Responsibilities of the Local Safeguarding Representative

Each Parish in the Archdiocese of Brisbane has a Local Safeguarding Representative who is responsible for:

1. Making sure that the whole parish is aware of the importance of safeguarding children and vulnerable adults
2. Promoting safe practices including articulating for others what is appropriate and inappropriate behaviour; and
3. Assisting the Parish Priest and staff in the implementation of the Archdiocesan Safeguarding Children and Vulnerable Adults Policy in the Parish

The Archdiocesan Safeguarding Children & Vulnerable Adults Prevention & Protection Policy can be found at: https://brisbanecatholic.org.au/support/safeguard

Ways to report or give feedback

Here is how you can report an incident or concern, or contact someone to talk about a safeguarding matter, or get more information:

• Talk to the police (Emergency: ‘000’ Non-emergency: 131 444) or Kids Help Line (1800 55 1800 or www.kidshelpline.com.au)
• Through the anonymous STOPline (1300 304 550 or AOB@stopline.com.au)
• Talk to our Local Parish Safeguarding Representative 
• Fill out a Safeguarding Incident Report and send it to safeguarding@bne.catholic.net.au or GPO Box 282 Brisbane Qld 4001

Volunteers

The Archdiocese of Brisbane has implemented standards of conduct for voluntary church workers to maintain a safe and healthy ministry environment.  Our commitment to these standards requires that we have a record of your Blue Card and conduct background referencing for all who intend to engage in voluntary ministry having direct and regular involvement with children, young people and vulnerable adults.

• Safe Conduct Standards (Archdiocese of Brisbane)
• Prior Conduct Declaration (Archdiocese of Brisbane)
• Archdiocese of Brisbane Whistleblower Policy

Safeguarding Training

The Archdiocese of Brisbane has the following safeguarding training packages, Safeguarding Induction, Applied Safeguarding Training and Training for Local Safeguarding Representatives, which can be viewed here https://brisbanecatholic.org.au/safeguarding/safeguarding-training.

Blue Card: “No Card, No Start”

Individuals must have a valid blue card before they start paid work or volunteer. All card holders must apply to renew their blue card before it expires in order to continue working/volunteering. If an individual lets their card expire, they will have to cease work until they obtain a new valid blue card. Click here for further information about the Blue Card Application process.

Other information

• Criminal History Statutory Declaration
• ‘Police Check’ can now be completed online using InterCheck.  Volunteers can do this via the Volunteer Portal http://archbne.org/welcome which will inform you whether you need a Police Check for your service.
• Online Police Checks – User Guide