Just a week ago, another 40 new chaplains spent 3 days being trained and inducted into their new roles by SU QLD staff. In our 25th year of chaplaincy it is encouraging to induct high quality staff including; those with Cert IV and diploma qualifications, teachers, social workers, psychologists and pastors who were amongst those 40 new recruits. We are very blessed with the high quality of staff who respond to a call to serve their communities through school chaplaincy. We have another 40 vacancies on our online application site
This year the financial arrangements for NSCP grants (National School Chaplaincy Program) have changed. Just last week SU QLD emailed school Principals and BSM’s to alert them to the changes. It’s important that LCC chairs and treasurers understand these changes as well.
There are four common sources of funds for school chaplains:
- NSCP funding- In past years these funds were paid to SU QLD directly. However, from this year, funds are paid by the Commonwealth to DETE (Department Education, Training and Employment). DETE then pays schools directly. SU QLD invoiced schools in January for the NSCP grant funds.
- DETE State Grants- (either $5,500 or $11,000 ex GST) – There is no change here from past years – SU QLD issues invoices in September for the year ahead;
- P&C/school funding – If a P&C wants to support wellbeing services through chaplaincy, a separate invoice may be requested; and
- Community funds – These come from fundraising under our charitable status and are held by SU QLD.
There has been some confusion regarding the new NSCP invoices for schools. Only 182 of 840 schools have paid their invoice this year. This is because it is a new process and schools have not yet received the funds from DETE. The new DETE NSCP Funding Guidelines, released on 5th Feb, 2015, recommend:
“No less than quarterly payments are to be made by the school to the AEA (Accredited Employing Authority) on receipt of a tax invoice for chaplaincy services. Quarterly payments may cover the provision of services in advance to a maximum of 3 months.” (http://education.qld.gov.au/schools/healthy/chaplaincy-student-welfare.html)
We have been advised that during March, schools will receive their NSCP funds for the full semester. We are grateful to those schools that have already paid their SU QLD NSCP invoice. For those who have not yet paid, we are asking for payment by mid-March. This will then cover the services we have already provided and pay 3 months in advance, in accordance with the DETE Guidelines.
SU QLD will continue to invoice schools quarterly in advance for the duration of the NSCP grant period. The next invoice will be sent to schools on the 1st July. It is important for invoices to be paid promptly to ensure Chaplaincy Services are not affected. If you are aware that your school has issues or concerns with the payment of the SU QLD chaplaincy invoice, please ask them to direct their questions to support@suqld.org.au so we can help them as soon as possible.
We look forward to continuing to provide outstanding Chaplaincy Service to you and your LCC and to supporting your hard work wherever possible. Thanks for all you do as LCC members to encourage, support and guide the Chaplaincy Service in your school. You are appreciated!
Jenni Dobbin
Head of Field Delivery