The Presentation Sisters WA Congregation is committed to ensuring that safeguarding culture is embedded within its community, according to a safeguarding audit report published today by Australian Catholic Safeguarding Ltd.
The audit assessed how the Sisters have implemented the National Catholic Safeguarding Standards (NCSS), the national framework for the safety of children and adults at risk for Catholic entities in Australia.
The audit found that all NCSS indicators relevant to the Sisters had been substantially implemented at the time of the assessment.
ACSL chief executive Ursula Stephens noted that the Sisters are deeply committed to safeguarding.
“The Presentation Sisters – WA Congregation are dedicated to serving the marginalised and their deep commitment to faith, spirituality, justice, education and the preservation of human dignity for all; this has been accompanied by a commitment to ensuring the safety of the children and adults at risk they encounter in ministry,” Dr Stephens said.
“Even with an ageing congregation where there are now few Sisters in active ministry.”
The congregation was assessed by ACSL as needing to undertake a self-report audit because the Sisters have no formal governance over any ministry.
Preparation for the audit highlighted the need for additional governance documentation and the congregation responded proactively to ensure the documentation reflected everyday practice and the principles of safeguarding.
ACSL’s recommendations focus on ensuring the Sisters continue to embed this documentation and particular aspects of training programs.
“The Sisters have a real understanding that continuous improvement is an essential component of safeguarding, and this audit reflects their dedication to growth and improvement,” Dr Stephens said.
Congregation leader Sr Anna Fewer reaffirmed the congregation’s ongoing commitment to children and adults at risk.
“We are and have always been committed to safeguarding and valuing every individual,” Sr Anna said.
“We are delighted to have worked, once more, with ACSL in preparing for, and learning from, this audit.
“It has been a blessed opportunity for our congregation as we have experienced, first-hand, how the audit process contributes to our congregation’s ongoing learning and commitment to continuous improvement.”
The report is available on ACSL’s website.
FULL STORY
WA Congregation deeply committed to safeguarding, audit finds (ACSL)
