The Diocese of Broken Bay welcomes the publication of its first external Audit Report against the National Catholic Safeguarding Standards (NCSS) recently undertaken by Demetrius Consulting. The Board of Australian Catholic Safeguarding Limited (ACSL) and its Audit Review Committee has confirmed that the Audit scope has been fulfilled.

The Diocese of Broken Bay is the first Diocese in Australia to have a NCSS Audit completed by an external auditor listed on ACSL’s NCSS Auditor Register.

The audit assessed the extent to which the Diocese had developed and embedded indicators that reflect a safe and secure safeguarding culture.

Most Reverend Anthony Randazzo DD JCL, Bishop of Broken Bay, is pleased to report that 100% of the relevant NCSS indicators were developed and 96% of those already embedded in the Diocese.

The report noted that “the Diocese’s approach to safeguarding is characterized 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.”

Bishop Randazzo said, “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. 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 Randazzo paid tribute to all those who had been engaged in the Audit process with generosity and diligence, including Chancery, clergy, and parish personnel.

The Diocese has committed to implementing the recommendations by the end of 2025.

The audit report can be viewed on both the website of the Diocese of Broken Bay https://www.dbbsafeguarding.com.au and the ACSL website https://www.acsltd.org.au/about-us/publications-and-reports/, which also includes the ACSL media release.