A recent audit by Australian Catholic Safeguarding Limited (ACSL) found that the Sisters of St Joseph, Lochinvar had achieved full implementation of the National Catholic Safeguarding Standards (NCSS) for children and adults at risk.
In February 2025, ACSL completed a review audit of the Sisters’ NCSS Self-Assessment, and fieldwork was conducted by Dr David Treanor, Director Safeguarding and Compliance, in June 2025. The audit scope included:
- Audit activities at the Sisters’ Administrative Centre at Warners Bay.
- Interviews, observations, and enquiry with the Leadership Team and relevant ministerial personnel.
- A review of key safeguarding documents, policies, and procedures.
- Assessment of the design and testing of the operation of safeguarding controls
As reported in CathNews on 16 July 2025 the Audit found the Audit found that 100 per cent of the NCSS indicators relevant to the Sisters, had been fully or substantially implemented.
ACSL‘s chief executive officer, Dr Ursula Stephens noted that the Sisters are deeply rooted in their community. She said, The Sisters of St Joseph Lochinvar have been very faithful to the people of the Hunter region, and this fidelity has been accompanied by a commitment to ensuring the safety of the children and adults at risk they encounter in ministry.
Dr Stephens also recognised that the Sisters’ Leadership Team, aware that some of their own Sisters are now adults at risk, are taking the necessary step to ensure their needs are being met.
Congregational leader Sr Patricia McCarthy reaffirmed the Sisters’ ongoing commitment to children and adults at risk, saying that we are, and have always been, committed to the high ethical standards incorporated into our Code of Conduct.
The audit report is available on the ACSL website
