Child and Vulnerable Persons Safety Protocols

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Grace Communion International (GCI) is committed to providing safe, inclusive and respectful environments for all children, young people, and vulnerable persons.

We believe every person is valued and deserves to feel safe, heard and supported. Our child safety protocols are designed to prevent harm, respond effectively to concerns, and support children and families to participate with confidence.

Our Approach to Safety

• Create environments where children and vulnerable persons can grow and flourish
• Reduce and manage risks to physical, emotional, spiritual, and online safety
• Empower children to speak up and be heard
• Partner with families to promote safe and supportive communities
• Respond promptly and appropriately to any concerns or allegations

All concerns, disclosures, or suspicions of harm or abuse are taken seriously and managed in line with our policies and legal obligations.

Standards We Follow

GCI adopts and implements the National Principles for Child Safe Organisations, aligned with the Royal Commission.

• Child safety and wellbeing is embedded in leadership, governance and culture
• Children are informed, participate in decisions, and are taken seriously
• Families and communities are informed and involved
• Equity is upheld and diverse needs are respected
• Suitable people are screened, trained, and supported
• Complaints processes are child-focused and accessible
• Ongoing training and education support safe practice
• Physical and online environments promote safety and wellbeing
• Practices are regularly reviewed and improved
• Policies and procedures document how safety is maintained

Our Safeguards

• All leaders and volunteers hold current Working With Children checks
• Mandatory child safety training with regular refreshers
• A clear Code of Conduct outlining behaviour and boundaries
• Safe supervision practices, including team-based leadership
• Use of approved and monitored communication methods
• Risk assessments, incident reporting, and secure record-keeping

Speaking Up and Raising Concerns

We encourage children, families, and community members to speak up if something feels unsafe or inappropriate.

• Speak with a ministry leader, pastor, or Child & Vulnerable Persons Safety Officer
• Contact relevant external authorities if needed

🚨 If there is immediate danger, call 000.

All concerns are taken seriously and responded to promptly and respectfully.

Training and Accountability

• All leaders, staff, and volunteers complete child safety training
• Maintain current screening checks
• Follow reporting obligations and safe practice standards
• Participate in ongoing education and review

Supporting Resources

The Child Safety Policy should be read alongside:

• Code of Conduct
• Code of Ethics
• Training materials
• Procedures and reporting tools

These resources support consistent and effective implementation across all congregations.

Volunteer Agreement – Code of Ethics

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Thank you for your interest in volunteering with us.

As a church, we hold sacred the teachings set out in Scripture. The Bible is the foundation of the beliefs and doctrines that we live by, which are set out in our Statement of Faith. For members of our church, adherence to these doctrines and beliefs impacts every part of our lives as we seek to be faithful and live out the teachings of Scripture.

Practising our religious beliefs is an integral part of our faith. Week by week, we share in Christ together as we gather to worship, immerse ourselves in the scriptural story, pray and seek forgiveness, and fellowship. We welcome others as we share the sacraments of baptism and communion and celebrate and grow towards maturity in Christ. As we live and share the gospel, these practices demonstrate our faith in common with one another.

Another key way of living out the teachings of Scripture is to love others outside the church. The local church is an integral part of the society in which it resides. Taking an active, appropriate role in the community serves as a Christian example of love and is a witness to the gospel of Jesus Christ.

 However, it is acknowledged that a motivation to love others and the desire to improve the lives of others can arise without an explicit commitment to our religious beliefs and practices.

Therefore, in cases where we see an alignment of values with other organisations, GCI will seek to partner with them and work collaboratively to improve the lives of everyone in the broader community. In those situations, GCI does not require our volunteers to affirm our statement of beliefs; however, they must act within certain guidelines. This Agreement sets out the requirements for our volunteers in those cases.  

 

Statement of personal commitment 

The statement of personal commitment is to be agreed upon by those who are volunteering for Grace Communion International (GCI). This agreement will be annually renewed.

I agree to volunteering with GCI and understand that I am accountable to the senior pastor of my area or the designated leader of an event or activity being conducted by GCI.
 
