This library hosts all documents and publications that define and guide the Safe Church Program. All documents can be downloaded and printed. It is maintained by the Diocesan Safe Church Officer.
*Please note that all diocesan publications listed below a currently under review. The latest approved/adopted version is listed here.
Codes of Conduct
Faithfulness in Service 2021
A national code for personal behaviour and the practice of pastoral ministry by clergy and church workers. In effect for all clergy and all church workers as defined by the code.
Guidelines
Guidelines serve as accessible publications for diocesan clergy and laypersons. They provide clear explanations on a wide variety of Safe Church topics, including descriptions of processes and procedures. They should be your first port of call for information.
Screening and Licensing for Ministry
Clearance for Ministry and licensing information for lay church workers and clerics including:
- Who needs a Clearance for Ministry
- Bishop's Licences
- Working with Children Cards
Please Note: This guideline is depreciated by changes to the online clearance process. For details please contact the Diocesan Safe Church Officer
Reporting Abuse
Guidelines for reporting abuse and misconduct by clergy and lay church workers, including:
- Mandatory reporting
- Reporting channels
- Types of abuse and misconduct
Ministry to Children
Guidelines for ministering to children from a safety perspective, including:
- Safety in children's activities
- Appropriateness and Parental Consent
- Communication with children and parents
- Abuse and mandatory reporting
Understanding and Responding to Family & Domestic Violence
Information for all clerics and church workers on recognising, understanding and responding to domestic violence. It includes information on
- Understanding the reality of family & domestic violence
- Recognising warning indicators
- Responding to family & domestic violence
Future Guidelines
Additional Guidelines are planned for the following topics:
- Guidelines for Parish Clergy on Safeguarding
- Guidelines for Parish Safe Church Officers
- Guidelines for Ministry to Young People
- Guidelines for Parents and Families
- Recognising and Responding to Bullying
- Guidelines for Physically Safe Churches
Diocesan Policies
Policy documents serve as principles of action on specific topics. Diocesan policies are authored and authorised by Bishop-in-Council. Anglican Church of Australia policies that apply in this diocese are authored by the Safe Ministry Commission and authorised by General Synod Standing Committee and Bishop-in-Council.
Safe Church Policy 2018
Diocesan policy on creating and maintaining safety for all diocesan people.
Child Safe Policy 2018
Diocesan policy statement of the safety of children and your people.
Electronic Commications Policy 2018
Diocesan policy on electronic communications, especially with regards to communicating with children and young people.
Person of Concern Policy 2017
The Anglican Church of Australia policy pertaining to Safe Ministry in a parish where there is a risk of sexual abuse by a Person of Concern.
Diocesan Protocols
Protocols define procedures required to adhere to legislation. For example, the Protocols for Responding to Complaints lays out procedures for the diocese and Director of Professional Standards to respond to and professional standards complaints in adherence to the diocesan Professional Standards Act. They are adopted or amended by Bishop-in-Council.
Clearance for Ministry Protocols
Processes for conducting, issuing and appealing Clearances for Ministry
Please note that this document is under review as of April 2021 to bring it into compliance with state and general synod legislation. Where conflicts arise, compliance with legislation overrides this protocol.
Protocols for Responding to a Complaint
A protocol under the Professional Standards Act for responding to complaints of misconduct and abuse.
Please note that this document is under review as of April 2021 to bring it into compliance with state and general synod legislation. Where conflicts arise, compliance with legislation overrides this protocol.
Legislation
Acts of legislation serve as the highest level of law that all other program elements must adhere to. They include acts of legislation from the State of Victoria (State Parliament), Anglican Church of Australia (General Synod, also called canons) and the Diocese of Ballarat (Diocesan Synod). Any amendments to legislation publications must be passed by the relevant body as noted in the brackets.