Screening

All staff and volunteers are required to have a valid Working With Children Check (WWCC) and undergo the relevant Safe Church approval process before working with or making decisions about children. A person may only commence in a role working with children under 18 in the Presbyterian Church of Victoria (PCV) once the Safe Church Unit has notified the congregation/organisation of their approval.

Volunteer Approval Process

The Volunteer Approval Process (VAP) is the Safe Church Unit's screening process for everyone 18 years or over who volunteers or works with children within the PCV. This must be completed and approved before they can begin their role. This involves character reference interviews, proof of identification and database checks.

To initiate the VAP, submit a completed Initial Registration & Role Description Form to your church's local Safe Church Representative (SCR). Submit the PCV's organisation details to Working With Children Check Victoria (WWCCV) as below:

You must also submit the details of each church or organisation you work or volunteer with to WWCCV.

All applicants will be required to have already complete or to complete Basic Training within a year of completing their VAP, or Advanced Training if required for their role. This is recommended at the earliest opportunity.

Transfers

A person who wishes to become a new member by transferring from another congregation and to hold a leadership position is required to fill out a Transfer Registration Form.

A person who wants previous training elsewhere to be recognised by the PCV must submit a Training Recognition Form. Documentation of training completed within the last three years must be provided.

Short-Term Missions

Where short-term missions take place within PCV congregations where children will be present, external mission organisations are responsible for compliance. All mission team members must have a valid WWCC, must have completed Safe Church or equivalent child protection training, and must provide documentation of such to the SCU.

Exemptions

Victoria Police officers, Australian Federal Police officers and teachers with the Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT) are exempt from the WWCC. They are still required to complete the VAP and must provide proof of employment.

Teachers must notify WWCCV of child-related work with the PCV.

If officers or teachers are suspended, dismissed, or otherwise cease employment, they are no longer exempt and must apply for a check. They must notify any congregations or organisations they work with in writing and discontinue their role while awaiting approval in the form of a current WWCC.

Exclusions

If you receive an Interim WWC Exclusion or WWC Exclusion, you must inform the SCU and cease any roles with the PCV immediately. In limited circumstances, an exclusion may be appealed by applying to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) within 28 days of the date given.

Appointment Employment Process

The Victorian Child Safe Standards require that organisations with children have an employment process that includes due diligence and screening before a person is offered a position in the organisation. This applies to all paid ministry workers.

This involves provision of a role description, requirement of a resume and references, proof of qualifications, a National Police Check and valid WWCC, and an interview. Students exiting from the Presbyterian Theological College (PTC) must complete the Exit Student Registration Form, all other appointments must complete the Appointment Registration Form.

Supply Preachers

Pulpit supply preachers, i.e. visiting or unlicensed preachers, are required to have a current WWCC and have completed Safe Church Training or equivalent. They are not required to go through the appointment employment process.