Psychological safety is a core component of Kooyoora’s Abuse Prevention Framework. It supports an organisational culture where people feel safe to take interpersonal risks. This might include sharing ideas, admitting mistakes, asking difficult questions, challenging decisions, speaking up about wrongdoing, questioning authority or raising concerns, all without fear of punishment, embarrassment or retaliation.

Drawing on insights from Amy Edmondson and Michaela Kerrissey’s work, this article explores common misconceptions about psychological safety and why getting clear on what it is and what it isn’t matters for those working to prevent harm and foster trust.

How can we rebuild trust in our organisations when people feel let down, unheard, or uncertain about their place and value, and what role does an ethics of care play in restoring that connection? When people no longer feel seen, safe, or fairly treated, formal policies and procedural fairness alone may not be enough to repair the damage. This article explores how an ethics of care, a perspective that centres relationships, context, and emotional attentiveness, can offer a deeper, more human approach to rebuilding trust and fairness.

Since its beginnings in 2017, Kooyoora has grown from a purpose built stand alone, professional standards body for the Anglican Diocese of Melbourne and Bendigo, into a trusted, independent safeguarding service provider supporting 23 organisations across Australia and New Zealand. Its journey reflects an ongoing commitment to integrity, adaptability, and independence in the field of organisational safeguarding.

Kooyoora is now entering a new chapter, defining its own voice and identity as a leader in safeguarding, with a focus on clear communication, adaptability, and ongoing impact. Central to this is the development of its own language, including terminology, frameworks, and narratives that reflect its values and vision.

At Kooyoora, communication is central to everything we do, not only in how we support the client organisations and communities we work with, but in how we work together as a team. In April (2025) we had the opportunity to deepen this capability through a full day workshop on Effective Communication for Personal and Team Success with communication specialist Leah Mether.

As a small, flexible team working across Australia and New Zealand, we know that trust, transparency, and clarity are essential to how we operate. Leah’s training helped us take a closer look at how we communicate with each other, and how we can strengthen those behaviours in service of our shared purpose: to help organisations remain safe, fair, and free from abuse. From that session, we committed to three core communication behaviours that we’ll continue to embed in how we work.

Kooyoora Team Spotlight – Get to know the people behind our work as they share insights into their roles, interests, and some fun facts. Meet our new investigator Kim Porter.

Tell us about your role at Kooyoora?

As a just started investigator, if I was reading the PD correctly I am going to put into place my ability and passion to keep people safe, work with organisation and capacity to improve the safety of all and most of all hold organisations and people to account for harmful behaviour.

What inspired you to work at Kooyoora?

After working in a whole range of different community services over the last nearly 20 years I wanted to do something different! I wanted to be somewhere I could make a real difference to the lives of people. Somewhere I could work on changing systems. I was the first ever Child Safety Officer of a Department of Education School and started my career in prisons. These roles both have an impact on where I wanted to be and how I got here. Every role I have chosen has got me to where I am today. A strong advocate for system changes and the wellbeing of people.

I know the impact of poor systems on people and the lifelong impact that Child Sex Abuse has on people. We all know that safeguarding is one of the most effective ways to reduce the adverse impacts emotional, sexual and physical abuse on babies, children and young people.

I could talk all day about how inspired I am about the work of this organisation and the impact it has on changing the world one step at a time. Sometimes you land somewhere special and I feel incredibly lucky to be here today.

What do you like most about working at Kooyoora?

First day! But I got a birthday present, so you won me. So far my interactions have been kind, funny and most of importantly ethical. Something that for me is core to who I am.

What does a typical day in the office look like?

I am hoping for that to include communication, productivity and working both in and out of the office.

What is a hobby/interest you have outside of work?

I love spending time with my family. They are my soul. With 4 children ranging from 11 until 25 there is never a dull time. Plus I have a nearly 4 year old grandson. He lights up any moment. I also love designing, buying items, going on holidays and taking adventures. My girls love to perform and that has become a regular feature of our weekend and we equally love musicals, open mics and busking. BTW I can’t sing so please don’t ask… You will be disappointed

What’s your favourite way to spend a weekend?

I like doing lots! I like to spend time with family and friends, I like to study, I like to do a little bit of work so my week is not as full on and I love to have my house ready for the next week. I like at least one early night watching something in bed and at least one family game. Each weekend. It is on my tick list for a good weekend.

Coffee or tea?

Neither thanks!

If you had to describe yourself in three words, what would they be?

Flexible, kind and different

What’s the best place you’ve ever travelled to? Why?

That is a super hard question! Hard to narrow to one. However, last year I did Cambodia and it was something I really wanted to do. Can I say I loved the people, the simple nature of the place and their motivation to want something different in their lives inspired me. They were learning English off a smart phone! They were amazing.

Do you have any hidden talents?

Maybe travel planning – was a travel agent for 3 days.

What is a fun fact about you?

I’m not sure it is fun! But here goes …. Gift giving is my love language.

Cat or dogs?

Well I have to say it is dogs – it has been sprung on me by my family who just adore them. We have two pugs – Black bolt and Mando and soon to have a groodle Modi. Interesting story Modi is just three weeks old but he is the son of my son’s dog Thor. Hence the name (hoping I spelt it right).

Would you rather Karaoke (solo) or part of a choir?

 For your ears a choir.

Do you have a favourite quote or motto?

I have so many, but I will save you!

To be clear is to be kind – Brene Brown.

What is going on for them? Something that helps me be curious, thoughtful and intentional.

12 August 2025 | 5:30pm - 7.00pm AEST | Zoom Online

We have had a wonderful response to this event so far. As spaces are limited, this is your reminder to register if you haven’t already! The workshop explores how we can work through conflict, repair harm and restore relationships using approaches grounded in Indigenous cultures, Christian theology and contemporary Restorative Practices.

REGISTER TO ATTEND