A Culture of Safety
“I have a new Volunteer!”
If you are recruiting a new volunteer, click here.
“How do I plan a Safe event?”
Safe Programs and events tool coming soon.
“I’m Concerned – I think something is wrong!”
- Reporting an Incident
Guidance for Church Councils
The Guidance for Church Councils Tool is to assist Church Councils understand their role in implementing the Safe Church Policy.
How to Enrol
Safe Ministry Training can now be done through a two-part Safe Church Training that involves a series of online videos and a live face-to-face or Zoom workshop. The training covers duty of care, child protection, protecting vulnerable people, understanding and responding to abuse including reporting, safe leadership, recruitment and supervision practices and relevant policies and procedures.
To enroll in Safe Church Training please contact admin@ns.uca.org.au with a request to register. A login link will be sent to your email address.
Please follow the instructions to watch the videos and complete the online training. Reach out to the Synod office if you have any questions.
A Culture of Safety Workbook
Safe Church Policy
The Safe Church Policy supports the Northern Synod’s commitment to create safe places for all people, including children and anyone who is vulnerable. It provides the overarching policy to describe how we will practice Safe Ministry, and it applies to all paid workers and volunteers in congregations, faith communities, and presbyteries.
Bullying, Harassment & Discrimination Policy
The Bullying, Harassment and Discrimination Policy encourages the establishment and maintenance of a respectful workplace culture across the Northern Synod includes reference to the Anti-Discrimination Amendment Act 2022 (NT).
Statement of Personal Commitment
The Statement of Personal Commitment sets out the behaviour that is acceptable and not acceptable. It includes child protection issues as well as other conduct issues. Also see Minister’s Statement of Commitment to Safe Ministry with Children
Lay Leaders Code of Conduct
This Code of Conduct for Lay Leaders outlines the behaviours expected of persons who participate in the life of the Uniting Church in Australia as leaders.
Complaints Policy
We are committed to dealing with complaints and concerns in a consistent and transparent manner. If you have a complaint or concern, please contact the General Secretary on (08) 8982 3400. Complaints & Allegations Tool
Privacy Policy
Our Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and protect your personal information. It demonstrates our commitment to transparency and responsible data handling.
Work Health & Safety Policy
We are dedicated to fostering a positive, proactive safety culture across the Northern Synod, ensuring that all environments are safe and healthy for everyone involved. If you require any assistance with advice, practical tools or information on safety obligations please contact the Property Manager Ross Coburn at the Synod Office.
Child Safe Policy
All children who are involved in any of the Church’s activities, services, events or programs have a right to feel and be safe. The Church is committed to providing safe environments where children are cared for, respected, nurtured and sustained. The Child Safe Policy applies to all entities and individuals associated with the Uniting Church in Australia, Northern Synod.
Working with Children Card Policy
All leaders and volunteers engaged by an entity of the Northern Synod must abide by the Child Safe Policy and processes relating to a Working with Children Clearance check for their respective state or territory.
National Police Check Policy
The primary purpose of this National Police Check Policy is to support the Synod in its work to ensure that the Church is a safe place, at all times, for all people.
Person of Concern Policy
The Northern Synod seeks to be an inclusive community while recognising the need to protect the vulnerable as paramount. We are seeking effective ways to manage the risk that those convicted or alleged to have committed a sexual offence, pose to our community. Person of Concern Policy