Safeguarding

  • A short introduction explaining the role of the Parish Safeguarding Officer

  • A simple explanation of how IPSS functions and where they fit
    these words have already been approved by Father Paul – we just need to have a final discussion and can let you know when we want to upload.

  • Then, on the right‑hand side, a sidebar—similar to the “Getting Here” page—linking to the safeguarding governance framework

At the Cathedral Parish of St Christopher, safeguarding is at the heart of our mission. To support a safe, respectful, and faith‑filled parish community, our safeguarding work is guided by four key documents. These foundational documents shape all our policies, procedures, and ministry practices.

 1.      Parish Safeguarding Policy
This policy sets out our approach to safe ministry and outlines the expectations, responsibilities, and principles that guide all safeguarding decisions. It aligns with Archdiocesan requirements, the National Catholic Safeguarding Standards, and the National Principles for Child Safe Organisations.

2.      Parish Volunteer Code of Conduct
This code outlines the standards of behaviour expected from all volunteers and reflects the dignity, reverence, and integrity appropriate to service in a Catholic parish.

3.      Statement of Commitment to Child Safety
Our public declaration that the safety and wellbeing of children and young people are central to our ministry, leadership, and parish culture.

4.      Safeguarding Culture Statement
A plain-language expression of the values, attitudes, and behaviours that shape a safe and welcoming parish community. This statement explains how safeguarding is lived every day, rather than simply administered.

 These four documents work together to form the Parish Safeguarding Governance Framework, which underpins everything else that we do, including:

  • The following documents support safe, joyful, and well‑structured participation of children in parish ministry:

    Child Ministry Guide (Altar Server)
    Child Ministry Parent Consent Form

    Additional child ministry guides and tools may be developed as other ministries expand.

  • The Cathedral Parish of St Christopher is committed to protecting personal information in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth), including the Australian Privacy Principles.

    To support safe ministry and responsible record‑keeping, the parish:

    • collects only the information needed for ministry, safeguarding, or legal compliance

    • stores all records securely, with access restricted to authorised personnel

    • ensures accuracy and currency of volunteer and ministry records

    • destroys or de-identifies information when no longer required (unless legislation or Archdiocesan protocols require retention)

    • does not disclose information to third parties except where required by law

    • manages safeguarding information in accordance with Archdiocesan Storing and Sharing Child Protection Records Protocol

    Personal information is handled with care, integrity, and confidentiality.
    If you have questions about how your information is collected or managed, please contact the Parish Office or Parish Safeguarding Officer.

  • Volunteers play an essential role in the life and mission of the Cathedral Parish of St Christopher.
    To serve in any parish ministry, all volunteers must meet a small number of compulsory safeguarding requirements.

    These requirements ensure that every volunteer is supported, that ministries operate smoothly, and that our parish fulfils its responsibilities under Church and civil law.

    To volunteer in the Cathedral Parish, the following are mandatory:

    • Read the Archdiocese Child Protection Code of Conduct

    • Sign the Archdiocese Child Protection Code of Conduct Acknowledgement Form

    • Read the Parish Volunteer Code of Conduct

    • Hold a valid ACT WWVP registration (or NSW WWCC for up to 28 days per year) if the ministry involves children or vulnerable people

    • Providing up‑to‑date contact details to the Parish Office

    • Completing required ministry or safeguarding training

    These requirements are not optional. Volunteers cannot serve until all minimum standards are met.

    This protects our community, supports our clergy and ministry leaders, and ensures all volunteers can serve confidently and safely.

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  • Report an Incident or Near Miss

  • Training Resource

  • Safeguarding Notices