Fairness and care central to work of IPS
Opinion
The Archdiocese of Adelaide has taken important steps in recent years to strengthen its safeguarding services and ensure a culture of integrity and accountability.
Within the Integrity and Safeguarding Department, the Integrity and Professional Standards (IPS) team plays a key role in this mission, responding to complaints, supporting safe ministry and upholding professional standards across the Archdiocese. Their work is essential to building safe and respectful communities.
The Integrity and Safeguarding Department itself was formally established in July 2024 following a restructure that brought together the former Child Protection Unit, Professional Standards Office, and the Screening and Verification Authority. Led by Executive Director Adam Cartland, the department now consists of two teams: Safeguarding Operations, and Integrity and Professional Standards.
The IPS is responsible for providing ethical responses to current and historical allegations, or employee misconduct. This involves sensitive and thorough complaint management processes as well as high-level investigative and risk management interventions to maximise the safety of our parishes and communities.
The IPS team’s responsibilities are broad and complex. They manage applications submitted via the National Redress Scheme and civil claims made against the Archdiocese. They also coordinate independent, external investigations into serious allegations of abuse or misconduct, and investigate alleged breaches of the Archdiocesan Code of Conduct or the national code Integrity in Our Common Mission, which applies to both clergy and lay people.
Additionally, the team provides advice and management relating to individuals within the parishes who have complicated and complex backgrounds, to ensure the wellbeing of all participants in parish life while maintaining a welcoming church environment.
The IPS team also provides a record service to assist family members in accessing the files of parents or relatives and supports Catholic institutions with their risk assessments.
The IPS team works closely with Catholic Education South Australia, Centacare, and also supports the dioceses of Port Pirie and the Northern Territory in matters of professional standards. Their framework is aligned with the National Catholic Safeguarding Standards, ensuring a consistent and holistic approach to safeguarding children and adults at risk.
Fairness is always at the heart of the IPS team’s approach. We recognise that conversations with individuals often take place under difficult circumstances. No one likes having a complaint made against them, and no one likes being investigated. However, every complaint is taken seriously and handled professionally, to the fullest extent possible and without pre-judgement. It is imperative that we afford all accused parties procedural fairness and consider their welfare, as we are mindful that the allegations made against them may not be true.
This balance of care and accountability is central to the IPS team’s work. They ensure that complainants feel heard and supported, while also recognising the importance of fairness for all involved. Their role requires a high level of professionalism and transparency, always carried out with compassion and respect.
Ultimately, the IPS team exists to help. They are available to provide advice, answer questions, and guide people through a wide range of situations.
The contribution of the IPS team is vital to the life of the Archdiocese. By ensuring complaints are managed ethically, supporting safe ministry practices, and upholding the values of fairness and integrity, they embody the Church’s commitment to being a community where every person can participate safely and with trust. Together, they help nurture a Church where integrity, fairness, and care are lived out each day.
For more information, or to raise a concern, contact the IPS team on (08) 8210 8150 or visit Adelaide.catholic.org.au.
– Integrity and Safeguarding Department
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