In an increasingly complex and scrutinised world, integrity matters more than ever—especially for organisations grounded in faith. That’s why St Philip’s Christian Education is proud to announce that we have been awarded Ethical Accreditation by the CMA Standards Council, a significant milestone that reflects our commitment to governance, transparency, and Christ-centred accountability.
Why Pursue Ethical Accreditation?
As part of our strategic goal to maintain the highest levels of governance and stewardship, St Philip’s set out to obtain independent accreditation that would affirm our dedication to Christian mission, both internally and in the eyes of our wider community.
In early 2024, we began the journey toward Ethical Accreditation through Christian Management Australia (CMA), a program of Christian Ministry Advancement. The process was far from simple—it required deep reflection, detailed submissions, and a firm commitment to continual improvement. And after months of work, we’re excited to share that in March 2025, we officially received our accreditation.
A Standard Founded in Scripture
The core of CMA’s mission is captured in 2 Corinthians 8:21, where Paul reminds the early church, “We are taking pains to do what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord but also in the eyes of man.”
As the Executive Director of the CMA Standards Council explains:
“At a time when charities and schools are under increasing scrutiny, it’s more important than ever for Christian organisations to hold themselves publicly to high standards of governance, transparency and accountability. Accreditation is a visible sign of that commitment.”
What Does the Accreditation Process Involve?
The CMA Standards Council evaluates organisations against nine key principles, all built on a foundation of biblical values and ethical stewardship. These principles include:
- God First – Declaring and living out our Christian ethos
- Charitable Status – Operating as a legitimate Australian charity
- Diligent Governance – Structured and careful board oversight
- Responsible Leadership – Competent and legally compliant leadership
- Charitable Purpose – Staying true to our mission
- Financial Oversight – Responsible financial management
- Risk Management – Identifying and addressing risks
- Transparency and Accountability – Open, honest stakeholder engagement
- Honest Communication – Ethical and truthful appeals and messaging
Each of these areas required us to provide documentation and demonstrate practical implementation. In many cases, this also meant developing or refining policies—especially around board membership and governance practices.
What Does Accreditation Mean for St Philip’s?
Accreditation brings significant, tangible benefits to our community:
For St Philip’s:
- Independent confirmation that we meet biblical standards of governance
- Public recognition via the CMA’s directory and use of the official accreditation seal
- Access to resources, tools, and expert guidance from CMA
- Enhanced credibility with stakeholders and regulatory bodies
- Opportunities for greater generosity, with research showing that accredited charities often see a 9–30% increase in giving
For Our Stakeholders:
- Stronger governance, leading to more effective impact
- Clearer accountability, inspiring greater trust
- Reassurance for donors, staff, board members, and volunteers that we’re acting responsibly and ethically
- Greater confidence for those considering a relationship with St Philip’s—whether giving, serving, or leading
For the Broader Christian Sector:
- A collective demonstration that Christian organisations care deeply about integrity
- A tool for standing against misperceptions and potential over-regulation
- A shared platform for advocacy, credibility, and mutual support
A Step Forward for Mission, Stewardship and Trust
While this accreditation is a powerful endorsement of the work we’ve already done, it’s also a roadmap for the future. It reminds us that excellence in governance isn’t a one-time achievement—it’s an ongoing act of discipleship, service, and witness to the world.
At St Philip’s, we believe that how we lead is just as important as where we’re going. With CMA’s Ethical Accreditation, we move forward with renewed confidence, knowing that our structures, policies, and practices are aligned with God-honouring principles.
We’re grateful for the dedication of everyone who contributed to this milestone, and we look forward to continuing the journey—with integrity, transparency, and faith.
