Clergy gain further skills in data security

19 Oct 2023

By The Record

Clergy IT Workshop
The seminar built on the success of the previous workshop where feedback was incorporated into the current session to enhance the overall experience. Photo: Supplied.

The Archdiocese of Perth has continued its making step towards strengthening information and data security and practices for clergy following an Information Governance Workshop.

The hybrid model seminar – face-to-face and online delivery via Microsoft Teams is the

second Information Governance Workshop co-ordinated by the Archives and Information Governance Office (AIGO) in collaboration with the Information Technology Office, Office of the Vicar for Clergy and the Clergy Wellbeing Team.

The seminar built on the success of the previous workshop where feedback was incorporated into the current session to enhance the overall experience.

The workshop aimed to equip clergy with the knowledge and tools to identify data breaches and respond effectively. Photo: Supplied.

The aims of the Information Governance workshop

Data Security Knowledge and Good Practice: The first part of the workshop focused on demonstrating the measures in place to safeguard clergy data on the TechOne platform and via the Archdiocesan Data Breach Policy and Procedure. 

The workshop aimed to equip clergy with the knowledge and tools to identify data breaches and respond effectively.

Clergy Database Training

Attending clergy participated in the Archdiocese’ online Human Resources platform TechOne, with particular focus on how to log in and update their details.

In 2022, the Clergy Database Project was initiated. This project aims to consolidate essential personal and pastoral details of our clergy into a secure, centralised database – called TechOne – that can be accessed only by certified and vetted team members.

Previously, multiple databases and spreadsheets across various platforms and devices contained clergy details, creating challenges related to data accuracy, security, and accessibility.

A significant portion of the data has been successfully migrated into TechOne, streamlining search capabilities. At the workshop, the AIGO showcased to the clergy how to login to TechOne, how to access details and then use the editing functionality to update contact details independently, enhancing the efficiency of information management.

With data breaches increasingly on the rise, statistics from the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner have underlined the urgency in addressing this issue. Photo: Supplied.

Data Breach Online Training

The second information governance session delved into the critical topic of data breaches.

With data breaches increasingly on the rise, statistics from the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner have underlined the urgency in addressing this issue.

The Archdiocese has developed a comprehensive Data Breach Policy, covering the identification of data breaches and appropriate responses.

Participants had the opportunity to engage with a five-module data breach online training, which had been thoroughly tested with clergy members and staff.

The interactive training worked to equip clergy with the knowledge and skills necessary to recognise, respond to, and mitigate the impacts of data breaches effectively.