CODE OF CONDUCT DECLARATION

WVC STAFF, LEADER AND VOLUNTEER CODE OF CONDUCT DECLARATION
All staff, leaders and volunteers participating in children's programs and events at WVC are responsible for keeping a professional role with children. This includes establishing and maintaining clear boundaries which serve to protect everyone from misunderstandings. We have adopted this Code of Conduct Declaration and WVC Child Safe Policy (and procedures) which sets out the behaviour expected which WVC expects from all people associated with or representing it.

Purpose

Following this Code of Conduct will help to protect children and vulnerable people from abuse and inappropriate behaviour from adults. It will also help staff, leaders and volunteers to maintain the standard of behaviour expected of them. Having a Code of Conduct that everyone adheres to also protects WVC because opportunities for harm are actively reduced.

Upholding this code of conduct

WVC condemns all forms of child abuse, discrimination and sexual exploitation. We are committed to creating and maintaining an environment which promotes safety for people involved in our programs including all children, people with a disability, people from a CALD background and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

All staff, leaders and volunteers are expected to report any breaches of this Code of Conduct and the WVC Child Safe Policy (and procedures) to the pastor and Child Safe Leader in accordance with the procedures set out in this Child Safe Policy.

Should the senior pastor or Child Safe Leader be suspected of misconduct with a child the situation will be reported to the Board secretary and appropriate procedures followed.

Staff, leaders and volunteers who breach this Code of Conduct may be subject to disciplinary procedures.

All allegations of child abuse will be reported to statutory authorities, such as police or child protection.
I WILL:*

conduct myself in a manner that is consistent with the values of WVCtreat all children equally, with respect, regardless of race, colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, cultural, ethnic or social origin, disability, birth or other statusprovide a welcoming, inclusive and safe environment for all children, parents, guardians, staff, leaders and volunteersencourage open communication between all children, parents, guardians, staff, leaders and volunteers, and allow children and young people to participate in the decisions that affect them.self assess my behaviour, actions, language and relationships with children.ensure any contact with children and young people is appropriate and in the parameters of the program or event.always ensure language is appropriate and not offensive or discriminatory.provide examples of good conduct in daily activities.challenge unacceptable behaviour and report all allegations or suspicions of abuse.encourage young people and adults to feel comfortable and caring enough to point out attitudes or behaviour they do not like in me.recognise that special caution is required when discussing sensitive issues with childrenfollow guidelines and report any concerns or suspicions regarding child abuse in accordance with the Westgate Vineyard Church Child Safe Policy and Procedures.maintain information regarding children’s details and information regarding child protection concerns confidential, only discussing information with relevant and appropriate people according to the reporting procedures.take responsibility for being accountable, be transparent in my actions and whereabouts and not place myself in positions where there is a risk of allegations being made. Wherever possible I will ensure another adult is present when I am working with/near children.comply with all relevant national and state legislation.maintain a current WWCC (appropriate to my role – paid or volunteer) at all timesimmediately disclose any information of charges, convictions of abuse and policy non-compliance in accordance with appropriate procedures. This includes disclosing any charges or convictions made against myself or others.
I WILL NOT:*

condone or participate in behaviours with children that are illegal, unsafe or abusiveengage in behaviour that is intended to shame, humiliate, belittle or degrade children in person or on socialuse inappropriate, offensive, harassing, abusive, sexually provocative, demeaning, culturally inappropriateallow allegations, suspected abuse, risk of harm or disclosures to go unreporteddo things of a personal nature that a child can do for him / herself, such as assistance with toileting oruse any form of physical punishment or discipline of childrendevelop inappropriate relationships with children including a sexual relationships or indulge in any form ofseek to make contact and/or spend time with any child that I come into contact within my role as aProvide a child with my personal contact details (mobile number or address) without the approval from theact in a way that shows unfair and differential treatment of childrenrelease or discuss any personal, confidential information about suspected or proven child abuse oruse any computer, mobile phone, video or digital camera to exploit or harass childrenmake sarcastic, insensitive, derogatory or sexually suggestive comments or gestures to or in front ofact in a way that can be perceived as threatening or intrusivemake inappropriate promises to children particularly in relation to confidentialityjump to conclusions about othersexaggerate or trivialise child abuse issuesrely on my reputation or that of WVC to protect me
DECLARATION
I, Full Name* :
acknowledge that I am responsible for my own actions and will utilise the procedures and commitments outlined in the WVC Child Safe Policy to protect children and avoid actions and behaviours that could be in breach of this Declaration and the WVC Child Safe Policy.have read and understood the WVC Child Safe Policy, associated procedures and Code of Conduct and discussed their contents with the WVC Child Safe Leader or a Board Member.am aware that WVC expects me to uphold, at all times, the standards of behaviour described in these documents and agree to abide by them in the course of my involvement with the children's programs and events at WVC.also understand that disciplinary measures and legal steps will be taken if I am found to be in breach of Child Protection legislation, the WVC Child Safe Policy and/or this Declaration. I understand that in making that report WVC may have to inform other authorities, in a confidential manner, to meet obligations under Australian law.
Signed*

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WVC STAFF, LEADER AND VOLUNTEER CODE OF CONDUCT DECLARATION

DECLARATION