As applicable, I will fulfil my role giving priority to the safety and well-being of all those whom I serve, I will treat every person with dignity and respect, and I will encourage others to do the same. My words and actions will also be in line with the requirements of legislation.

I will work co-operatively as part of a team and be accountable for my own actions. I will ask for help, guidance and support when I need it.

I will respond to concerns, incidents, accidents, and suspicion or knowledge of abuse in a timely and appropriate way, and in line with the church's systems for handling concerns, especially as outlined in the CGI Church ChildSafe policy.

I will abide by all GCI policies and procedures that relate to the volunteer role.

Code of Ethics

This Code of Ethics provides a framework for how people make decisions and judgments while volunteering for GCI.

As a volunteer with our organisation, I will:

• accept accountability for all my actions and avoid situations that could reflect negatively on GCI

• uphold the unity and cohesion of the church by respecting GCI’s doctrinal summary and Statement of Beliefs and will not express personal disagreements with GCI doctrine or policy in any ministry-related setting while serving in a volunteer capacity.

• focus with positivity on the shared values which have led to the collaborative partnership between the church and the other organisation
• avoid soliciting members from other church fellowships. 
• seek to work in harmony with other volunteers irrespective of whether they are from CGI or another organisation

• be a responsible member of my community.

 

Elders and Leaders Agreement – Code of Ethics

 

PREAMBLE

The Code of Ethics for elders, pastoral team members and leaders is designed to edify and to promote the safety and well-being of all in the body of Christ. The code is intended to be a living document that is reflective of our being clothed with new life in Christ (Col 3:5-17) – a new life formed by the Spirit to become more and more Christlike – a life receiving and exhibiting the fruit of the Spirit. (Gal 5:22-26). We pray it will be embraced by all elders and leaders of the church serving in any and all congregational or administrative responsibilities.

As Christian leaders we recognise that Jesus Christ lives in us through the Holy Spirit. We ask him to change us, so that the reality of his resurrected life is evident in our thoughts and actions. The ethical guidelines and principles in this code of ethics for elders are intended to express the coherence of our leadership activities with this transcendent reality of our life in Christ.

Therefore, as elders, pastoral team members and leaders in the body of Christ we must endeavour to conduct our lives according to the spirit of the ethical guidelines and principles set forth in this code of ethics for elders and leaders.

As elders and church leaders, we must submit ourselves to the Word of God and allow the Holy Spirit to guide us in the application of ethical principles of Scripture. Our Christian conduct must be based on the life and teachings of Jesus, the teachings of New Testament writers, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. The New Testament calls leaders and elders to the highest standard of reputation, ethics and conduct.

Practising our religious beliefs is an integral part of our faith. Week by week, we share in Christ together as we gather to worship, immerse ourselves in the scriptural story, pray and seek forgiveness, and fellowship. We welcome others as we share the sacraments of baptism and communion and celebrate and grow towards maturity in Christ. As we live and share the gospel, these practices demonstrate our faith in common with one another.

 

STATEMENT OF COMMITMENT TO CODE OF ETHICS AND FULFILMENT OF RESPONSIBILITIES

Therefore, as a servant of Jesus Christ in the role of Church Elder, Pastoral Team member or Leader of a Grace Communion International, I agree to commit and dedicate myself to conduct my service to the congregation in accordance with the spirit and terms of the Code of Ethics set out in this document.  I also commit to fulfilling my ethical Responsibilities as they are set out below. Based on these standards, I will strive to conduct my ministry in a manner acceptable to God and the church in a manner beneficial to all people.

CODE OF ETHICS

• If I have the opportunity to preach or teach, I will be a responsible teacher giving adequate time to prayer, study and preparation. I will give sermons, or other presentations, that are biblically based, in theological agreement with the church, clearly communicated and relevant to the life of the church.
  
  
• I will strive to practice Matthew 18 in interpersonal conflicts. If I hear accusations or gossip about a member or fellow leader, I will first contact that member about the allegations if facts and circumstances permit and deem such conduct reasonable and prudent. I understand that it is unethical to pass along such accusations or make decisions without first talking to the accused. I will abide by the terms and spirit of the church’s current published grievance procedure.
  
  
• I will be trustworthy in all areas of confidentiality.
  
