CEO Report - March 20262026 started as 2025 ended, with an ever-increasing pace. The demand for Kooyoora’s services remains high, reflecting not only our role as a trusted independent body but also the wider pressures and distress being felt across many communities. People are navigating complex challenges, including world unrest, financial strain, relational stress, and heightened expectations around safety and accountability. These factors frequently surface in the matters brought to us. I want to extend my appreciation to our staff, volunteers, and client organisations for their continued commitment to safe, fair, and trauma-informed processes. Let me step you through the key updates over the last few months: Tenders and Strategic PartnershipsFebruary saw active engagement with new tenders and partnership opportunities, supporting our strategy of operating sustainably and responding to the increasing complexity of safeguarding and professional standards matters. Strengthening Systems and Organisational CapabilityWe also advanced work on several organisational priorities, including strengthening psychosocial risk management, refining tools to support vulnerable people in hearings, and enhancing our training and capacity-building resources for client organisations. These improvements ensure we remain aligned with best practice and continuously improve the way we serve those who rely on us. Listening, Learning and Improving Through FeedbackFeedback has been a feature of the last few months, and we are grateful for these informed insights. People who have participated in our processes have taken the time to provide feedback through surveys, CEO feedback meetings, exit interviews with professional standards volunteers as their terms conclude, and discussions with our broader group of stakeholders. This feedback continues to provide valuable insights into opportunities to further improve quality and efficiency. Many have expressed appreciation for the clarity and support offered throughout their engagement, while also identifying areas where streamlining could further strengthen the experience. These include reducing duplication in information requests, clarifying pastoral care responsibilities, improving the timing and sequencing of communications, and enhancing the transparency of expected timeframes. Stakeholders have also highlighted the potential benefits of expanded digital tools and more consistent touchpoints during longer matters. We are grateful for this feedback, which helps us refine our systems in ways that reduce burden, improve accessibility, and ensure our processes remain safe, timely and respectful for all involved. Launch of Te Pae Whaiti in New ZealandWe launched the online screening system for the Anglican Diocese of Aotearoa, New Zealand and Polynesia. In Australia we use OSCA (Online Screening Applicant). In New Zealand, the system is called Te Pae Whaiti. The name reflects their vision of safeguarding and screening — a narrow gate that leads to life, representing a commitment to righteousness and the threshold we are called to maintain. It is a pleasure to see organisations take ownership and engage in safeguarding in meaningful ways. Upcoming Accreditation ProcessKooyoora is preparing for our second accreditation process. We will be measured against Quality Innovation Performance Health and Community Services Standards. Welcome & Farewell to our Professional Standards VolunteersWe have had the privilege of working alongside some incredible people on the Kooyoora journey and 2026 is no different. We welcome Elisa Buggy to the Professional Standards Board and Review Board. Elisa is an experienced social worker who has worked in the areas of sexual assault and within the court systems. We also welcome Reverend Canon John Sanderson to these roles. Reverend John has a background in police and defence and is an Anglican priest. Inductions have occurred and the conversations were rich and insightful in industry knowledge, and I am excited about the contributions to decision making that will be made. We farewelled Paul Linossier, a valued Professional Standards Committee member. We have appreciated Paul’s insights and thoughtful contributions over the past three years and we wish him well. All our Professional Standards Volunteers have devoted considerable time over the past few months, and we are grateful for their expertise and the time they give in service of independent decision making, strengthening systems and quality. Their role remains essential in upholding transparent, values-driven processes for faith-based organisations. Changes at the Kooyoora BoardThere have been changes at the Kooyoora Board level. We farewelled Pauline Kelly and Susan Halliday AM as they both enter a slowing of professional life. Pauline has served on the Board for seven years and, prior to that, was a member of the Professional Standards Committee. Susan served on the Board for five years. Their contributions have been enormous. Welcoming Dr Leanne Beagley We welcomed Dr Leanne Beagley to the Kooyoora Board in February. Leanne brings a wealth of experience in the mental health and safeguarding sectors. She has also served within the Anglican Church at several levels and has significant understanding of Kooyoora’s history, challenges and expectations. New InvestigatorFinally, we also welcomed Sarah Hullah to our investigative team. Sarah is an experienced investigator and a lawyer. She is also an advisor in New Zealand to an emergency service, providing guidance on best-practice safeguarding. Thank you to everyone - staff, board, volunteers, and people with lived experience, who contribute to Kooyoora’s purpose. Your insights, courage, and dedication shape the way we work and help ensure our services remain safe, accessible, and grounded in respect. I look forward to sharing more updates in the months ahead.
Fiona Boyle
CEO, Kooyoora
|
