Putting practical action behind its commitment to safety in the Church in Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains, the Diocese of Parramatta has launched a “Festival of Safeguarding Training” for Safe Parishes Week 2023.
From 5 to 11 June, the Office of Safeguarding is hosting Safeguarding training for parish teams. Training in Safeguarding is mandatory in the Diocese for all paid staff, clergy, and all volunteers in ministry who come into contact with children and vulnerable people.
Head of People and Culture in the Diocese of Parramatta, Tracy McLeod-Howe, said “The Diocese of Parramatta recognises that safeguarding is something we are all called to do – whether it be the parish priest, parish secretary, parish volunteer or parishioner.
“Building awareness and knowledge of how to prevent potentially abusive situations is a key part of how we are responding to Bishop Vincent’s commitment to Safeguarding, and his zero tolerance of abuse of any kind,” she said.
“Safe Parishes Week is to remind us of the importance of safety in our parishes,” she said. “At the same time, we need to ensure safety 24/7. That is why empowering parishioners through training is so critical.”
The series of training modules is designed for existing staff/volunteers who are required to keep up to date with the mandatory requirements. This includes new staff/volunteers who have yet to undertake training. Those who completed training in 2021 are ready to complete the renewal modules, 4 and 5.
“In addition to the mandatory modules, there are new elective topics on risk and respectful workplaces,” added Tracy. “These will inform people of new legislative changes around respect at work.”
Safe Parishes Week Festival of Training Program 2023
- Monday 5 June 2023 – Elective Module “Safeguarding and Assessing Risk – Risk Assessment Framework” from 1pm to 2.30pm at the Bishop Bede Heather Centre, Blacktown.
- Tuesday 6 June – Renewal of the Mandatory Modules (cycle 2 modules 4 and 5) for continuing volunteers from 10am to 1.30pm at the Bishop Bede Heather Centre, Blacktown.
- Tuesday 6 June – Elective Module “Applying the Risk Assessment Framework to Safeguard Safe Spaces in Parish Communities” from 7pm to 9pm at St Andrew the Apostle Parish Hall, Marayong.
- Wednesday 7 June – Renewal of the Mandatory Modules (cycle 2 modules 4 and 5) for continuing volunteers from 10am to 1.30pm at the Bishop Bede Heather Centre, Blacktown.
- Friday 9 June – Mandatory Modules (cycle 1 modules 1, 2, and 3) for all new volunteers and parish staff from 9.30am to 2.30pm at the Bishop Bede Heather Centre, Blacktown.
Register at safeguardingtraining@parracatholic.org
To find out more about the Diocese of Parramatta Festival of Safeguarding Training, or if you are unsure what level of Safeguarding training you need to complete, please contact your parish office or speak to Maria Kervin, Community Engagement and Education Officer via maria.kervin@parracatholic.org.
