The Diocese of Bathurst has successfully completed its Diocesan Safeguarding Audit, with ACSL recognising that there is a deep commitment to safeguarding within the Diocese.

The National Catholic Safeguarding Standards (NCSS) audit was completed by Integroe Partners, an approved NCSS auditor on ACSL’s Auditor Register to review its safeguarding practices.

Commenting on the report’s release, ACSL Chief Executive Officer Dr Ursula Stephens congratulated the Diocese on its efforts to foster a culture of safeguarding across its parishes and ministries.

“The safeguarding audit is about much more than compliance with regulation. The NCSS give effect to the National Principles for Child Safe Organisations and demonstrate how the Catholic Church is responding to the recommendation of the Royal Commission that religious organisations adopt and implement the National Child Safe Standards.”

“The NCSS address the context of safeguarding children and adults at risk in the Catholic Church in Australia, and include guidance on formation, support for overseas trained priests to understand Australian safeguarding requirements, and the unique power imbalances that can occur in ministry environments. The NCSS also address the safeguarding obligations we have for respecting and protecting adults within our
ministries who may be at risk of abuse because of their circumstances. This perspective reflects changes in Canon Law.

We are very pleased that the Diocese of Bathurst, which has had a longstanding commitment to being a safe church for all, has chosen an external auditor. It is important that Catholic organisations open themselves up to a safeguarding audit, and that this is an independent review.” Dr Stephens said.

The Report includes some recommendations made to strengthen the safeguarding approach within the Diocese and to provide a path for continuous improvement.

The full safeguarding audit report for the Diocese of Bathurst is available on ACSL’s website.

Source: ACSL