We are thrilled to announce that Phil Doorgachurn has joined Australian Childhood Foundation as the new General Manager of Strategic Child Safeguarding Initiatives. Phil brings with him an extensive career spanning 18 years, dedicated to safeguarding children around the globe. His extensive experience and unwavering commitment to child safety make him the perfect leader for this critical role.
A global champion for child safeguarding
Phil’s journey in child safeguarding began with the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) in the UK, where he served as a senior consultant. During his tenure, he spearheaded initiatives that supported organisations in enhancing their child safeguarding practices. His expertise was further recognised when he led the safeguarding efforts for the London 2012 Olympic Games on behalf of the NSPCC, ensuring a safe environment for young athletes and attendees alike.
Following the Olympics, Phil took on significant roles within British Tennis and Arsenal FC, where he managed safeguarding operations from match days to international soccer schools. His strategic oversight and operational acumen ensured that child safety was always at the forefront of these high-profile sports organisations.
Innovative leadership in safeguarding
Phil’s passion for safeguarding led him to LimeCulture, a pioneering organisation in safeguarding and sexual violence prevention. As the Director of Safeguarding, Phil designed groundbreaking solutions to complex safeguarding issues, including the creation of the world’s first Safeguarding Lead Officer accredited training program. His innovative approach has set new standards in the field, empowering countless professionals to protect and support children effectively.
Bringing expertise to Australia
Phil’s dedication to child safety brought him to Australia, where he initially worked with Kids First in Victoria before becoming the CEO of YMCA Safeguarding. At the YMCA, Phil led a strategic approach to safeguarding across all YMCAs in Australia. He ensured robust safeguarding mechanisms for children and young people through building a safe culture, operations, and environment that met the needs of children and young people.
Phil’s influence extends beyond organisational roles. He is an active member of several boards, including LimeCulture in the UK, Families Australia (where he serves as Deputy Chair), and Pride Cup. Additionally, he contributes his expertise to the National Strategy to Prevent and Respond to Child Sexual Abuse Advisory Group, supporting the implementation of the first action plan by the Attorney-General’s National Office for Child Safety.
Leading the On Us initiative
In his new role at the Foundation, Phil will lead the ‘On Us: Australian Business Coalition for Safeguarding Children’ initiative. This groundbreaking program aims to educate businesses about the risks and issues associated with child safeguarding, empower them to enhance their practices, and drive cross-sector action to create a safer and more just world for all children and young people.
Phil’s vision is clear: every child has the right to feel safe and be safe. He is personally driven to ensure that child rights are at the heart of all societal actions. Under his leadership, the Foundation is poised to continue to make significant strides in safeguarding children, leveraging his global experience and innovative mindset.
We are excited to welcome Phil Doorgachurn to Australian Childhood Foundation and look forward to the transformative impact he will undoubtedly have on child safeguarding initiatives across Australia. Together, we will end the trauma of abuse, exploitation, and neglect suffered by children and young people.
