Basic Principles
The Council operates within the context of the Gospel and the spirit and structures of the local Church.
The following principles underlie the Council's policy-making process:
The Archbishop is responsible for the governance of the Archdiocese and for teaching within it.
Those affected by the policies have a right to be involved in their development.
Policies are developed collaboratively with all stakeholders.
Policies are developed through shared decision-making and consensus.
Policy, as used in this document, is an authoritative determination of
principles and/or directions for action to be applied throughout the
Archdiocese in accordance with the Council's mandate. Policy states what
is to be done, but not how, when or by whom.
Most often policy provides general direction to those charged with
the ministry of education. Its purpose is to apply the Gospel
authentically and prudently to the concrete situations of contemporary
community life.
As an exercise of authority policy is promulgated by the Archbishop.
Following promulgation of policy, regulations and recommended
procedures for implementation are developed, as appropriate, by the
Executive Officer of the Council.
Regulations are detailed requirements, often directed to particular
groups (eg. school principals and teachers) by those responsible for
implementing the policy. Regulations spell out how policy is to be
executed in specific situations.
Recommended procedures (sometimes described as guidelines) are
non-obligatory practices which experience suggests will most effectively
ensure that policy and regulations are implemented.
Development of Policy
A. Identification of the issue
The Council is ultimately responsible for deciding what issues
require policy development. These may be brought to the Council's
consideration:
- by the Archbishop
- by Brisbane Catholic Education or by Religious Congregations
- by standing committees of the Council
- by submissions received from other agencies, organisations or the Catholic community; or through the Council's own discussions
B. Clarification of the issue
Where the Council decides that a policy should be developed,
preparatory work or data gathering is required before drafting of the
policy can proceed. This involves a clear statement of the issue,
identification of key principles involved and suggested procedural
options.
This step may involve obtaining the services of an expert or task
force, preparing a preliminary paper and establishing a timeline and a
budget for the clarification of the issue.
C. Drafting of policy
The Council approves a procedure for the drafting of the policy. This includes:
- formulating terms of reference
- identifying persons responsible for the drafting of the policy
- establishing a timeline and a budget
The terms of reference reflect any particular focus or limitations emerging as a result of steps A and B above.
Consultation is of special importance in policy drafting,
Stakeholders are provided with realistic access to necessary information
and the opportunity to participate in the shaping of the policy.
Widespread consultation leads to good and acceptable policy.
The Council monitors the policy drafting stage through regular reports from those responsible for the process.
When the council is satisfied with the policy draft, it arranges for a
final consultation with stakeholders, unless such a step is considered
unnecessary given the extent and nature of earlier consultative
processes.
D. Recommendation, Approval and Promulgation
This step involves a review of the final consultation and a decision
concerning any changes to the draft policy. Once this is completed, the
formal vote of the Council recommending the policy to the Archbishop is
taken.
Once the Archbishop approves the policy, it is appropriately promulgated throughout the Archdiocese.
Implementation of Policy
The Executive Officer of the Council (the Executive Director of
Brisbane Catholic Education) is responsible for the oversight of policy
implementation.
Monitoring of Policy
At intervals determined by the Council, the Executive Officer
provides to the Council reports on the progress of policy
implementation.
Review of Policy
Following a policy's promulgation, the Council determines a date for
the review of the policy. At the time of the review the Council
determines:
- the period within which the review will be conducted
- the process to be used
- evaluative criteria
- the persons to carry out the review
The results of the review allow the Council to determine whether the
policy has been effectively implemented and whether the policy should be
continued, with or without alteration, or discontinued.
For more information please contact the
Professional Officer (Governance and Policy)
Brisbane Catholic Education
G P O Box 1201, BRISBANE QLD 4001
Telephone: (07) 3033 7457
Email: wbath@bne.catholic.edu.au
The Catholic Education Council provides advice and recommendations on
educational policies and priorities to the Archbishop, and reviews and
monitors policy implementation.