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Specialised Risk Areas

Specialised Risk Areas

Generocity Church recognises that effective risk management is essential to supporting our mission of connecting communities to Christ. While maintaining rigorous operational standards, we approach these areas with the understanding that "people matter" and every person is valuable and deserving of care.

People Protection

Child and Youth Protection

As a church committed to creating discipleship communities where people live in transformative relationship with Jesus, protecting children and young people in our care is paramount. Our child and youth protection measures include:

  1. Screening and Selection:

    • All staff and volunteers working with children and youth must undergo thorough background checks, including Working with Children Checks or equivalent statutory clearances.

    • Applicants must provide details of any police record or other relevant information.

  2. Training and Education:

    • Regular training on child protection issues, including recognizing signs of abuse and neglect.

    • Education on the rights of children and young people.

  3. Clear Policies and Procedures:

    • Implementation of a comprehensive Child Protection Policy aligned with ACC Child Protection Policy and Safer Churches Guidelines.

    • Clear reporting procedures.

  4. Boundaries and Authority:

    • Staff and volunteers are educated about the limits of their authority and the importance of maintaining appropriate boundaries.

  5. Empowerment and Participation:

    • Engaging with children, young people, and caregivers in decisions that impact them.

Volunteer and Staff Safety

Our commitment to "humble growth" and the belief that "every person is valuable" shapes how we approach volunteer and staff safety. We implement the following measures:

  1. Risk Assessment: Regular evaluation of potential hazards and risks associated with various church activities.

  2. Training: Providing adequate training on safety procedures, emergency response, and risk awareness.

  3. Incident Reporting: Maintaining a system for reporting and recording all incidents or injuries to personnel (https://incident.generocitychurch.com.au/).

  4. Insurance Coverage: Ensuring appropriate insurance coverage for both employees and volunteers.

Event Organisation

When organising events that connect our communities, we follow these safety protocols:

  1. Risk Assessment: Conducting a comprehensive risk assessment for each event (zz Event Risk Assessment and Action Plan).

  2. Emergency Preparedness: Developing and communicating clear emergency procedures.

  3. Volunteer Management: Identifying required number of volunteers, conducting proper screening, and providing necessary training.

  4. Child Protection: Appointing a Child Protection Officer for events involving children.

  5. External Providers: Verifying credentials and insurance of external service providers.

Property Protection

Building Security

As stewards of resources that support our mission, we implement the following security measures:

  1. Access Control: Implementing a key register system and controlling access to different areas of the church.

  2. Perimeter Security: Maintaining fencing, gates, and locks in good condition.

  3. Lighting: Installing robust external lighting to deter vandals and burglars.

  4. Alarm Systems: Considering the installation of appropriate alarm systems, such as local alarms or alarms with remote monitoring.

  5. Security Cameras: Where appropriate, installing security cameras to discourage theft and vandalism.

  6. Community Involvement: Implementing a 'Church-Watch' program to keep an eye on the property during unoccupied periods.

Asset Management

Effective asset management helps protect the church's property and resources:

  1. Inventory Management: Maintaining a detailed inventory of church contents, including descriptions, purchase information, and identifying marks. See https://assets.generocitychurch.com.au 

  2. Special Equipment Protection: Implementing additional security measures for high-value, portable items such as sound systems and musical instruments.

  3. Regular Inspections: Conducting routine inspections of church property, including buildings, grounds, and equipment.

  4. Maintenance: Regularly servicing and maintaining church equipment and systems.

Cyber Security

Data Protection and Cybersecurity Measures

In protecting our digital presence and the trust of our community, we implement these essential measures:

  1. Software Protection: Installing and regularly updating anti-virus, anti-spyware, and firewall software.

  2. Email Safety: Educating staff and volunteers about email safety, including not opening suspicious attachments or providing personal information via email.

  3. Password Management: Implementing strong password policies and encouraging the use of unique passwords for different accounts.

  4. Two-Factor Authentication: Enabling two-factor authentication for accounts where possible.

  5. Regular Updates: Keeping all software, including operating systems and applications, up to date.

  6. Data Backup: Regularly backing up important data to protect against loss. Consider using the '3-2-1 Backup Method' to ensure that data is protected against loss and can be recovered in the event of an incident

  7. Network Security: Using secure networks and avoiding public Wi-Fi for sensitive activities.

  8. User Education: Providing regular training on cybersecurity best practices, including recognizing phishing attempts and other common scams.

  9. Incident Response Plan: Developing and maintaining a plan for responding to cybersecurity incidents.

These specialised risk management practices support our mission of creating discipleship communities while protecting our people, property, and digital assets. Regular review and updating of these measures ensures their continued effectiveness in managing risks across all areas of our operations.

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