What is Community of Practice?
A Community of Practice within CSSA is about walking together.
It is a collaborative space where members come together in trust and solidarity to share knowledge, lived experience, and practical wisdom, strengthening Catholic social services across Australia. It enables practitioners to learn deeply from one another, develop shared approaches to complex social challenges, and translate our common values into meaningful, life-giving action. Through this shared journey, relationships are strengthened, courage is nurtured, and together we amplify our impact for the communities that rely on our care and advocacy.
Our Core Values
Community of Practice – Session Overview
Measuring Excellence, Outcomes and Impact
Date – 17 June 2026 (Wednesday)
Location – Online
This session will explore how organisations can effectively measure, evaluate and demonstrate the impact of their work while remaining grounded in their mission and values. Participants will have the opportunity to share insights, learn from peers, and discuss practical approaches to outcomes measurement and continuous improvement.
Catholic Leadership Formation
Date – 13 May 2026 (Wednesday)
Location – Online
We are pleased to be joined by Virginia Ryan from the Catholic Leadership Foundation as our guest speaker.
Together, we will explore:
- The Into the Deep Leadership Program and how you can get involved
- What leadership development looks like in your organisation setting
- Challenges and opportunities for leadership formation
We welcome anyone interested in leadership development – whether your formally leading a team, supporting others informally or developing your own leadership journey, this discussion aims to provide a supportive environment for collaborative learning.
Staff Recruitment and Retention
Date – 22 April 2026 (Wednesday)
Location – Online
Following feedback from our last COP, this session will focus on Staff Training and Capability Building.
This Community of Practice (COP) session has been shaped by recent member feedback and will focus on staff recruitment and retention.
We are inviting participants into a shared learning space to reflect on the biggest challenges in staff recruitment and retention, drawing on practical, lived experience from across the sector. We will also discuss innovative strategies being implemented across our network to improve outcomes.
Come ready to contribute, share your experiences, and connect with peers facing similar challenges.
Staff Training and Capability Building
Date –11 March 2026
Location – Online
Following feedback from our last COP, this session will focus on Staff Training and Capability Building.
Please bring along any questions or suggestions around training and capability building to engage with other practice leaders from across our member network! This is your chance to hear ideas of what is working and share your experiences. Some ideas for the discussion could include:
- Governance
- Catholic Social Teaching and Formation
- Cultural awareness
- Leadership Development
- Upskilling in Advocacy and Government Engagement
- Evaluation and Impact measurement
Child Safe Accreditation
Date –18 February 2026
Location – Online
The CSSA Community of Practice (CoP) session on Child Safe Accreditation offers a structured, discussion-based forum for staff from member organisations to engage with key safeguarding practices. Participants will have the opportunity to:
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Examine practical approaches to meeting child-safe standards
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Share insights, experiences, and challenges with peers across the sector
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Explore strategies to strengthen organisational compliance and child protection measures
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Access expert perspectives and peer-led solutions to enhance safeguarding practices
Attending this session will provide participants with actionable knowledge, practical tools, and collaborative insights to support continuous improvement in child-safe practices within their organisations.