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== Guidelines for Leisure Time volunteers ==
[[attachment:GuidelinesLeisureTimeVolunteersDec17.pdf|Updated version]] from Dec 2017 as a .pdf to be printed and signed by volunteers.
November 2016 easy read.
This document is intended to provide principles for volunteers’ interactions with Leisure Time guests at Glen Waverley Uniting Church. It is prepared on the advice of the UCA Synod Safe Church Educator, Josh Woollett, who has conducted Safe Church training with our congregation.
It has been approved by the GWUC Church Council.
We recognise that some Leisure Time guests could be potentially vulnerable where Elder Abuse is concerned. Elder Abuse is any act which causes harm to an older person and is carried out by someone they know and trust such as family and friends [Seniors Rights Victoria]. Such harmful acts include abuse or exploitation based on factors such as their health status (physical or mental), age, grief, social isolation or financial hardship
The UCA Synod has a Safe Church Policy and a document entitled Creating a safe environment for children and vulnerable adults in our Church: Vulnerable Adults. While the whole of that document is relevant to the conduct of Leisure Time, a few statements are quoted here for circulation to all Leisure Time volunteers.
=== Why is there a UCA policy? ===
The Uniting Church in Australia Synod of Victoria and Tasmania has a moral and legal responsibility to ensure that vulnerable adults are safe. This policy applies to all members, officers, volunteers and attendees of the Church.
=== Our principles for keeping vulnerable adults safe ===
(selected principles only shown here)<
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We are committed to developing and maintaining an open and aware culture.
The Church is committed to establishing a safe environment for vulnerable adults by:
1 Recognising and identifying vulnerable adults who are present in Congregations<
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2 Promoting and implementing a Code of Conduct for the Prevention of Abuse which applies to all people who have interaction with vulnerable adults<
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8 The Congregation and Presbytery will plan and conduct safe programs for vulnerable adults by ensuring that venues and equipment are safe and compliant with Synod Occupational Health and Safety policy<
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11 Setting clear boundaries of behaviour for interpersonal relationships<
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13 Educating employees, volunteers and vulnerable adults to raise any concerns they have about the safety of vulnerable adults<
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14 Vigilantly screening and selecting all employees and volunteers who work with vulnerable adults
In addition to the principles above, there are specific requirements for all Leisure Time volunteers.
* Undergo a police check (with assistance) at the start of service and every 3 years thereafter
* Always wear your name tag as this allows for better communication or for a complaint to be initiated
* Never provide financial advice to guests, including matters of selling, moving, wills or gifts.
* Never get involved with personal or family or legal issues. Any information must be of general use.
* Never take money for any services, other than for approved Leisure Time activities
* Respect confidentiality and dignity of guests at all times
Volunteers are encouraged be good listeners and to show care and interest but to avoid giving personal advice.
Any concerns about guest welfare, medical matters or elder abuse should be raised with the Leisure Time committee. If deemed that action is warranted, a private conversation with the guest may suggest they seek help from a doctor, professional social worker or the minister. Such concerns are to be treated confidentially.
=== For further information: ===
* UCA Synod references cited above may be found by searching http://victas.uca.org.au/culture-of-safety or ph. 9340 8810
* Glen Waverley Uniting Church has a range of Safe Church policies at http://wiki.gwuc.org.au/gwuc/GwucServingSafelyPolicy