Diocesan Safeguarding CouncilThe Diocesan Safeguarding Council of the Catholic Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle plays a vital advisory role in supporting the Bishop and Trustees in fulfilling their canonical and civil safeguarding responsibilities.
About
The Diocesan Safeguarding Council of the Catholic Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle plays a vital advisory role in supporting the Bishop and Trustees in fulfilling their canonical and civil safeguarding responsibilities. Established under the Diocesan Governance Framework, the Council provides independent, strategic advice on safeguarding matters concerning children and vulnerable adults across diocesan agencies and parishes.
Its core function is to ensure that diocesan operations align with legal, ethical, and Church standards. The Council promotes best practices in safeguarding, oversees compliance with regulatory frameworks, and supports performance management of key safeguarding personnel. It also reviews and approves safeguarding policies, monitors the performance of the Office of Safeguarding, and ensures financial oversight of safeguarding initiatives, including the Bishop’s Healing Fund.
The Council fosters synodality by engaging with diocesan communities, raising awareness, and encouraging dialogue on safeguarding issues. It makes recommendations to the Bishop and Trustees and ensures mission alignment with the Church’s teachings and strategic objectives.
The Council meets at least four times annually and is supported by standing invitees including senior diocesan staff. It currently has standing committees for oversight, claims resolution, and healing and support.
Through its work, the Council strengthens the Diocese’s commitment to creating safe, respectful, and responsive environments for all, especially the most vulnerable.
The Safeguarding Council is already established and will continue in the new structure, with a review to align its practices and integrate into the synodal governance model to take place in 2026.
Skills and experience
Each of us is gifted with varying talents, skills and experiences. In essence, we seek people who are passionate about supporting the future of our Church and building on our history to fulfill our mission – to serve all in the community so they may experience life to the full.
These differing perspectives and skills combine to complement others, challenge our thinking and build a truly synodal church.
While the Safeguarding Council is already established, we are always looking for people to support all our Councils and Boards.
If you have skills or experience that would support Safeguarding governance such as those listed below, we encourage you to put forward an expression of interest or contact us to find out more.
- Catholic mission and identity
- Safeguarding
- Legal
- A member of the community who may have lived experience with victims of abuse, and / or the survivor community
- Finance
Statutes and Protocols
Statutes and Protocols are ad experimentum during the first year, and may be updated from time to time during that year. The role of the relevant Council or Board will be to, at the end of the first year, consider the drafts and participate in updates to make the process fit for purpose.
