Leader's Code of conduct (non signing version)

 

The expectations outlined within this document apply to ministry leaders, and volunteers across all areas of the church’s ministry from missional communities, youth and children’s ministries, worship and creative ministries.  It applies to anyone within a ministry context who holds a position of power/authority or a perceived position of power and authority.

As staff,leaders and volunteers at Encounter Baptist Church (EBC) we acknowledge that everyone who attends a ministry of our church needs to be confident that they will be cared for, nurtured and encouraged as they grow and at the same time, protected from spiritual, physical and emotional harm.  

 

 

MY COMMITMENT

I acknowledge that not all Encounter volunteers or leaders may be on the same faith journey as myself and will therefore respect their journeys and do nothing to hinder their relationship with God. If I have made a commitment to serve God, I will seek to maintain a healthy, growing relationship with God and will undertake my ministry out of that relationship, including:

 

• Regular practice of spiritual disciplines, including participation in worship services

• Giving my time, talents and other resources as an expression of gratitude to God

• Modeling the love and grace of God

 

I accept my accountability to the role/s I am serving in and agree to contribute effectively, attend team meetings, training, and fully cooperate with EBC’s policies and procedures.

CONDUCT

I acknowledge that the following behavior should apply to my personal life as well as my church life.

 

I will:

 

• Act in the best interests of those we serve

• Behave appropriately and courteously to those I have contact with regardless of their race, gender, age, religious beliefs, sexual orientation or abilities

• Not be abusive in any way towards others (eg. spiritually, emotionally, physically  or sexually)

• Avoid using offensive language (eg. swear words, sexual connotations,  racial/religious slurs)

• Treat everyone fairly and in accordance to EBC’s policies and procedures

• Act with sexual integrity – all inappropriate sexual behaviour, including sexual  innuendo and sexual harassment, is not permitted

• Use caution when initiating or receiving physical contact with those we serve, including gestures of comfort, which may be unwanted or misinterpreted. I will not  initiate unnecessary physical contact with children or do things of a personal nature that children can do for themselves.

 

 • Communicate with integrity, wisdom and accountability, including when using  electronic communication and social media

• Report any potential conflicts of interest

• Seek help from a staff supervisor when I am out of my depth or do not have the  required skills (eg. in difficult pastoral situations)

• Not use or be affected by any illicit drugs when I am serving and I will  exercise caution with all potentially addictive behaviours and/or harmful  substances

• Not use or be affected by alcohol when I am serving with the exception that the moderate consumption of alcohol in church activities involving food and drink (eg missional community meals) is permissible so long as it doesn't impair my serving.

• Not take property belonging to others, including intellectual property  (copyright)

• Maintain integrity in financial dealings and not seek to gain from my  involvement in EBC

COMMITMENT TO CHILD SAFETY AND WELLBEING

EBC is committed to the safety, protection and best interests of children and young people as a Child Safe organisation.

 

As a volunteer or leader I will:

 

• Welcome and respect all children and young people, particularly those with  diverse and unique identities and experiences such as Aboriginal children, those from culturally and/or linguistically diverse backgrounds, those with a disability  and/or those who identify as LGBTQI+
• Listen, value and respond to the views and concerns of children and young  people, especially where it pertains to their safety and wellbeing
• Encourage and empower children and young people to actively participate in  decisions and issues that are important to them
• Promote safe physical and online environments for children and young people,  observing prescribed boundaries in all face-to-face, email, online (including social  media) and phone interactions
• Report concerns or suspicions of physical, sexual and/or emotional abuse of  children and young people through Encounters feedback channels, or with the  relevant authorities
• Familiarise myself with and implement EBC Safe Church Policy
• Act transparently, as far as possible, ensuring that another adult is present or within eyesight when we are with a vulnerable person (including children)
•  

 

CONFIDENTIALITY AND INFORMATION USE

EBCis required to comply with Commonwealth and State Privacy Acts and  Notifiable Data Breach Schemes. Personal/Confidential information must be  handled very sensitively.

 

I agree to:

• Handle with confidentiality any information I may gain about EBC and/or individuals, taking care not to seek, copy or take extracts  of information beyond the scope of my duties and make any unauthorised  disclosures
• Use information for authorised purposes only, for operations and activities  within the designated ministry areas
• Not use information in any way which would be harmful to the best interests of  any individual or the Group
• Familiarise myself with and accept the terms of Encounter Baptist Church’s Privacy Policy

 

 

 

BREACH OF THIS CODE

Minor violations of this Code will be addressed in a meeting and expected changes  will be discussed. Further breaches will result in a volunteer/ leader review meeting  where I will be offered advice and assistance. Serious breaches, including  allegations of abuse or serious misconduct, will be referred to the Church Council who may involve the Police where an offence may have occurred. Breaches and  failure to address concerns may result in termination of my role with EBC.

 

 

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT* - Please tick the relevant checkboxes

? I have read and understood this Volunteer Code of Conduct. If I am under 18 years old, my  parent/guardian has read and discussed the Code and policies with me.

? I agree to abide by this Code and will endeavour to fulfill my role to the best of my ability.  

? I agree to any review of my role(s) at EBC