new wwccThe Anglican Diocese of Armidale affirms that all people have the right to be spiritually, emotionally, mentally and physically safe.

The Bible identifies classes of vulnerable people who are to be protected and given special care and treatment in society because of their powerlessness such as the poor, widows, orphans and aliens. As His people Christians are called to act justly, love mercy and walk humbly before Him (Micah 6:8).

The Anglican Church in Australia has made a commitment to keeping all people safe through the passing of canons and/or model ordinances relating to professional standards which have been adopted by our Diocesan Synod. Further to this, our parishes and special districts operate under the Parish Structures Ordinance 1979-2000 which seeks to govern the safe and respectful conduct of ministry at the local level.

safe ministry

We also live in a country that legislates for people’s safety, including legislation and regulations for the safety of children and vulnerable adults. Our Safe Ministry policy takes into consideration relevant legislation and regulations such as, but not limited to, the Work Health and Safety Act 2011, the New South Wales Crimes Act 1900, the New South Wales Child and Young Persons (Care and Protection) Act 1998 and the Child Protection (Working with Children) Act 2012.

The Diocese’s policies aim to:

  • ensure that leaders and programs are safe;
  • ensure that all people are respected and valued;
  • minimise the risk of abuse, ministry misconduct and the misuse of positional power having leaders and programs appropriately vetted; and
  • ensure that all cases of suspected abuse, ministry misconduct and grievances are handled in a fair and just manner.

At OVACC, we have been conducting our Safe ministry training using the material provided by Sydney Diocese safe ministry training.  If you have any questions please request a contact to our Safe Ministry Officer via the contact us form on the home page. Anyone involved in Lay or Ordained ministry has completed Safe Ministry Training and has a current Working With Children Clearance. (WWCC)

STEPS FOR APPLICANTS FOR THE WWCC

  1. The applicant should fill out an online application at: https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/transaction/apply-for-a-working-with-children-check
  2. The applicant will need to nominate whether they are a paid employee or a volunteer. Under child-related sector the applicant should select “religious services”.
  3. Once the online application has been completed a WWCC Application Number will be issued to the applicant.
  4. The applicant must then take their WWCC Application Number and proof of their identity to the Roads and Maritime Services registry (formerly RTA).
  5. If the applicant is in paid child-related employment, an application fee of $80 will be payable. There is no fee for volunteers.
  6. Once the application has been processed, the applicant will be advised of the outcome by email. Most applications will be processed within 48 hours.
  7. The applicant should immediately provide your parish (email details to office@ovacc.com.au  please include your date-of-birth) with the WWCC Application Number in order for the check to be verified.
  8. After the check has been processed, the applicant will receive a clearance or a bar. Workers must receive a clearance within the time frames stated in order to undertake child-related work.

Code Of Conduct

Ordained and Lay Ministry is governed by the Faithfulness in Service Code of Conduct. Faithfulness in Service can be accessed here