Over the past three weeks, members of Anglicare’s leadership teams gathered for the annual Regional Anglicare Leadership Forums (RALF) in Liverpool, Canberra, and Wagga Wagga. This year’s sessions focused on creating safer, more effective work environments throughout the organisation.
Across our diverse services, Anglicare workers compassionately support vulnerable people during the most challenging times in their lives. From walking alongside young people in out-of-home-care, to helping disability participants navigate complex systems, to assisting families experiencing financial hardship or homelessness—our teams are deeply committed to the care they provide.
It is this very commitment that increases workplace risk. Workers in the care sector experience higher rates of overwork, burnout, exposure to violence and aggression, vicarious trauma, and other psychological challenges.
To address this concern, Anglicare is strengthening systems that identify and respond to risks early. This proactive approach aims to improve workplace safety, support staff wellbeing and retention, and ultimately enhance outcomes for those we serve.
With this focus in mind, the recent RALFs delivered essential information and practical strategies to help leaders better support their teams. Sessions included a presentation on psychological safety from Employers Mutual Limited, a discussion on safety and injury management led by Anglicare’s Worker’s Compensation Specialist and a reflection on having difficult conversations from the Director of People and Culture at Anglican Diocesan Services.
Rounding out these discussions, Anglicare’s Board Chair Mark Brandon Baker OAM, reiterated the importance of a preventative approach.
“Looking after our workers is the right thing to do”, he said. He explained that by preventing problems before they arise, Anglicare can foster a more positive work culture, deliver better care to those we support, and ensure our limited resources are directed to where they are needed most—our services.
Anglicare recognises that, as part of our role in the community, we have a responsibility to carefully manage the support we receive from funding bodies, corporate partners and donors like you. Our focus on improving workplace safety honours that commitment.
As always, we value your feedback and welcome your ideas. If you have suggestions or questions, please email supporters@anglicare.com.au .
