Purpose
To assist schools in the provision of chaplaincy and student wellbeing officer services. State schools do not directly employ chaplains or student wellbeing officers and are required to engage workers through an accredited employing authority (AEA).
Duration of program
2023–2027
Eligibility
State and non-state schools
Allocation of funds
In 2023, all Queensland schools were invited to apply for funding for the 2024–2027 school years.
By agreement of the cross-sector panel—consisting of the Queensland Department of Education (the department), Queensland Catholic Education Commission (QCEC) and Independent Schools Queensland (ISQ) representatives—the allocation of funding to schools at the time was determined by each school sector.
Non-state schools are paid through their representative organisation (QCEC and ISQ).
Service agreements with QCEC and ISQ allow for $125,000 per annum each in NSWP administrative funding to be paid by 31 October of each year of the program.
Payment details
| State school annual allocation | By March | 100% |
| ISQ and QCEC annual allocation | By April | 100% |
| ISQ and QCEC administrative funds | October | 100% |
| As required—reallocated recovered funds (see recoupment and reallocation process) | In line with monthly payments | 100% |
Data requirements
The AEA is required to provide quarterly reports to the department, which includes information on:
- schools serviced, including active schools and vacancies
- type of service provided
- hours per term that services are provided
- confirmation that key personnel meet the minimum qualifications for the service provided
- any complaints received.
Recoupment and reallocation process
Schools can withdraw from the program at any time by notifying the department. Recovered funding from schools that withdraw will be reallocated to other eligible schools on the waiting list.
The quarterly reports provided by AEAs include evidence of service delivery in order to demonstrate that a funding allocation is being utilised for the ongoing engagement of a chaplain or student wellbeing officer. Schools unable to demonstrate the expenditure of these allocated funds on an ongoing basis may risk losing their funding allocation.
In these instances, funds may be recouped by the department and re-allocated to a school on the waiting list.
How to apply
Government funding for chaplaincy and student wellbeing officer services is fully allocated.
In 2023, all Queensland schools were invited to apply for government funding for the 2024–2027 school years.
New schools may be eligible to submit an application to be included on the waiting list for funding.
Further information
Visit the
chaplaincy and student wellbeing officer services page for more information.
Contact
State Schools Strategy
Email: stateschoolstrategy@qed.qld.gov.au