Standards for Clergy and Church Workers
The standards applying to clergy and church workers are contained in the document Faithfulness in Service, a code for personal behaviour and the practice of pastoral ministry by clergy and church workers.
This code was adopted by the General Synod of the Anglican Church of Australia in 2004 and it’s important for clergy and church workers to understand the code.
The personal behaviour and practices of pastoral ministry required of clergy (bishops, priests, and deacons) of the Anglican Church of Australia are specified in the Holy Scriptures as well as in its Constitution, canons, ordinances, the Book of Common Prayer and the Ordinal.
Although not bound by the promises made by clergy, church workers (lay persons who are employed or hold a position or perform a function within the Anglican Church of Australia) are expected to conform to the same behaviour and practices as clergy—except in areas that apply only to clergy.
This code sets the standard of personal behaviour and practice of pastoral ministry, enabling our community to be a safe place for everyone and ensuring integrity and accountability in the Anglican Diocese of Newcastle.
Safe Ministry Screening and Ministry Clearance Requirements
Bishop’s Licences and Authorities
Clergy and lay people seeking a Bishop’s Licence or Authority as well as people entering the Diocesan Year of Discernment must complete the following forms:
- Licence Application/Renewal Form:
- General Synod Safe Ministry Check (effective as of 1 January 2021)
- General Synod Safe Ministry Referee Screening Questionnaire (Please note: the Diocesan Office will directly contact all three referees as stated in your Safe Ministry Check to complete this questionnaire.)
These forms are current as of 1 July 2022. Previous versions of these forms will not be accepted.
Licence Review
Most licences and authorities no longer have an expiry date. Licences are reviewed as required or every 3 years to ensure the screening requirements are current. You may be contacted by the Diocesan Office to confirm the outcome of this review. Please attend to the requirements as advised.
Application Submission
All completed forms are to be submitted to the Diocesan Office for review either by
Email: safeministry@newcastleanglican.org.au
or
Post:
Newcastle Anglican
87 Toronto Road
Booragul NSW 2284
*Copies of this information will be retained by the Diocesan Office.*
Safe Ministry Training
Safe Ministry Training must be undertaken for all church workers. It is to be refreshed every 3 years. There are two components to this training.
- Office of the Children’s Guardian (OCG) – Child Safe – Keeping children safe in organisation e-Learning
Clergy are required to complete all 11 modules and all other workers and volunteers are expected to complete the first 9 modules.
Website: https://ocg.nsw.gov.au/training-and-resources/elearning
Module Title: Child Safe – Keeping children safe in organisation e-Learning modules
Following completion, the participant will receive the email from the OCG and they should record completion in Litmos.
- Faithfulness in Service
In addition to reading Faithfulness in Service, all church workers must complete the Faithfulness in Service e-Learning course in Litmos. This provides an outline of Faithfulness in Service and includes a number of videos which help add to the learning in the OCG training. Participants will be required to confirm they have read and understood the document.
Access to Litmos Training
To obtain access to Litmos, please email mylearning@newcastleanglican.org.au
Nationally Co-ordinated Criminal History Check
The preferred method to obtain a check is to use the Newcastle Anglican arrangement with Crimcheck. Details to access this service can be located in the parish portal.
Alternatively a check can be obtained through other agencies at a cost and a certified copy of the original document may need to be provided.
Working with Children Check
A new working with Children Check can be obtained using this link:
https://wwccheck.ocg.nsw.gov.au/apply
WWCC are valid for a period of 5 years. To renew your WWCC please use this link:
https://wwccheck.ocg.nsw.gov.au/Renew
Your full name, date of birth and WWCC number may need to be provided in order for the deploying body to obtain your clearance.
Application For Ministry As A Voluntary Church Worker (Aged 18+) For Appointment Or Re-Appointment
Before making an application it is recommended to review the Volunteers and Other Church Workers Policy.
To apply, you must complete the following forms:
- General Synod Volunteer Safe Ministry Check – effective as of 1 January 2021
- From 1 March 2020 new voluntary church workers should also have a Volunteer Agreement
- The Parish should also arrange a National Register Check through the Diocesan Office by completing the National Register Check For Lay Ministry
*Copies of this information are retained by the Parish Office. Electronic copies of the information may be lodged with the Diocesan Office.*
Application For Ministry As A Voluntary Church Worker (Aged 13-17) For Appointment Or Re-Appointment
Before making an application it is recommended to review the Volunteers and Other Church Workers Policy.
To apply, you must complete the following forms:
- General Synod Youth Volunteer Safe Ministry Check (aged 13-17yrs) – effective as of 1 January 2021
- From 1 March 2020 new voluntary church workers should also have a Volunteer Agreement
*Copies of this information are retained by the Parish Office. Electronic copies of the information may be lodged with the Diocesan Office.*
Retired and in Good Standing
Newcastle Anglican will maintain and publish a list of clergy who have retired, or do not seek a licence or permission for ministry, and remain in good standing.
The Bishop no longer issues limited permission to officiate to clergy aged over 80 years.