Safeguarding means protecting peoples’ health, wellbeing and human rights, and enabling them to live free from harm, abuse and neglect. This means protecting people, particularly children and vulnerable adults, from harm that arises from engaging with our staff or programs.
Our commitment to Safeguarding
Mary MacKillop Today is committed to the safety and wellbeing of all people who come into contact with our organisation and our programs, especially children and vulnerable adults. Mary MacKillop Today is committed to the rights and protection of all people regardless of their age, gender, nationality, religion or political beliefs.
We explicitly prohibit all forms of harmful behaviour including sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment of any kind against any persons, adult or child. We also prohibit exploitative, neglectful or emotionally abusive treatment of children. Mary MacKillop Today recognises our duty of care to take reasonable steps to ensure people are safe from harm (including victims/survivors and whistle-blowers).
We are committed to demonstrating ongoing and effective leadership, communication, and to providing ongoing training and guidance to all staff, volunteers and partners.
Mary MacKillop Today is committed to creating an open and aware environment where concerns for the safety of children and vulnerable adults can be raised and managed in a fair and just manner to protect the rights of all.
Through our membership of the Australian Council for International Development (ACFID), our accreditation by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), and our commitment to the National Catholic Safeguarding Standards, our systems, policies and processes are rigorously reviewed to ensure high standards of good practice, transparency and accountability. We are committed to continuous learning and improvement.
Our full Safeguarding Policy including our Safeguarding Code of Conduct can be viewed here.
How to report a Safeguarding concern or complaint
We encourage the reporting of any Safeguarding concerns, incidents or complaints. We will take all reports seriously and act on them ensuring every effort is made to protect the rights and safety of the victim/survivor.
Reports can be made verbally, in person, or in writing via email or letter using the below details.
Reports can be made anonymously, and if you are identifiable in your report we can take steps to protect your identity where necessary.
Safeguarding Focal Point, Sydney Office
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +61 2 8912 2777 (ask for Safeguarding Focal Point)
Postal Address: PO Box 1646 North Sydney NSW Australia 2059
Safeguarding Focal Point, Timor-Leste Office
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +670 3317422
Postal Address: Avenida Becora, Dili, Timor-Leste
All of Mary MacKillop Today’s Partners have a Safeguarding contact in their office that you can report to.
