SafetySafeChurchAdministrationPerson

Safe Church Administration Person

General:

The Safe Church Concerns Persons will assist leaders and volunteers working with children, young people and other vulnerable adults in congregational activities. This includes dealing with Child Protection where appropriate or other concerns that arise during the course of GWUC activities. They are also to promote awareness of and adherence to GWUC’s Serving Safely Policy, and specifically the Code of Conduct.

This role will be shared between two volunteers of Glen Waverley Uniting Church. This shared role will ensure open channels of communication for GWUC, and adequately to balance the commitment for the persons to undertake this responsibility. Of the two positions, one is a Deputy, allowing the role to function if there is only one appointment.

Where possible, these two positions should be of each gender, varying age, and not from the same family, to ensure transparency. Particular care should be taken when considering and accepting individuals for this position, as a specific skill-set is required, one of confidentiality and pastoral care.

The Safe Church Concerns Persons will form half of the new Safety Team, which will report directly to Church Council. This is subject to change should Church Council see fit.

Key Selection Criteria:

• Understanding all types of abuse, and in particular an understand for the current legal system.
• Pastoral skills of a very high level

• Debriefing support for those disclosing & reporting.

Roles & Responsibilities:

• Assist leaders and volunteers working with all people-related activities
• Pastorally and sensitively deal with confidential incidents as required
• Promote awareness of and adherence to the GWUC Serving Safely Policy
• Follow the Reporting and Complaints processes, and seek guidance from the SYNOD Safe Church officer where appropriate.
• With the help of the Safety Team, receive from the Synod up to date information about child/adult protection policy and legislation including:
  • Relevant jurisdictional legalisations
  • VICTAS Creating a Safe Environment for Children and Vulnerable (CSECVA) policies and brochures:
    • CSECVA in our Church
    • CSECVA Code of Conduct for the Prevention of Child Abuse
    • CSECVA Safe Leaders Guide
    • SYNOD Communications Policy
    • Anti-Bullying and Harassment Policy
    • Policy for dealing with a complaint of sexual misconduct made against a Member or Adherent
    • Guidelines for dealing with a complaint of sexual misconduct made against a Lay Staff Person or Volunteer of the Uniting Church in Australia

Reporting and Complaints:

If someone makes or considers making a report about a Child Protection concern or one that relates to possible abuse of a vulnerable person that arises in the course of the Congregation’s activities:

• Support that person in making the report and/or thinking through the issue
• Put in place any actions to address any associated risk, and decide, on a need to know basis, who will be informed of the concern.

In the event of a complaint or concern regarding the bahaviour of someone connected with the Congregation:

• Contact the Associate General Secretary in the Synod Secretariat who will advise on appropriate action in accordance with UCA guidelines.
• Inform the Minister or Senior Leader (ie. Church Council Chairperson)
• If criminal activity is suspected, ensure the police have been contacted
• File complaints (Safe Church Concerns Anecdotal Record or Risk of Significant Harm form) and reports of investigations in a secure central file.
• Liaise with Synod Safe Church Educator as necessary.

Appointment term:

Each appointment shall be for the duration of 2-3 years, to a maximum of 9 years of continued service.

Recruitment Process:

One member of the Church Council, and one member of the Ministry Team undertake the recruitment and review process. They should follow the standard recruitment process as per the GWUC Serving Safely Policy.

When appointed, the SYNOD Safe Church educator should be informed. Reviews should be conducted at the end of each term, ensuring pastoral support of the outgoing Safe Church Concerns Person.

See SafetyTeamGroup for current appointment.