Creating an Environment of Safety for All
Safe Church Ministry is God-honouring, person-valuing, and respectful. The Uniting Church is focused on the wellbeing of people of all ages and all abilities. We are committed to providing safe programs, safe leaders and volunteers, and safe spaces so that everyone feels, and is, safe and supported.
As Gods’ church, Safe Church Ministry is an outworking of what James 1:27 calls true religion – caring for the vulnerable (widows and orphans), and an expression of what is required of all people, that is to seek justice, love mercy and walk humbly before our God (Micah 6:8).
Practically, this includes the implementation of policies and procedures in the areas of due diligence and duty of care, as well as providing just and fair processes for responding to grievances and/or allegations of ministry misconduct and/or abuse. As we establish and maintain Safe Church Ministry in our events and programs, we will fulfil our biblical, ethical, denominational, risk management, insurance and legal responsibilities.
Keeping Children Safe
These resources assist congregations and Church councils to safeguard those in their care.
Child Safe Church documents for Congregations, Leaders and Volunteers can be found below:
1 Safe Ministry with Children
Child Safe Policy
Church Council Responsibilities – quick checklist
Church Council Statement of Commitment
Code Of Conduct Lay Leaders
Getting Started-Guidance for Church Councils and Congregations
Safe Leaders and Volunteers Commitment
2 National Child Safe Church
Child Safe Screening National Policy Framework 2020
UCA-National-Child-Safe-Policy-Framework-2022
3 Recruitment
Code Of Conduct Lay Leaders
Leaders and Volunteers Application Form
Review Feedback Form
Safe Church Recruitment Process
Safe Leaders and Volunteers Commitment
SAMPLE Letter of Appointment
Sample Role Descriptions
4 Leaders and Helpers
Approval for Ministry Form
Children & Youth Activity Registration for Parents V 201711
code-of-conduct-for-lay-leaders (1)
Driver Declaration Form
Image Release Form
Information sheet for parents
5 Registers and Records
Activity Sign in Out Sheet Children & Young People
Incident Report – Record Form
Verification Record Sheet of Working with Children Check Clearance
Volunteers Sign in Sign Off Book
6 Safe Programs and Places
Activity Safety Checklist Children and Youth activities
Managing Program Risks
Property Safety Checklist – Children and Youth
7 Working With Children Check processes
Working With Children Clearance What you need to know NT
Application Process for WWCC Check WA
Working with Children Clearance SA
8 Complaints and Allegations
Mandatory Reporting for Lay Workers, Lay Preachers and Volunteers
Mandatory Reporting for Ministry Agents
Member Adherent Sexual Misconduct Complaint Form
Responding to Concerns
Template-for-Complaints-and-Allegations
9 Brochures
Creating a Safe Environment for Children in our Church
Creating a Safe Environment for Vulnerable Adults in our Church
Person of Concern
Prevention of Grooming
Safe Leaders’ Guide
Safe Volunteer’s Guide
Further information:
Code of Conduct for the Prevention of Abuse, including the Bullying, Harassment and Sexual Harassment Policy
PrivacyPolicy
Persons of Concern Policy