IPSS
Volunteer/Employee Clearances
Clergy are asked to ensure that their respective parish WWVP/WWCC registers are up to date. It is also important to inform IPSS of any changes.
Visiting/Outgoing Clergy
A remindeer that IPSS must be advised of all visiting clergy prior to their arrival.
In addition, any clergy travelling out of the Archdicoese to perform ministry should forward the requisite documentation to IPSS or, to the office of the diocese that they will be visiting. The documentation must be forwarded at least seven days in advance.
IPSS Advisory Panel
Nominated members of the IPSS Advisory Panel recently met with Archbishop Prowse. The Panel will be providing advice to IPSS on professional standards & safeguarding. More information will be forthcoming.
Reportable Conduct
Training opportunities in the requirements of Reportable Conduct will shortly be announced. In the interim if clergy see or hear of any behaviour that is of concern by a Church employee (including volunteer) or clergy member, whether it be towards a child or adult please bring it to the attention of Maria Hicks.
Royal Commission
IPSS is currently formulating Archdiocesan policies with respect to the recommendations of the Royal Commission. More information will be forthcoming in relation to this important work.
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WHS
Good Practice Ideas
A number of parishes have instituted the following ‘good practices’ as part of their response to WHS.
WHS Committees have been appointed.
The archdiocesan policy has been posted at the back of the church or hall.
Reference is made on a regular basis in the parish bulletin reminding parishioners if they have any safety concerns to report them to the WHS Committee and/or parish priest.
In similar fashion the safety features of the church facilities such as exits, location of first aid kits, fire extinguishers etc. are detailed in the parish bulletin.
WHS is included as an agenda item for meetings.
Six monthly audit & risk assessments are undertaken & forwarded to the Chancery.
Annual WHS Report
Readers are reminded that the WH&S Plan requires that parishes submit an Annual Confirmation of Implementation of OHSMS (Form 1)along with Form 5. Form 5 constitutes the Parish/Agency Annual WHS Audit.
The audit process (Form 5) covers a wide range of elements not all of which will be applicable
to every parish. It is important however that the audit is undertaken and a record retained at the parish & forwarded to the Chancery.
Hazards Exist
It is simply not sufficient just to identify hazards - they must also be addressed and the control measures in turn monitored.
A hazard is identified as any “situation, substances, activity, event or environment that could potentially cause injury or ill health” in the workplace.
Of course there are many different kinds of hazards & the risk level is dependent on many factors which can be taken into account when undertaking a risk assessment. The key however, is to be proactive in terms of identifying, assessing and controlling hazards.
Asbestos Audit
The Archdiocese wide audit of asbestos in all parish property will commence in May with the coastal parishes. Property details for each parish will be forwarded to the auditors who will make contact with the parish priest to arrange for a visit.
Maria Hicks (0406377961)
Victor Dunn (0418222693)