The Diocese of Broken Bay has been acknowledged for its strong safeguarding commitment after becoming the first Diocese in Australia to have a National Catholic Safeguarding Standards (NCSS) Audit completed by an external auditor listed on Australian Catholic Safeguarding Limited’s NCSS Auditor Register.
At the Caroline Chisolm Building, Pennant Hills on Wednesday, ACSL chief executive officer Dr Ursula Stephens presented Bishop Anthony Randazzo with a certificate acknowledging Broken Bay’s strong performance in the audit.
The audit assessed the extent to which the Diocese had developed and embedded indicators that reflect a safe and secure safeguarding culture.
According to the audit, 100% of the NCSS indicators were developed and 96% of those already embedded in the Diocese.
The report noted that “the Diocese’s approach to safeguarding is characterised by strong leadership, robust governance and mature systems and practices. This approach exceeds compliance and consists of proactively embedding the NCSS standards in everyday practice.”
During the presentation, Bishop Randazzo paid tribute to all those who had been engaged in the audit process with generosity and diligence, including Chancery, clergy, and parish personnel.
“I am deeply encouraged by the conclusions of the Audit Report and the acknowledgement by Demetrius Consulting that a culture of safeguarding has been genuinely developed in the Diocese,” said Bishop Anthony.
“While the Audit outcome confirms the substantial work that has been achieved over a number of years, continuing vigilance and development are essential, and I am grateful for the recommendations in the Audit Report. These recommendations provide ways we can continue to improve, and I am committed to ensuring our community is one of safety and care.”
Bishop Anthony added that Safeguarding was a truly Gospel value and that it should be embedded in everything the Diocese does.
The Diocese has committed to implementing the recommendations by the end of 2025.