Volunteers play a crucial role in the activities which occur throughout many church entities. It is important that volunteers are well supported in their role, that they know the boundaries of their role, and that they are fully aware of the safeguarding expectations of the church. As well as ensuring safe practices around children and vulnerable adults, it is important to acknowledge that when working with others, the volunteers themselves may be placed in a vulnerable situation. All measures must be taken to prevent this occurrence.
Process
In addition to volunteers being subject to the referee checks, safety checking and police vetting process, there are two other key steps which must be followed:
1. A Volunteer Agreement is completed. In advance of the person being asked to sign the agreement, the person should be directed to where they can find a copy of the Church’s Safeguarding Policy.
2. The Code of Conduct is read, understood and signed by the person. A copy of this should be provided for the person to take away.
Parish Roles
- Altar Server Trainers
- Catechists – Sacramental Programme Coordinator/Leader
- Children’s Liturgy of the Word
- Choir Leaders – where children are included in the general choir and for children’s choir
- Crèche helpers
- Ministers of Communion to the Sick
- Pastoral Visitor
- Parent Helpers / Chaperons on camps
- Prison ministry teams and visitors
- Sunday School Teachers
- Youth Ministry Leaders
This list is not exclusive and any volunteers working in a position where a duty of care is being exercised needs to be Police Vetted.
We will be assisting Parishes with the implementation of the National Safeguarding Framework and will keep you updated on upcoming information and training sessions.
Police Vetting Information Sheet : Open Here
The Police Vetting & Consent Form : Open Here
For further information or assistance about Police Vetting within the Diocese, please contact:
Safeguarding Officer
Lisa-May Gray
Ph: 09 360 3019
Email: lisam@cda.org.nz