals and business leaders on the latest legal news and developments impacting their organisations. Andrew is renowned for his leadership effectiveness, and commitment to his staff, their development and future. Prior to establishing FCW Lawyers in 2018, Andrew led large teams for several national law firms in the roles of National Head of Workplace Relations and Head of Dispute Resolution. He left ‘big law’ to build a firm that sees the world through ‘client eyes’, and cultivates a work environment of excellence, equality, flexibility and compassion.

School Law In Focus

Empower your leadership team by attending our School Law Webinar Series, crafted specifically for school leaders navigating today’s complex legal landscape. This engaging series offers practical guidance on key legal issues affecting school operations—from student and parent rights and parenting orders, to workplace investigations and procedures for return to work after injury. Gain practical strategies for assessing risk associated with school sport and consider  the reasonable steps that you need to take to keep your students and your school safe.  Led by top education law experts, each session delivers actionable insights to help principals make informed decisions and stay ahead of legal changes. Flexible online access ensures you can learn on your schedule while earning professional development credits.  Make it easy & save by registering for the full series or just the sessions that interest you. Watch each session live online or as an on-demand recording.