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.

This includes (but is not limited to) kids church teachers, Sunday school teachers, playgroup leaders, creche leaders, youth leaders, ministers, elders, music leaders, pastoral carers, deacons, board of management and other leadership roles. A record of all volunteers and workers is to be held by a church's session.

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).

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.

Short-Term Missions

Where short-term missions take place within congregations where children will be present, external 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.

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

Supply 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.