Safe Ministry Documents

Archbishops Message

 

“As Archbishop, I am committed to ensuring that the Diocese, including its parishes and congregations, complies with these standards and I would like to assure you of the Diocese’s commitment to help and support you in that regard.” 

– Archbishop of Melbourne Dr Philip Freier

 

As a community walking in Jesus’ footsteps, we follow this command, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength; and love your neighbour as yourself.” (Deut 6:5, Matt 22:37, Luke 10:27) God calls us to love and minister to vulnerable and marginalised people – these are people who need special care, protection and support.

The Anglican Church of Australia within the Diocese of Melbourne is committed to child safe practice. The safety and the wellbeing of children and vulnerable people are embedded in policies and practices which reflect a commitment to zero tolerance of abuse.

Key Safe Ministry Documents

Codes of Conduct

Other Key Documents

Other  Resource Documents

Clearances

Click here for information about Clearance for Ministry and Clearance for Service.

Safe Ministry Training

For information and to book into mandatory safe ministry training (previously known as professional standards & child safe training) for all clergy and lay workers (including volunteers) click here.
 

Checklist of Safe Ministry Requirements

As at September 2021

Safe Ministry Information Session Resources

A series of of Safe Ministry Information Sessions were held in August 2021 and may now be viewed on demand:

Information Session Video

Information Session Presentation Slides

Child Safety Posters

Parish Resources

External Child Safety Resources

Reporting Concerns and Making Complaints

Please click here to access the Reporting Procedure.

Our organisation takes all allegations seriously and has practices in place to investigate thoroughly and quickly. Our staff and volunteers are trained to deal appropriately with allegations.

We work to ensure all children, families, staff and volunteers know what to do and who to tell if they observe abuse or are a victim, and if they notice inappropriate behaviour.

We all have a responsibility to report an allegation of abuse if we have a reasonable belief that an incident took place.

If an adult has a reasonable belief that an incident has occurred then they must report the incident. Factors contributing to reasonable belief may be:

  • a child states they or someone they know has been abused (noting that sometimes the child may in fact be referring to themselves)
  • behaviour consistent with that of an abuse victim is observed
  • someone else has raised a suspicion of abuse but is unwilling to report it
  • observing suspicious behaviour
  • To report concerns that are life threatening, ring Victoria Police 000
  • To contact a child protection office close to you, call a local office.

To report concerns about the immediate safety of a child after hours, call:
After Hours Child Protection Emergency Service
Ph: 13 12 78 (5.00pm – 9.00am Monday – Friday, 24 hours on weekends and public holidays).
Note: this is an emergency service for week nights, weekends and public holidays only.

To find out more about making a complaint about clergy or church officers, including Regional Bishops, in the Diocese of Melbourne please click here

To find out more about making a complaint about the Archbishop of Melbourne please click here.

Fact sheets about Complaints

Questions

For further information and enquiries:

  • A list of Frequently Asked Questions is available here (updated Nov 2021) and will be updated as more questions arise.
  • If your question is not answered in the Frequently Asked Questions, please contact the Safe Ministry and Inclusion Officer by email to safeministry@melbourneanglican.org.au 
Wominjeka: The office of the Anglican Diocese of Melbourne stands on the traditional lands of the Wurundjeri/Woiwurrung people of the Kulin Nation.
We pay our respects to elders past and present, and affirm our commitment to the work of reconciliation.

© 2021 All rights Reserved The Anglican Diocese of Melbourne

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