  
• I will respect the dignity of the people I serve. I will strive not to embarrass, humiliate or intimidate a person, publicly or privately. If I am called upon to give guidance or correction, I will strive to do so with concern, gentleness and love.

   

• I will not use my place on the team to influence or coerce any person for my personal benefit.
  
  
• I will be above reproach in the management of church resources.
  
  
• Where I am responsible for doing so, I will delegate positions within the congregation responsibly, considering the spiritual gifts of each member, as well as Congregational endorsement.
  
  

 

RESPONSIBILITIES

Being an elder, pastoral team member or leader at Grace Communion International bestows responsibilities to church headquarters and ecclesiastical and administrative supervisors, to the local congregation, and to the local community.  

All elders, pastoral team members and leaders are required to strive to fulfil the following responsibilities-

To God and the body of Christ:

As a member of the body of Christ we share union and deep fellowship with Christ. According to the New Testament pattern we grow into the fullness of Christ as we both build up, and are built up by, each other member.

• To be a responsible servant of God and the body of Christ.

• To exercise faithful stewardship in your devotional life using spiritual disciplines, the gifts of the Spirit and acts of service.
• To exercise faithful stewardship of financial, physical and intellectual resources.
• To accept accountability for your actions and avoid situations that could reflect negatively on the name of Jesus Christ.
• To maintain sexual purity.
• To exercise Christ’s servant leadership.

 

To Family:

• To keep family responsibilities as a high priority – second only to your relationship with God within the body of Christ.
• To spiritually, emotionally and physically support your family.
• To be faithful to your spouse.
• To be a responsible, safe, and dedicated parent to your children.

 

To the Greater Body of Christ:

• Avoid soliciting members from other church fellowships.
• Seek to work in harmony with other Christian leaders and programs to strengthen the body of Christ and advance the kingdom of God.
• To respect the greater Body of Christ by not degrading or slandering other fellowships.

To the Denomination:

• To patiently and prayerfully study all doctrinal materials presented by headquarters.
• Support and carry out all administrative decisions and policies of ecclesiastical supervisors. If you cannot in good conscience do this, to immediately notify your supervisors.
• To not publicly endorse doctrines contrary to the official statements of the headquarters of the church.
• To not share disagreements with church policy or doctrine with church members in a volunteer/employee capacity in ministry‑related settings.
• To be respectful and honouring in discussions about elders, church leaders, and denominational leaders - past and present.
• To cooperate with and support fellow elders, church leaders and denomination leaders working together to further the work of Christ in the church.
• To support the various ministries and focuses of the church locally, nationally, and worldwide.
• If, at some time you cease to be an elder, pastoral team member or leaders, to ensure your departure is as smooth as possible, causing the least amount of conflict for the local congregation and the (church) denomination.

 

Within and To the Congregation which they serve locally:  

• To act with justice and mercy, striving to express the proper balance between strength and gentleness in all situations.
• To provide sound and clear pastoral, spiritual leadership.
• To refrain from giving counsel or advice beyond your area of expertise.
• Not do for others what they should be responsible for doing for themselves.
• To respect the administrative boundaries of another elders, pastoral team members or leader’s area of responsibility.
• To act co-operatively and humbly with elders, pastoral team members and leaders and avoid any competition or conduct designed to enhance your own status or position.
• To provide personal and practical support to other elders, pastoral team members and leaders.
• To develop yourself by accessing books and other materials pertinent to your service in the church.
• To accept and encourage evaluation of the effectiveness of your service from members of the congregation, your peers, and ecclesiastical supervisors, both periodically and on an ongoing basis.
• To help church members develop their spiritual gifts and to mentor spiritual leaders in the congregation.
• To give sermons that are biblically based, in theological agreement with the church, and relevant to the life of the church.
• Be committed to prompt reconciliation of interpersonal conflicts. This includes taking responsibility to courageously and tactfully face opposition and seek help from peers and/or ecclesiastical supervisors if necessary.
• Be trustworthy in all areas of confidentiality, except as you are legally required to disclose. To not disclose personal information without that person’s prior knowledge and consent.
• Be fair and consistent in all dealings with parishioners and people in the church community.
• To honour and respect all cultures, genders, and races.

