Imagine an environment where safety and well-being are prioritized, where trust and transparency are key, and conflicts are handled in a constructive manner. These are the ingredients of psychological safety. Psychological safety refers to a work environment where individuals feel comfortable taking risks, expressing their thoughts, and making mistakes without fear of punishment or humiliation.  Psychosocial hazards are broader and pertain to all aspects of work design, organisational structures, and social dynamics that can lead to psychological or physical harm. This could include things like excessive workload, lack of role clarity, workplace bullying, and poor organisational culture. They are separate and intertwined.   Katharine Moore, an expert in workplace safety and health, joins me on the podcast to unwrap this very topic, based on findings from my clergy well-being and leadership survey.From my survey, the following experiences of offensive behaviour experienced by clergy over the past 12 months were reported:·      Sexual harassment: 6%·      Threats of and actual violence: 8%·      Bullying: 31%·      Unpleasant teasing: 27%·      Conflicts and quarrels: 78%·      Gossip and slander: 53% Clergy burnout was found to be related to the level of offensive behaviours experienced by clergy.  Through our discussion, we tackle the physical and psychological burdens of various job roles, the crucial role of job design and task rotation, and the complexities of budgets, governance, and compliance.Katharine has built a strong reputation for her excellence in Safety and Injury Management.  She believes in engaging & empowering workers to build a proactive safety culture in the workplace which will lead to greater levels of overall compliance.She works at a Senior Leadership level in a multi-national corporate where she influences business decisions  to create a workplace that is:• Safe from physical and psychological harm• Promotes whole-person wellbeing• Fully accessible & inclusive • Empowers team to meet their full potentialOur conversation delves  into the heart of church conflict and consider how a lack of transparency may foster an environment ripe for bullying. By exploring the difference between psychosocial and psychological safety, we illuminate how churches can work alongside partner practices to foster a secure environment where team members feel safe providing feedback. Download my research report and reflectionsWatch the video version of this podcastComplete a Clergy Wellbeing Quiz herePodcast Disclaimer: Please be aware that the opinions and viewpoints shared on this podcast are personal to me and do not represent the stance of any institution. The research discussed is based on an assignment completed for my Masters in Leadership and has not undergone peer review. This podcast aims to present findings for open discussion and dialogue, inviting listeners to engage critically and draw their own conclusions. While the content serves informational purposes, it is not a substitute for professional advice. Thank you for joining me on this journey of exploration and conversation!

TRIGGER WARNING: Please note that this episode discusses trauma and sexual violence which some listeners may find distressing or emotionally challenging.  In Australia, If you require support, please contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 and/or 1800RESPECT.One of the key findings in Valerie’s research was the levels of burnout and the personal violence experienced by women in ministry.  Her guest in today’s episode is Rev Dr Megan Powell du Toit – ordained Baptist minister, Publishing Manager at the Australian College of Theology and co-host of the With All Due Respect podcast.  In this candid episode,  Megan offers an intimate perspective on the myriad of challenges and biases faced by women in the ministry.  Our conversation explores the systemic issues prevalent in the religious arena, with a critical focus on the alarming underbelly of sexual assault and gender violence therein.  We explore the impact of a woman's formative history in shaping her pastoral journey. As we wrap up, we delve into the ways we can support, amplify, and uplift the voices of women in ministry. Download my research report and reflectionsWatch the video version of this podcastComplete a Clergy Wellbeing Quiz herePodcast Disclaimer: Please be aware that the opinions and viewpoints shared on this podcast are personal to me and do not represent the stance of any institution. The research discussed is based on an assignment completed for my Masters in Leadership and has not undergone peer review. This podcast aims to present findings for open discussion and dialogue, inviting listeners to engage critically and draw their own conclusions. While the content serves informational purposes, it is not a substitute for professional advice. Thank you for joining me on this journey of exploration and conversation!

Dave & Kathy Thurston have been married for over 40 years and have three grown up children. They have been in ministry in one form or another for nearly forty years. Five and a half years ago Dave and Kathy Thurston left Sydney and parish ministry to work in the Presbyterian Church of Queensland. Their brief was mentoring pastors and their wives, training other to be mentors, develop a post college training program as well as various other ventures. Six months ago, they returned to their three adult children and wider family but not to the inner west. They now live in Blackheath on two acres where God willing they will build a Christian Retreat centre. They love working with their brothers and sisters in Christian ministry to be healthy and fruitful followers of Jesus. They continue to train people to be mentors through Mentor Equipping Queensland In this episode they share their story, their journey and they deepest longings for ministry to be joyful and sustainable. They share their wisdom on how mentoring, combined with spiritual development and health, plays a critical role in ministry. The episode takes a deep look into the importance of emotional awareness, spiritual maturity, and understanding our emotions under the guidance of Jesus for effective leadership. Download my research report and reflectionsWatch the video version of this podcastComplete a Clergy Wellbeing Quiz herePodcast Disclaimer: Please be aware that the opinions and viewpoints shared on this podcast are personal to me and do not represent the stance of any institution. The research discussed is based on an assignment completed for my Masters in Leadership and has not undergone peer review. This podcast aims to present findings for open discussion and dialogue, inviting listeners to engage critically and draw their own conclusions. While the content serves informational purposes, it is not a substitute for professional advice. Thank you for joining me on this journey of exploration and conversation!

The Trinity Network has its origin at Trinity Church Adelaide, which was established in 1836 .  Paul and Sue Harrington share their story of 35 years in ministry with the network, which now consists of 14 churches across Adelaide and South Australia. Dive into the Harringtons' candid thoughts about juggling ministry life and family, the connection that spouses need, and their reflections on the structures that help and hinder our churches, their leaders and their families from doing life and faith together.Download my research report and reflectionsWatch the video version of this podcastComplete a Clergy Wellbeing Quiz herePodcast Disclaimer: Please be aware that the opinions and viewpoints shared on this podcast are personal to me and do not represent the stance of any institution. The research discussed is based on an assignment completed for my Masters in Leadership and has not undergone peer review. This podcast aims to present findings for open discussion and dialogue, inviting listeners to engage critically and draw their own conclusions. While the content serves informational purposes, it is not a substitute for professional advice. Thank you for joining me on this journey of exploration and conversation!

A message from Valerie as the next episodes get published.Podcast Disclaimer: Please be aware that the opinions and viewpoints shared on this podcast are personal to me and do not represent the stance of any institution. The research discussed is based on an assignment completed for my Masters in Leadership and has not undergone peer review. This podcast aims to present findings for open discussion and dialogue, inviting listeners to engage critically and draw their own conclusions. While the content serves informational purposes, it is not a substitute for professional advice. Thank you for joining me on this journey of exploration and conversation!