Financial Compliance Framework

CSNSW is a company whose members are the 11 diocesan Bishops of NSW. Each Bishop has responsibility for the Catholic Schools Office and System in his diocese. Collectively these systems are recognised by governments as the NSW Catholic Schools System (NSWCSS).

The responsibilities of CSNSW include acting as:

• the Approved System Authority (ASA) under Commonwealth and NSW legislation

• the Block Grant Authority under Commonwealth and NSW legislation in respect of capital funding

• the designated non-government schools’ representative body for Catholic education in NSW

• the peak advocate for Catholic education in NSW

• the single approved registration authority for systemic Catholic schools in NSW.

CSNSW is committed to transparency and accountability in the way in which it manages the funds it receives from the government on behalf of schools. We have established a Financial Compliance Framework to ensure the efficient and effective use of government funds.

Financial Compliance Framework

CSNSW has developed the Financial Compliance Framework (FCF) which is a comprehensive resource for finance staff and auditors.

The FCF is supported by an online portal, available via SharePoint for CSNSW staff, Diocesan Schools System (DSS) staff and DSS auditors.

The FCF explains responsibilities and provides guidance, instructions, and templates to help the NSWCSS meet their obligations of compliance and reporting.

CSNSW regularly reviews the FCF.

Compliance and reporting obligations

We lodge annual financial accountability statements and certifications with both the Australian and New South Wales Governments, which is a requirement for the receipt of both recurrent funding and targeted program funding for each school in the NSWCSS.

Financial reporting to governments includes the:

• Financial Questionnaire (FQ)