1. PURPOSE AND SCOPE

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1.1 Purpose

This Code of Conduct establishes the behavioural expectations, professional standards, and legal obligations for all individuals representing Catholic Network Australia (CNA). Guided by our vision to empower Catholic school communities, the CNA Board commits to upholding the principles of community, equity, and value in all that we do.

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The Code supports the creation of safe, respectful, and mission-aligned environments, protecting the dignity and wellbeing of all participants across CNA’s activities. It provides a shared ethical foundation that promotes integrity, accountability, and trust, and ensures consistent standards of conduct across CNA’s national network.

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By setting clear expectations and supporting fair, transparent responses to concerns or breaches, this Code enables CNA to operate collaboratively, responsibly, and in service of the educational mission of the Church—today and into the future.

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1.2 Scope

This Code applies to all:

• CNA volunteers at all levels

• External consultants and contractors

• Board members, Executive, and Working Group members

 

The Code applies during:

• All CNA activities, programs, and services

• Virtual student incursions and online interactions

• In-person student events and professional development sessions

• Travel to and from CNA activities

• Use of CNA resources and platforms

• Any situation where individuals are identifiable as CNA representatives​

 

1.3 Catholic Identity

As an organisation serving Catholic education, all CNA personnel are expected to conduct themselves in a manner consistent with Catholic social teaching, respecting the dignity of every person and upholding the mission of Catholic education.

2. FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES

All CNA personnel must:

• Prioritise Safety: Ensure the wellbeing of children and adults-at-risk.

• Act with Integrity: Be honest, transparent, and uphold Catholic values.

• Maintain Professional Boundaries: Keep interactions appropriate and purposeful.

• Be Accountable: Take responsibility for actions and decisions.

• Respect Privacy and Data Protection Obligations: Protect personal information in line with CNA’s Privacy Policy and data-handling expectations.

 

3. PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT STANDARDS

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3.1 General Professional Behaviour

CNA personnel must:

• Act professionally and courteously at all times.

• Respect diversity while upholding Catholic identity.

• Keep sensitive information confidential.

• Ensure public comments, presentations, or external statements do not imply CNA endorsement unless formally authorised.

• Avoid any behaviour that could reasonably be perceived as bringing CNA into disrepute.

 

3.2 Interactions with Children and Adults-at-Risk

When interacting with children and adults-at-risk, CNA personnel must:

• Ensure transparency and supervision.

• Avoid isolated, one-on-one interactions.

• Maintain appropriate boundaries.

• Use positive, respectful communication.

• Not engage in favouritism or inappropriate relationships.

• Report any physical contact made for safety reasons.

• Comply with relevant state and Catholic education Child Safe Standards.

 

4. VIRTUAL ENVIRONMENT CONDUCT

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4.1 Virtual Session Standards

During virtual student incursions and online activities:

• Maintain professional appearance and behaviour on camera

• Monitor chat functions actively and address inappropriate content immediately

• Ensure all sessions are conducted with appropriate supervision present

 

4.2 Technology Use

• Report technical issues or security concerns immediately

• Never record sessions without explicit permission and proper consent

 

5. COMMUNICATION GUIDELINES

 

5.1 Professional Communication

All communications must be:

• Professional, respectful, and educational in nature

• Conducted through official CNA channels (CNA email, CNA Teams, CNA newsletter, CNA website, CNA LinkedIn) where possible

• Free from personal opinions on controversial topics

• Appropriate to the audience and context

• Ensure communications align with CNA’s Privacy Policy

 

5.2 Social Media and Digital Platforms

CNA personnel must:

• Maintain professional standards on all digital platforms

• Avoid posting content that could reflect poorly on CNA or Catholic education

• Report any inappropriate contact attempts from participants or partners

• Ensure interactions align with CNA’s Privacy Policy

 

5.3 Confidentiality

Personnel must maintain strict confidentiality regarding:

• Personal information about participants

• Internal CNA discussions and decisions

• Sensitive information about partner organisations

• Any safeguarding concerns or incidents

 

6. SAFEGUARDING OBLIGATIONS

​All CNA personnel must:

• Report any safeguarding concerns immediately to the Company Secretary

• Maintain detailed records of any incidents or concerns

• Cooperate fully with any safeguarding investigations

• Comply with state-based Child Safe Standards and mandatory reporting obligations

• Prioritise safety in all online and in-person interactions with students

 

7. WORK HEALTH & SAFETY (WHS) RESPONSIBILITIES

All CNA personnel must:
•    Take reasonable care for their own safety and the safety of others
•    Follow safety instructions and venue requirements during CNA events
•    Report hazards, incidents, or near-misses to the Company Secretary
•    Ensure activities they facilitate (virtual or in-person) do not create undue risk.
•    Use equipment safely, including digital equipment used for virtual incursions.
 

8. PROHIBITED CONDUCT

CNA personnel must never:

• Engage in any form of abuse, neglect, or exploitation

• Use inappropriate, offensive, or discriminatory language

• Use CNA resources for personal benefit

• Engage in behaviour that could damage CNA's reputation

• Ignore or fail to report safeguarding concerns

• Access or share CNA confidential data without authorisation

• Make public statements purporting to represent CNA without approval

 

9. CONFLICTS OF INTEREST

 

9.1 Disclosure Requirements

Personnel must disclose any actual, potential, or perceived conflicts of interest, including:

• Financial interests in organisations doing business with CNA

• Personal relationships that could affect professional judgment

• External commitments that could impact CNA responsibilities

• Any situation where personal gain might influence professional decisions

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9.2 Management of Conflicts

When conflicts arise:

• Disclose immediately to the Company Secretary or a Working Group Chair

• Withdraw from decision-making processes where appropriate

• Follow guidance on managing or resolving the conflict

• Maintain transparency throughout the process

 

10. COMPLIANCE AND ACCOUNTABILITY

10.1 Individual Responsibilities

All CNA personnel are responsible for:

• Reading, understanding, and adhering to this Code

• Seeking clarification when uncertain about appropriate conduct

• Reporting violations or concerns about others' conduct

 

10.2 Company Secretary and Executive member Responsibilities

The Company Secretary and Executive members must:

• Model exemplary conduct at all times

• Provide guidance and support to participants

• Address conduct concerns promptly and appropriately

• Ensure working group members and volunteers are able to access CNA resources

• Create environments where concerns can be raised safely

11. CONSEQUENCES AND SUPPORT

11.1 Breach Consequences

Violations of this Code may result in:

• Formal warnings

• Temporary suspension from CNA activities

• Termination of engagement with CNA

• Reporting to relevant authorities where required

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11.2 Support and Guidance

CNA provides clear guidance on appropriate professional behaviour

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12. ACKNOWLEDGMENT AND COMMITMENT

By volunteering, partnering or working with CNA , all personnel acknowledge they have:

• Read and understood this Code of Conduct

• Committed to adhering to all provisions contained within

• Understood the consequences of failing to meet these standards

 

This Code reflects CNA's commitment to maintaining the highest standards of professional conduct in the protection of all participants in our programs.