The role of the Advisory Panel is to promote safeguarding by:
- Advising the Church authority on all stages of the investigative process into alleged child abuse;
- Keeping a record of all of its recommendations to the Church authority;
- Upholding the seven standards in practice and behaviour.
An external Advisory Panel reviews child protection issues in the diocese and makes recommendations to the Bishop regarding priests/church employees/volunteer workers against whom there are allegations of child sexual abuse. All their recommendations to date have been implemented by the Bishop. The diocese maintains contact, where possible, with priests out of ministry through meetings with the delegate and assistant delegate. The members of this committee have expertise in Canon Law, legal studies, business, social work and psychotherapy. The Panel meets twice a year or as the need arises.