Port Pirie Diocese has undertaken its safeguarding audit and received 88 per cent compliance with the National Catholic Safeguarding Standards according to the audit report published by Australian Catholic Safeguarding Ltd today.
ACSL Chief Executive Officer Ursula Stephens said that the audit demonstrated that the diocese has comprehensive child safeguarding policies and procedures in place.
Dr Stephens acknowledged the efforts of the diocesan safeguarding personnel to ensure that policies were being met in practice and commended the integration of safeguarding across the diverse ministries within the diocese.
The audit noted the high percentage of volunteers and their commitment to developing and embedding safeguarding practices in the Diocese.
ACSL made four recommendations against each capability area to improve safeguarding practices within the diocese. These recommendations were accepted and work is already underway to implementing them.
There are no high priority recommendations for the diocese.
Port Pirie Bishop Karol Kulczycki SDS welcomed the report and expressed gratitude for the work undertaken throughout the diocese to foster a culture of safety, accountability and care.
“Safeguarding is not simply a compliance requirement; it is a Gospel responsibility that calls us to uphold the dignity and wellbeing of every person entrusted to our care.”
Bishop Kulczycki said the diocese would carefully consider the recommendations arising from the audit and continue working collaboratively with clergy, staff, volunteers and parish communities to ensure best practice safeguarding measures remain in place.
“Every child, young person and adult at risk deserves to feel safe, respected and valued within the life of the Church. We remain steadfast in our commitment to creating environments where people can participate with confidence and trust,” he said.
The recommendations for improvement reflect an acknowledgement of the diverse cultural communities within the diocese, and an ongoing commitment to understand and implement responsibilities of safeguarding adults at risk.
The National Catholic Safeguarding Standards provide the framework for Catholic Church entities to build child-safe cultures and to advance the safety and dignity of children and adults at risk across the Catholic Church in Australia.
Read the full audit here.
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Diocese of Port Pirie safeguarding audit affirms safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility (ACSL)
