Chaplaincy and student wellbeing officer services

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Chaplaincy and student wellbeing officer (formerly ‘student welfare worker’) services are optional for schools and support the general wellbeing of students, parents and staff, provide an additional adult role model in the school and can ​enhance engagement with the broader community.

Local community support is required for chaplains and student wellbeing officers​ to operate in a school. Student involvement in any activities offered by the chaplain or student wellbeing officer​ is voluntary.

Chaplains and student wellbeing officers are inclusive of, and show respect for, all religious and non-religious beliefs and worldviews represented in the school community. All activities and events provided are non-discriminatory and equally available to all students.

Chaplains and student wellbeing officers are not permitted to engage in evangelising or proselytising, nor attempt to undermine a student's beliefs.​

Many school comm​​u​nities across the state have established a chaplaincy or student wellbeing officer ​service with the assistance of state and/or Australian Government funding through the use of school funds​ and/or through local community fundraising. Some schools may have a volunteer chaplain or student wellbeing officer.

Government funded pro​grams include:

• Australian Government National Student Wellbeing Program

• State Government Chaplain/Student Wellbeing Officer Program (CSWOPs).
  

By agreement of the chaplaincy and student wellbeing officer programs cross-sector panel, the allocation of funding to schools is determined by each school sector with consideration for factors such as the number of full time equivalent student enrolments, continuity of service provision, socio-economic disadvantage, geographic location and other characteristics of the school community.​

All government funding for chaplaincy and student wellbeing officer services ​in 2023 is fully allocated. During 2023, all Queensland schools will be invited by their respective schooling sector (e.g. Catholic, independent or state) to apply for government funding for a chaplain or student wellbeing officer for the 2024–2027 school years.​

The chaplaincy and student wellbeing officer services policy statement​ and supporting documents provide assistance for schools implementing these services (whether funded or voluntary).

Policy statement

Chaplaincy and student wellbeing officer​ services policy statement

Supporting documents

• Guidelines for schools
• Flowchart for establishing a service
• Definitions
• Funding guidelines
  
• Role of the chaplain/student wellbeing officer​
• Training and qualifications
• Accredited Employing Authorities (AEAs)
• List of Accredited Employing Authorities (AEAs)
• List of Queensland State, Independent and Catholic schools funded for chaplaincy and student welfare worker services
  
• Information for Queensland state school principals: Chaplaincy and student wellbeing officer ​services FAQs​
  
• Chaplaincy and student wellbeing officer funding arrangements 2023–2027 fact sheet
  

Forms

• Form 1 parent/student consent form
• Fo​rm 2 workplan
• Minimum qualification waiver request form
• Schedule A: contract schedule
• Purchase order template
• Deed of confidentiality, privacy and conflicts of interest

Contact for further information

If you have any questions, please contact your relevant schooling authority.

Department of Education

Email: chaplainswellbeingofficers@qed.qld.gov.au

Independent Schools Queensland

Ms Jacky Dawson
Email: jdawson@isq.qld.edu.au
Phone: (07) 3228 1520

Queensland Catholic Education Commission​

Ms Shannon O’Gorman
Email: shannono@qcec.catholic.edu.au
Phone: (07) 3316 5860​