Registers and Blue Cards
No Card No Start from 31 August 2020
No Card, No Start will mean that paid workers must have a blue card (not just a pending application) before they can start working with children.
People with paid applications in progress when the policy starts will be able to continue working while their applications are assessed.
Volunteers, trainee students and people running regulated child-related businesses already need a blue card before they can start working with children.
All records must be collected, used and stored in accordance with the Synod privacy policy.
It is a legal requirement in Queensland that a blue card register is kept which contains details of all paid employees and volunteers involved in providing child-related activities.
Templates and tools are provided to assist you to maintain records about attendees, workers and volunteers, their blue cards, and activities.
Resources
Links
Contact us
For all Safe Ministry with Children enquiries, please feel welcome to contact us.
Complaints and Allegations
Sometimes you may be the recipient of complaints or comments. Complaints or comments may be about suspected abuse or harm, inappropriate behaviours of other staff or volunteers, or concerns about the church premises. It is important for issues to be addressed and for relevant information (no matter how large or small) to be evaluated and acted on.
You may also need to make a report to Workplace Health and Safety, or if you are not sure, contact them for advice, via the link on this page.
Resources
Links
Choosing Leaders and Helpers
One of the best ways to create a safe church is selecting, screening and training people who will be entrusted with positions involving children. Once people are appointed to work with children in congregations, it is important that they receive support and encouragement. We recommend that this occurs soon after they commence and annually. Leaders and helpers should be acknowledged and supported by the congregation and commissioned each year.
Resources
Training
Prior to commencing working with children, it is a requirement for all Lay Workers (volunteers, helpers, leaders, and lay preachers) to complete mandatory training – Safe Ministry with Children for Lay Workers.
Once people are appointed to work with children in congregations, it is important that they receive support and encouragement. Lay Workers are required to attend Safe Ministry with Children training every two years.
Resources
Links