Vulnerable Clients
Family Violence, Supporting Vulnerable Clients and Financial Hardship Policy
This Family Violence, Supporting Vulnerable Clients and Financial Hardship Policy (Policy) has been developed to comply with National Insurance Brokers Association (NIBA) Insurance Brokers Code of Practice (the Code) and sets out how Metrix Connect identifies and supports vulnerable Clients, including those affected by Financial Hardship and Family Violence.
For the purposes of this Policy, any reference to “Clients” includes clients of Metrix Connect as well as any other individual entitled to Financial Hardship support under the Code. This could include individuals who we are seeking to recover money from as we believe they have caused damage to an insured Client.
Metrix Connect is committed to exercising greater care when dealing with vulnerable Clients. A person may be vulnerable due to a range of factors, including:
1. Age;
2. Disability;
3. Mental health conditions;
4. Physical health conditions;
5. Family violence;
6. Language barriers;
7. Cultural background;
8. Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander status;
9. Remote location; or
10. Financial distress.
Policy Statement
Metrix Connect has a long-standing commitment to conducting its business with honesty and integrity and remains committed to full compliance with the Code and informing Clients, employees, distributors and service suppliers about information and assistance available to vulnerable people, including those experiencing Financial Hardship and Family Violence.
This policy and the Metrix Connect internal policy and training programs assist employees to:
1. Identify and understand if a Client may be vulnerable;
2. Determine how best, and to what extent, they can support a vulnerable Client;
3. Take account of a Client’s particular needs or vulnerability; and
4. Engage with a vulnerable Client with sensitivity, dignity, respect and compassion. This may include arranging additional support and referring the Client to specialised people or services.
Metrix Connect may need to be flexible and vary the approach based on individual circumstances, including providing more personalised support to help navigate our processes and working within any processes and procedures set by our security partners.
Family Violence
In Australian law, ‘Family Violence’ is defined as:
“violent, threatening or other behaviour by a person that coerces or controls a member of the person’s family or causes the family member to be fearful.”
Family Law Act 1975 (Cth), section 4AB.
Family Violence means much more than physical violence. It includes:
– Emotional abuse, psychological abuse, sexual abuse, financial or economic abuse; and
– Damage to property.
The way employees deal with Clients who may be affected by Family Violence should facilitate, rather than act as a barrier to identifying Family Violence and improve the experience of those affected by Family Violence.
The aim of the Policy is to ensure that whenever Family Violence is identified or suspected, the safety of the Client affected by Family Violence and their family is protected.
Metrix Connect recognises that Family Violence is unacceptable in any relationship and Clients experiencing Family Violence will be treated with dignity and respect.
The support of Clients experiencing Family Violence and their family is the highest priority. Clients who indicate or disclose Family Violence are able to access support from Metrix Connect that is appropriate to their circumstances.
Assisting Clients
Metrix Connect can assist vulnerable Clients, including those experiencing Financial Hardship or Family Violence by:
– Ensuring safe and confidential communication in light of individual circumstances;
– Helping to set up new insurance policies;
– Helping to arrange access to financial hardship support; and
– Referral to specialist support services.
In circumstances where the issue is complex or unable to be dealt with by the primary person who took the call, it is to be immediately referred to the Compliance Team for consideration.
The Client must be informed of this action.
Third Parties
If Metrix Connect are advised or we identify that a client or potential client requires support from a third party (e.g.: lawyer, interpreter, or friend) we will make reasonable accommodations to allow for this.
Financial Hardship
Financial Hardship occurs when Clients experience difficulty in meeting their financial obligations to Metrix Connect.
The support Metrix Connect can offer does not include support with paying the premiums under an insurance policy we have issued.
If a Client informs Metrix Connect, or we identify, that they are experiencing Financial Hardship, we will provide them with:
if appropriate, contact details for the National Debt Helpline – 1800 007 007.
Training
Training is tailored to all employee roles within the business and the degree of contact they have with Clients.
Metrix Connect will aim to ensure that all employees and have been trained and receive ongoing training so that they:
– Are aware of Metrix Connect policies and procedures when they are engaging with vulnerable Clients;
– Identify vulnerable Clients, including those affected by Family Violence;
– Deal appropriately and sensitively with vulnerable Clients; and
– Apply the Family Violence & Supporting Vulnerable Clients policy and related policies and procedures relevant to their role in dealing with Clients.
Training is aimed at assisting employees to reduce the impact of vulnerability and Family Violence on Clients.
Reporting
Any notification of Vulnerability or Financial Hardship received by a member of staff must be reported to the Training and Compliance Coordinator via e.: info@metrixconnect.com.au
Support Services and Resources
1800 RESPECT
National 24-hour Domestic & Family Violence and Sexual Assault Line.
Phone: 1800 737 732
Website: 1800respect.org.au
Beyond Blue
24/7 support to people experiencing anxiety or depression.
Phone: 1300 224 636
Website: beyondblue.org.au
Lifeline
24/7 counselling & referral service for people in a crisis situation.
Phone: 13 11 14
Website: lifeline.org.au
MENSLINE
24/7 support, information and referral service for men with family and relationship issues.
Phone: 1300 789 978
Website: mensline.org.au
National Association of Community Legal Centres
An independent not-for-profit community organisation that provides legal and related services to the public, focusing on the disadvantaged and people with special needs.
Phone: 02 9160 9500
Website: www.naclc.org.au
National Debt Hotline
Financial counselling is a free, confidential service to assist people in financial difficulty.
Phone: 1800 007 007
Website: www.ndh.org.au
