Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about Kooyoora, safeguarding, investigations, training and support services. If you cannot find the information you are looking for, please contact our team.
About Kooyoora
Who is Kooyoora?
Kooyoora is an independent safeguarding organisation that helps organisations create safer environments for children, young people and adults. We work with government agencies, charities, faith-based organisations, schools, community organisations and other institutions across Australia, Aotearoa New Zealand and the Pacific that have responsibilities for safeguarding and the wellbeing of people in their care.
What services does Kooyoora provide?
Kooyoora provides a range of safeguarding and organisational support services, including:
Independent investigations
Safeguarding reviews and audits
Complaints management support
Training and professional learning
Governance and policy advice
Organisational reviews
Practical resources and guidance
What role does Kooyoora play in Professional Standards?
Kooyoora administers professional standards arrangements for participating Anglican dioceses and institutions. Through the Office of Professional Standards, Kooyoora manages complaints and investigations, undertakes screening and clearance processes, supports the people involved, and provides administrative support to independent professional standards bodies.
Learn more about Professional Standards.
Is Kooyoora an independent organisation?
Yes. Kooyoora operates independently with its own Board and staff. Independence is central to our work and supports the integrity, fairness and transparency of the services we provide.
How is Kooyoora funded?
Kooyoora operates on a fee-for-service basis. Organisations engage us for services such as complaints management, investigations, reviews, redress and training. Some organisations also participate in ongoing client arrangements through an annual subscription.
Working with Kooyoora
How can my organisation become a client?
Becoming a client organisation begins with a conversation. We take the time to understand your organisation, its responsibilities and its goals before discussing the services and support that may be most helpful.
Learn more about becoming a client organisation.
What can I contact Kooyoora about?
You can contact Kooyoora for confidential information and support relating to:
Safeguarding concerns
Reporting obligations
Complaints and investigations
Redress and screening processes
Child safety Training and professional learning
Reporting Concerns
You can also contact Kooyoora to report abuse, harmful behaviour or misconduct, or to discuss the reporting options available to you.
Feedback
We welcome feedback about your experience with Kooyoora. Your feedback helps us understand what we are doing well and where we can improve so we can continue to meet the needs of those who engage with us.
Not Sure Where to Start?
If you are unsure of the most appropriate pathway, our team can help connect you with the right information, service or support.
Safeguarding
What is safeguarding?
Safeguarding refers to the actions taken to promote safety, wellbeing and human dignity, and to protect people from abuse, neglect, exploitation and other forms of harm. Effective safeguarding helps create environments where people are respected, heard and supported.
What role does prevention play in safeguarding?
Prevention is an important part of effective safeguarding. While organisations must be prepared to respond when concerns arise, they also have a responsibility to identify risks and create environments where people are safe, respected and able to raise concerns.
Kooyoora's Abuse Prevention through Culture Change Framework provides practical tools to help organisations examine how their culture influences safety, identify opportunities for improvement, and strengthen practices that help prevent abuse, harassment, misconduct and other harmful behaviours.
Learn more about our Abuse Prevention through Culture Change Framework.
What is the difference between safeguarding and child protection?
Safeguarding is the broader framework for promoting safety and wellbeing and preventing harm. Child protection is one part of safeguarding and focuses on responding to concerns that a child is experiencing, or is at risk of experiencing, abuse or neglect.
Explore our Safeguarding Children and Young People resource page.
Does Kooyoora provide safeguarding training?
Yes. Kooyoora delivers training and professional learning opportunities designed to build knowledge, confidence and practical skills. Training can be tailored to different roles and organisational contexts.
Learn more about our safeguarding training and professional learning opportunities.
Where can I find safeguarding resources?
Kooyoora provides practical guides, research, tools, newsletter articles and other resources to help organisations strengthen safeguarding practice and build safer cultures.
Complaints and Investigations
Can Kooyoora assist organisations to manage complaints?
Yes. Kooyoora specialises in complaints management services that support fair, consistent and well-managed responses to concerns. This may include complaint intake and assessment, case management, wellbeing support for those involved, and consideration of suitable resolution pathways, including formal investigation.
Can Kooyoora conduct an independent investigation?
Yes. Kooyoora conducts independent investigations into safeguarding concerns, complaints, misconduct allegations and other organisational matters.
How does Kooyoora maintain independence during investigations?
Our investigations are conducted fairly and in accordance with established processes and professional standards. Findings are based on the evidence gathered and the information available.
What types of matters can Kooyoora investigate?
Kooyoora can investigate a range of matters, including:
Professional misconduct
Reportable conduct
Workplace complaints and grievances
Abuse and other harmful conduct
Harassment, bullying and discrimination
Boundary violations
Whistleblowing concerns
Complaints involving children or vulnerable people
Complex or longstanding matters
We can assist with individual matters or more complex investigations involving multiple people, allegations or sources of evidence.
Can organisations engage Kooyoora for a one-off investigation?
Yes. Organisations do not need to be existing clients to engage Kooyoora for a specific investigation or review.
Reporting and Support
Where can I find information about reporting concerns or seeking support?
Kooyoora provides information and resources for people seeking support, reporting concerns or making a complaint. Information is available to help individuals understand available pathways and access appropriate assistance.
Contacting Kooyoora
How can I contact Kooyoora?
Our team can be contacted by phone, email, online form or post. Visit our Contact Us page for details.