Safe Church
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 Church Policy V202207
- 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
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: