Society rolls out Safeguarding training for its leaders

The St Vincent de Paul Society National Council of Australia is committed to building a more just and compassionate society. A key element of our strategic vision and advocacy work is to be a leading and trusted advocate for those in need in our community, including vulnerable children and adults. This is where Safeguarding comes in. Keeping people safe is National Council’s top priority. 

While it’s understood that Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility, leaders play a unique role in establishing and influencing an organisation’s Safeguarding culture. Strong leadership not only raises the profile of safety and wellbeing; it also ensures that the right strategies and governance arrangements are put in place to guide the actions and behaviours of everyone involved in the organisation – Members, volunteers and employees. 

The recent news coverage of shocking events in Victoria’s childcare settings (and other states) is just one example of significant leadership failings, particularly around staff recruitment, training and supervision. Clearly, the community expects and deserves much more from those entrusted to care for their children. 

National Council is committed to keeping all children and adults at risk safe, wherever they connect with the Society, and has zero tolerance for any form of harm or abuse. 

While protecting the safety and wellbeing of others has always underpinned the Society’s work, the Society in Australia has rolled out mandatory Safeguarding training to its leaders this year. As of 30 June 2025, more than 180 leaders from across the Society in Australia have completed the training. 

The Safeguarding Leadership Training Program was developed in close collaboration with Australian Catholic Safeguarding Ltd (ACSL) and is being delivered through ACSL’s online learning platform. The training addresses fundamental Safeguarding principles for children and adults at risk and outlines the specific roles and responsibilities of Society Members and employees in leadership roles.  

Importantly, the Safeguarding training also reconfirms the Society's commitment to the National Catholic Safeguarding Standards which are aligned with the 10 National Principles for Child Safe Organisations. This commitment ensures that the safety of others remains at the centre of how the Society plans, thinks and acts.  

Engaging in thoughtful dialogue to raise awareness and spark new ideas is a key element of this work, and as this year's theme for National Child Protection Week (7-13 September) reminds us, 'every conversation matters'. It is incumbent upon Society leaders to then shift these conversations into meaningful actions to protect the most vulnerable from harm. 

For more information, visit vinnies.org.au/national-council/safeguarding 

Kerry Mulligan is National Manager Safeguarding, Safeguarding Standards Office, St Vincent de Paul Society National Council of Australia.