Safer Churches – Roles and Responsibilities

At Generocity Church, we are committed to providing a safe environment for all people, particularly children, youth, and vulnerable individuals. Our Safer Churches framework is designed to ensure that safety remains a priority in all aspects of church life. The following roles and responsibilities are crucial for implementing and maintaining this framework.

Safer Churches Officer

The Safer Churches Officer for Generocity Church is Executive Pastor Angela Mitchell. She is responsible for implementing and overseeing the Safer Churches Framework within Generocity Church. Their duties include:

1. Acting as the agency/organisation's hub:

• Serving as the primary point of contact for all Safer Churches matters.

2. Assisting workers:

• Providing guidance and support for workers dealing with Safer Churches concerns.

3. Promoting awareness and adherence:

• Educating staff and volunteers about the Safer Churches Framework.

4. Implementing the Safer Churches Framework:

• Ensuring policies and procedures are followed within the organisation.

5. Preparing reports:

• Presenting safety reports to the Governance Board.

6. Keeping records:

• Maintaining documentation related to the Safer Churches Framework.

7. Receiving concerns:

• Listening to concerns raised by workers and guiding them through the response procedure.

8. Making mandatory reporting calls:

• Reporting concerns to government agencies as required by law.

Ministry Coordinators / Program Leaders

Ministry Coordinators and Program Leaders play a crucial role in maintaining safety within their specific areas of responsibility. Their duties include:

1. Implementing the Safer Churches Framework:

• Ensuring compliance with policies and procedures within their ministries.

2. Monitoring workers:

• Ensuring volunteers and staff adhere to safety standards.

3. Providing reasonable instruction:

• Offering guidance to workers on maintaining emotionally, spiritually, and physically safe environments.

4. Reporting to the Safer Churches Officer:

• Escalating any suspicions, allegations, incidents, or breaches of the relevant code of conduct.

Management Group Members

Management Group Members are responsible for overseeing the effective implementation of the Safer Churches Framework. Their responsibilities include:

1. Maintaining a culture of safety:

• Encouraging a proactive approach to safety within church activities.

2. Liaising with the Safer Churches Team:

• Ensuring communication between teams for effective safety management.

3. Reporting to the Governance Board:

• Providing updates on the implementation and effectiveness of the Safer Churches Framework.

Governance Board

The Governance Board holds the ultimate responsibility for ensuring the Safer Churches Framework is implemented and maintained. Their responsibilities include:

1. Ensuring the safety of all persons:

• Providing oversight for the welfare of children, youth, and vulnerable individuals.

2. Endorsing the Safer Churches Framework:

• Approving and supporting its implementation.

3. Assigning responsibilities:

• Delegating roles to ensure the effective management of safety concerns.

4. Monitoring compliance:

• Regularly reviewing and assessing the effectiveness of the framework.

5. Ensuring mandatory reporting obligations are met:

• Confirming that any disclosures of harm are appropriately reported to the authorities.

6. Fulfilling legislative requirements:

• Ensuring compliance with legal obligations related to child protection and safety standards.

By clearly defining these roles and responsibilities, Generocity Church ensures a robust framework for maintaining safety and accountability within all areas of ministry. Ongoing training, support, and review processes will be in place to uphold the highest standards of care and protection.