About Us
Catholic Risk and Insurance Services Ltd (CRIS) collaboratively empowers Catholic organisations with strategic risk management and cost-effective insurance solutions across Australia.
Our Mission
Catholic Risk and Insurance Services Ltd (CRIS) is dedicated to empowering Catholic organisations throughout Australia by providing strategic risk management solutions and effective insurance procurement. Our Mission is to assist Catholic Entities and Other Eligible Entities in managing risk through the procurement of responsive, quality insurance cover and other services.
What We Do
We specialise in negotiating collective insurance coverage on behalf of Catholic dioceses, educational institutions, religious orders, and other organisations, ensuring they secure the best possible coverage at competitive rates.
Our group purchasing approach leverages the collective strength and scale of our members, resulting in improved policy terms, reduced premiums, and greater financial security.
Since our inception, CRIS has successfully supported numerous dioceses and Catholic entities in achieving significant savings, enhanced insurance coverage, and improved risk management practices. By working collectively, we ensure that every dollar saved can be reinvested into the important mission work carried out by Catholic organisations nationwide.
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Our History
CRIS was established in 2023 following Catholic Church Insurance Ltd’s (CCI) strategic decision to enter ‘run-off’ due to capital constraints, a move that ceased the provision of new active insurance services. This decision created an immediate and significant gap for Catholic entities across Australia, prompting urgent action. In response, the Diocese of Sandhurst took the lead, initiating the formation of CRIS as a collaborative, not-for-profit entity aimed at collectively addressing the insurance procurement and risk management needs of Catholic dioceses, educational institutions, religious orders, and associated organisations nationwide. The initiative rapidly gained momentum, drawing widespread support from various dioceses and Church leadership, reflecting a unified commitment to safeguarding the Church’s resources and continuity of its mission.
Our Guiding Principles
Dignity
We shall recognise and uphold the inherent dignity of every person. The Company’s risk management services, and insurance placement will prioritise the protection of human life and promote health and well-being.
Solidarity
We shall foster solidarity within the Catholic community. The Company will strive to reduce the risks of its participants in the offerings they provide to their communities and actively work towards commercially responsible insurance offerings for the Catholic community.
Subsidiarity
We shall respect the principle of subsidiarity, recognising that decisions should be made at the most appropriate level, closest to those affected. We will empower and involve our employees, subscribers and stakeholders in decision making processes, ensuring that they are heard, and their needs are best addressed.
Justice and Fairness
We shall strive for justice and fairness in all of its dealings, both internally and externally. The Company’s risk and insurance services will be transparent, equitable and non-discriminatory, ensuring that its subscribers are treated fairly and with dignity and respect.
Stewardship
We shall seek to use its resources in a manner consistent with Catholic social teaching and good stewardship. The Company’s risk management service and insurance placements will prioritise entities that align with its values; promoting social justice, human dignity and environmental sustainability.
Compassion
We shall commit to providing compassionate and empathetic services to its subscribers, responding to their unique needs and challenges. The Company’s risk offerings and insurance placement will ensure that subscribers can manage their risk exposure or rebuild in times of adversity.
Continuous Improvement
We shall continually evaluate and improve its practices, risk management and insurance placement services to better align with Catholic social teaching and good stewardship. We will actively seek feedback from its stakeholders and engage in ongoing education and training to deepen its understanding of these principles.
Our subscribers
Who we are
Can we add a short blurb about the team and how it is made up etc??
Members
Most Rev Shane Mackinlay
Board Members
Barb Pilkington Evans
Peter Trendos
Peter is a seasoned professional with interests across financial markets, information technology and governance. Peter is the Chief Finance Officer of the organisation and uses his accounting expertise to assist with financial, information technology, strategy development and compliance matters.
Greg Westbrook
With nearly twenty years practicing privately as a lawyer, Greg’s primary role as General Counsel is to advise on legal issues that may affect CRIS subscribers, giving consideration to ethical and reputational issues.
Cameron Fraser - CEO
Cameron has extensive experience in the health, aged care, and commercial sectors and serves as Diocesan Business Manager for the Catholic Diocese of Sandhurst. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce and is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Dion Gooderham
CRIS Team
Claudio Battilana
Insurance director
40 years as an underwriter, broker, in-house insurance/risk manager – Claudio has lived/worked in Sydney, Melbourne, Japan, Hong Kong and London.
Tony Meakin
Insurance director
Large/complex client-broker with 40 years experience . Tony has also lived/worked in London, Hong Kong, Middle East, Sydney and Melbourne.
Rebecca Baints
Client Services Manager (WA)
Visy Industries, ANZ Bank; Broker - JLT. Rebecca is based in Perth servicing WA subscribers.
Michael Kennedy
Client Services Executive
40+ years client service and technical – State of Victoria (DEECA), Uniting Church and others. Broker – WTW, Marsh.
Joe Zammit
Insurance Director
40+ years experience in Insurance Broking with expertise in Property, Casualty and Financial Risks, within Corporate and Local Government, and at national and multinational levels.
Surabh Dhyan
Senior Data Analys
Kate Pentreath
Executive Assistant
Sally Holmes
Executive Assistant
I’ve found engagement with Catholic entities to be incredibly positive. The CRIS model has been well thought through and well planned. It’s a national initiative that benefits the whole Church in Australia. By pooling our resources, we can achieve outcomes that would be impossible for individual dioceses or agencies to achieve on their own; almost everyone I’ve spoken to seems to get that.
Risk Management Focus
At CRIS, proactive risk management is the cornerstone of our insurance procurement. Our comprehensive approach includes:
- Detailed compliance audits and assessments of physical assets
- Implementation of advanced fire detection and protection technologies
- Cybersecurity initiatives to protect against fraud and data breaches
- Tailored guidance and training to mitigate emerging risks
