Parramatta Catholic schools gain SAP award nod for HR revamp
Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese has been named a finalist in the SAP Best Tech Awards 2025 for Human Capital Management after an overhaul of its workforce systems.
The school system worked with Discovery Consulting on the project. It replaced a 37-year-old payroll engine and modernised HR processes across recruitment, workforce management and staff retention.
The recognition comes as many school systems in Australia continue to run HR and payroll operations across multiple systems. Many also rely on manual compliance processes and older payroll infrastructure.
System overhaul
Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese cited a mix of pressures behind the decision to change its Human Resources Information System. It pointed to national teacher shortages and growing compliance obligations. It also pointed to fragmented HR and payroll tools and manual processes.
The organisation selected SAP SuccessFactors. It also used SAP Business Technology Platform.
The implementation focused on creating a more consistent HR environment. Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese also sought closer alignment with education-sector compliance requirements. It also aimed to improve the experience for staff who interact with HR processes.
The project included changes intended to better manage a large casual workforce. The school system described casual staffing as a key area of focus for recruitment and retention.
HR and compliance
Leaders at Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese said the work changed how the organisation manages its people processes. They also said the system provided new visibility across workforce data.
"With the implementation of SAP SuccessFactors we have seen a strategic shift in how we support our people. It has delivered operational efficiency, stronger compliance, and real-time insight at scale, allowing us to redirect focus from process to purpose; enabling our people to support every student to thrive," said Daniel Lynch, Executive General Manager of People & Culture, Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese.
The implementation included automation across parts of HR administration. The project team also introduced smart matching of casual staff. Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese said it now uses real-time workforce insights.
The organisation said these changes improved its ability to respond to staff shortages. It also said the new approach strengthened its response to compliance requirements. It also said the changes reduced administrative workload for staff managing HR processes.
Partner role
Discovery Consulting acted as implementation partner for the rollout. The consulting firm works with SAP SuccessFactors and SAP Business Technology Platform in education and public sector settings.
Discovery Consulting described the work as an example of technology-led change in people operations. It framed the project as a shift in how workforce compliance gets managed inside a large school system.
"This project reflects the power of people-first technology," said Alistair Elliot, Managing Director, Discovery Consulting. "By combining the right system with the right strategy, we were able to turn CSPD's compliance burden into an opportunity for workforce empowerment. We're honoured to support them in delivering this transformation and proud to see the team recognised by SAP," said Elliot.
In its description of the project, the school system emphasised workforce compliance and recruitment challenges as key drivers. It also highlighted the need to replace payroll technology that had remained in place for decades.
Education organisations have faced ongoing staffing pressure across Australia. The sector has also navigated changing compliance expectations and the need for clearer workforce reporting. HR and payroll systems can sit at the centre of those demands, particularly where casual and temporary staffing levels remain high.
Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese said the new HR system strengthens its ability to respond to staffing needs and compliance activity across its workforce.