A safeguarding audit report has found solid safeguarding practices are in place for the Sisters of Mercy Brisbane. Source: ACSL.
The audit, conducted by Australian Catholic Safeguarding Ltd (ACSL) in January and February year found that 100 per cent of the National Catholic Safeguarding Standards (NCSS) for children and adults at risk are either at an embedded or substantially progressed stage.
While the congregation has 87 sisters, the majority have retired, and only eight are in active ministry.
ACSL chief executive Ursula Stephens said that despite the reduced engagement in ministry as the congregation ages, the Sisters of Mercy Brisbane has demonstrated an exemplary commitment to embedding a positive safeguarding culture.
“Our audit of the Sisters has taken into consideration that there are relatively few members still engaged in ministry and that those who are, have ministry agreements in place with the service providers they are working with,” Dr Stephens said.
“Our focus was on a core set of standards that demonstrate an entity’s leadership in safeguarding, human resource practices, approach to complaint management, ongoing training and education and of course, risk management in the physical and online environments.
“Our desktop review of the congregation’s safeguarding policies and procedures coupled with interviews with personnel identified that the sisters are proactive in managing risks that might emerge in their environment.
“The congregation has appropriate complaint management processes and systems in place and is also investing in its members by ensuring sisters in ministry are participating in appropriate supervision that includes a focus on safeguarding.”
Dr Stephens said ACSL has recommended the congregation publish its safeguarding statement on its website homepage.
“While simple, this small change can ensure that anyone seeking information about the congregation’s approach to safeguarding will find it right away.
“Putting safeguarding on the front page means that there can be no mistake about the congregation’s determination to help anyone in its reach know that they have the right to be safe,” Dr Stephens said.
The full audit report for the Sisters of Mercy Brisbane is available on ACSL’s website.
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