Barbara Blayney

Where did the year go? I enthusiastically returned to the Safeguarding Program Office in January 2022 and am pleased to advise I will continue in the Directors role in 2023.

The focus this year was to review our systems internally and focus on the support for Clergy regarding the Mandatory Reporting legislation. With the wonderful support of the Safeguarding Program Team—Ingka (Admin Support) and Thomas (Safeguarding Coordinator), we have achieved a great deal.

Ingka provides a level of diligence and proficiency that has improved the collection of data and reports. Her friendly prompt communication and follow-up support to both the SGOs and Clergy, has see her navigate the CLANED Online Mandatory Reporting with the Clergy. Many very grateful for her help! The roll-out of the SGO lanyards is also well underway (if any SGO hasn’t arranged one yet, please let Ingka know). Ingka also prepares all our resources ready for training. Thank you, Ingka!

Thomas this year reviewed the SAAT and implemented a streamlined version with parishes. The ongoing support with recommendations and parish visits will continue next year to help build capacity in embedding the National Catholic Safeguarding Standards (NCSS). Expect a friendly visit from Thomas as he continues to reach out to you all. He has also picked up the Safeguarding Induction training and is working on the new Safeguarding Guidelines with me. Great work Thomas!

In 2022 we had over 1600 people “through our doors” attending various Safeguarding sessions. We had a 20% increase from last year in attendances at a church worker Safeguarding Induction. We look forward to continuing this effort next year with 2023 induction dates available on our website soon (see the training calendar).

A very successful Child Protection Week saw beautifully decorated kites in our Parishes and Agencies and some skilful kite flying (even by the Archbishop!) as a sign of our continued commitment to raising awareness and keeping the conversation alive on the need for child protection.

The Transition Project of the Archdiocese continues to add vibrancy, innovation, harmony, and collaboration to the Archdiocese. This has brought a greater level of objectivity, transparency, professionalism, and accountability to the Archdiocese. Our office worked in collaboration with the transition project to produce an Archdiocesan Safeguarding Policy, Screening and Monitoring Policy and work continues on converting the Safeguarding Handbook into a suite of Safeguarding Guidelines.

All this to better align with the NCSS and build capacity of safeguarding overall. The guidelines project will roll into 2023 with refresher SGO training available in the first quarter of next year.

I am thrilled to announce Edition 2 of the NCSS was formally announced 7 December 2022 by Australian Catholic Standards Limited, the Australian Catholic Bishops conference, Catholic Religious Australia and the Association of Ministerial Public Juridic Persons. The second edition of the Safeguarding Standards incorporates safeguarding measures for adults (with a focus on adults at risk). Whilst here in the Archdiocese of Perth we have provisionally adopted the inclusion of adults, I am pleased we can formally move to edition two very soon.

This year we also acknowledged the many days of recognition for minority and/or marginalised group and had the opportunity to collaborate with JEDO (Justice Ecology and Development Office) on the 2022-23 Social Justice Statement – RESPECT: Confronting Violence and Abuse.

Finally, as we draw to a close of 2022, I would like to sincerely thank every single one of you for your dedication and commitment— for giving selflessly to the church. “Volunteers don’t get paid, not because they’re worthless, but because they’re priceless.” – Sherry Anderson. I am humbled by your acts of kindness, generosity and care.

To our Clergy, Agency Directors, Archdiocese Managers and the hundreds of people who you walk beside, behind and in front. Thank you for your support and guidance.

From the Safeguarding Team Office, we wish you a blessed Christmas, wonderful New Year and we look forward to working with you all in 2023.

Stay safe – Barbara.