Chaplains and student wellbeing officers provide support across the whole school community and are optional for schools. They help to monitor school wellbeing, are an additional adult role model for students, and are involved in parent and community engagement.
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.
Schools that receive a CSWO allocation can only use the funds to:
- directly employ a chaplain or student wellbeing officer (CSWO)—non-state schools only
- purchase the services of a CSWO through an Accredited Employing Authority (AEA)
Government funded programs include:
National Student Wellbeing Program and State Government Chaplain / Student Wellbeing Officer Program
The National Student Wellbeing Program (NSWP) and State Government C/SWO Program are initiatives funded by the Commonwealth and Queensland Government respectively.
Under the program, successful school applicants receive the funding below:
| Metropolitan areas | Up to $20,280 |
| Remote and rural areas | Up to $24,336 |
More information on the
National Student Wellbeing Program is available.
Allocation of funds
A need-based methodology was used to determine the distribution of funding to Queensland schooling sectors for 2025–27. All Queensland schools were invited to apply for funding for 2025–27. The allocation of funding to schools was then determined by:
- ICSEA scores
- First Nations student population data
- Boarding facilities (QCEC only)
All government funding for chaplaincy and student wellbeing officer services from 2025–27 is fully allocated. Non-state schools (QCEC and ISQ) are paid through their representative organisation.
Accredited Employing Authorities (AEA)
Accredited Employing Authorities (AEA) are organisations that the department has approved under QEDSOA 91112 to supply services to schools.
The AEA is responsible for the recruitment, selection and employment of workers, as well as the ongoing professional development, training and professional supervision of the worker in areas pertinent to the role.
When establishing a contract with an Accredited Employing Authority and formalising an agreement with an individual staff member, schools should use the following forms:
School chaplain and student wellbeing officer
The role of the school chaplain and student wellbeing officer is largely the decision of the school principal with support from the school community. However, they must meet certain standards to ensure they have the knowledge and skills to work in a school.
School chaplains and student wellbeing officers must hold the following training and qualifications:
- valid Blue card
- School-based induction
- Certificate IV (or higher) qualification in Youth Work, Pastoral Care, or Chaplaincy and Pastoral Care (or equivalent).
The qualification(s) must include 3 units of competency in:
- mental health and making appropriate referrals (or equivalent); and either
- providing pastoral care or working with youth (or equivalent).
Chaplains and student wellbeing officers are
not permitted to evangelise or proselytise, nor attempt to undermine a student's beliefs.
Cross sector panel
The
chaplaincy and student wellbeing officer programs cross-sector panel consists of a representative from each schooling sector—Queensland Catholic Education Commission, Independent Schools Queensland and Department of Education.
Every year, schooling sectors are required to report to the Australian Government on schools who have expended funds in the passing school calendar year.
From these reports, the sectors monitor which
school communities have established a chaplaincy or student wellbeing officer service with the assistance of the National Student Wellbeing Program or State Government funding.
More information
Funding available in 2025
- Successful schools receiving Australian Government funding, National Student Wellbeing Program, funding for 2025–27 is guaranteed.
- Successful schools receiving State Government, funding allocation for 2025–27 remains unchanged.
- If you received one-off payment or have been notified you are a wait listed school, we cannot provide further advice regarding chaplaincy and student wellbeing officer program in 2025 due to change of government.
Any further updates will be advised when we receive further information.
Increasing cost of AEA services
At this stage, there is no additional funding to cover increasing cost of services.
Becoming an Accredited Employing Authority (AEA)
The current standing offer arrangement expired on 31 December 2024. We encourage you to register on
QTenders so that you will be alerted once the tender is advertised. All required information will be outlined in the tender.
Becoming a chaplain / student wellbeing officer at a school
If you hold a Certificate IV (or higher) qualification in Youth Work, Pastoral Care, or Chaplaincy and Pastoral Care (or equivalent), or have completed a degree with the units: mental health, making appropriate referrals (or equivalent), providing pastoral care or working with youth (or equivalent), you may apply for a role at one of the approved providers or at an ISQ and QCEC school.
For more FAQs, see supporting documents below.
Policy statement
Chaplaincy and student wellbeing officer services policy statement
Supporting documents
Forms
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
Email:
studentservices@isq.qld.edu.au
Phone: (07) 3228 1591
Queensland Catholic Education Commission
Ms Hannah Orchard
Email:
hannaho@qcec.catholic.edu.au
Phone: (07) 3316 5852