Guidelines for Leisure Time volunteers

November 2016

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)
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 2. Promoting and implementing a Code of Conduct for the Prevention of Abuse which applies to all people who have interaction with vulnerable adults 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 11. Setting clear boundaries of behaviour for interpersonal relationships 13. Educating employees, volunteers and vulnerable adults to raise any concerns they have about the safety of vulnerable adults 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.

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: