The Uniting Church affirms that all people are made in the image of God. The Uniting Church commits itself to the care, protection and safety of all people with whom it comes in contact.
We are loved by God, and we demonstrate that love by working to ensure that our sites and activities establish a Culture of Safety. We are particularly mindful of those who may be more vulnerable in our communities, but we also seek to ensure that Ministers, staff, volunteers and all people are able to flourish in their contexts.
Developing a Culture of Safety is not just about compliance, although there are many legal obligations to consider, it is primarily an outworking of our desire to make a Jesus-shaped difference in our communities. The Culture of Safety team exists to support the ongoing development of a Culture of Safety across the Synod.
The Culture of Safety team has responsibility for:
Child safety
Vulnerable adults
Work Health and Safety policies and implementation
SRE authorisation
The Congregational Toolkit
Governance
Culture of Safety Policies and Practices
These policies apply to all congregations, presbyteries and entities across the Synod of NSW and ACT.
Child Safe CommitmentThis is a public statement setting out the Synod of NSW and ACT commitment to child safety. This is a good document to display in a prominent place.
Child Safe PolicyThis policy underpins our approach to Child Safe practices across the Synod, including the implementation of the National Child Safe Standards. This policy sets out the responsibilities of various bodies, councils and individuals. This is a good document to make available to parents and families in your community.
Screening Policy (including WWCC)This policy sets out how we screen our staff and volunteers to make sure that they are suitable and supported for the roles they undertake. It is important to make sure that we document how the screening is completed and keep the documentation securely. We have developed a simple table to help you in the Volunteer Register.
Code of Conduct The Code of Conduct sets out the behaviour that is acceptable and not acceptable. It includes child protection issues as well as other conduct issues. The Code of Conduct applies to all ministers, staff and volunteers. For Ministers, Pastors and Lay Leaders, the Code of Conduct applies in addition to specific documents such as COEMP.
Policy for Responding to Concerns about Vulnerable People (including children)Many of us within the church and in the wider community are ‘mandatory reporters’ or ‘mandated reporters’, meaning we have a legal responsibility to make certain notifications. Additionally, everyone has ethical responsibility to take steps to respond to situations where a child or vulnerable person may be at risk of harm. This policy sets out the Synod approach to these issues and provides you with some assistance. Additionally, you can always contact cultureofsafety@nswact.uca.org.au for advice.
Complaints PolicyThis policy documents our commitment to dealing with complaints and concerns in a consistent and transparent manner. If you have a complaint or concern, there are a variety of people who can help you including Ministers, the Culture of Safety team or the Speak Out line.
One important issue is Reportable Conduct. Recently changed legal obligations require the Synod to report allegations that a staff member, Minister or volunteer has harmed a child or young person. This must happen immediately, prior to any investigation beginning, and covers allegations whether they are related to the church or not. This policy will help you, but you can always contact cultureofsafety@nswact.uca.org.au for further advice.
It is very important that all Ministers, staff and volunteers understand these policies and that church leaders ensure that the policies are implemented.
SAFE CHURCH CONTACT PERSON
Our current Safe Church Contact Person is Victoria . Victoria can be contacted at safechurch@newtownmission.org.au