 

To the Local Community:

The local church is an integral part of the community in which it resides. Taking an active, appropriate role in the community serves as a Christian example of love and is a witness to the gospel of Jesus Christ.

It is acknowledged that a motivation to love others and the desire to improve the lives of others in the community can arise without an explicit commitment to our religious beliefs and practices. Therefore, in cases where there is an alignment of values with other organisations, GCI will seek to partner with them and work collaboratively to improve the lives of everyone in the broader community. In those situations, GCI does not require our volunteers to affirm our statement of beliefs; however, they must act within certain guidelines, agreed to in the Volunteer Agreement.

In taking an active role in the community, Elders, pastoral team members and leaders have the following responsibilities.

• To support the church’s efforts at being impactful in local neighbourhoods by bearing witness to the love of Jesus.
• To actively find ways of personally investing in ministries and cooperative partnerships with other organisations to serve the spiritual and practical needs of the local community.
• To read, understand, and respect the contents of the GCI Volunteers Agreement and to treat with dignity and acceptance all those who serve under such Agreements.
• To respect the differing beliefs of others engaged in service to the community and not share personal disagreements on matters of doctrine, religious beliefs, or politics with them.
• To focus with positivity on the shared values which have led to the collaborative partnership between the church and other organisations.
• To seek to work in harmony with other volunteers irrespective of whether they are a member of GCI church, are volunteering under a Volunteers Agreement for GCI, or are from another partnering organisation.

Responsibility of Denominational Leadership to Elders

In the spirit of Christian fellowship, denominational supervisors are responsible to provide support as well as just and fair treatment for elders. This means if you are in a supervisory position, you have the following additional responsibilities:

• To be accessible and promptly respond to requests from elders.
• To provide sound and clear spiritual, ecclesiastical and administrative leadership
• To openly and respectfully communicate to an elder any serious complaints brought against him/her.
• To provide reasonable time for feedback to requests for information from elders.
• To handle sensitive and confidential information about an elder in a responsible manner.
• To be sensitive to the personal and family needs of elders.
• To be open and responsive to questions from elders.
• To be subject to periodic performance evaluations.
• To provide reasonable notice of moves, terminations and salary or benefit changes.

 

Latest Version January 2026

 

 

 

 

Child & Vulnerable Persons Safety Code of Conduct

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Grace Communion International Ltd

Annual Agreement for Employees, Pastors, Elders, Volunteers, Contractors and Ministry Team Members

1. Purpose

Grace Communion International Ltd (GCI) is committed to creating and maintaining safe, respectful, inclusive and well-supervised environments for all children and vulnerable persons who participate in our congregations, ministries, programs, events, camps, pastoral activities and online environments.

This Code of Conduct sets out the standards of behaviour expected of all people who work for, serve with, represent, or act on behalf of GCI in any role involving children or vulnerable persons. It supports GCI’s Children & Vulnerable Persons Safety Policy and must be read and applied together with that policy, all related procedures, and applicable Australian and state or territory laws.

Following this Code helps to:

• protect children and vulnerable persons from abuse, neglect, exploitation, grooming, discrimination and other harm
• promote participation, inclusion, dignity and cultural safety
• reduce opportunities for misconduct, boundary breaches and misunderstandings
• support safe ministry and lawful, accountable practice in both physical and online settings.

2. Scope

This Code applies to all GCI:

• employees
• pastors, elders and ministry leaders
• volunteers and helpers
• pastoral team members
• contractors and guest workers
• any person acting in a role connected to GCI activities involving children or vulnerable persons.

It applies:

• on church premises
• during programs, events, camps, day activities and transport
• in private contact arising from GCI activities
• in digital and online settings, including messaging, livestreams, social media, websites, apps and online group communication.

3. Our Commitment

GCI condemns all forms of abuse, exploitation, discrimination and harmful conduct. We are committed to creating a culture of child safety and vulnerable person safety in which the safety, wellbeing, participation and empowerment of children and vulnerable persons are central to our ministry and operations.

We affirm the dignity of every person and are committed to providing environments that are:

• welcoming
• respectful
• inclusive
• culturally safe
• disability-inclusive
• transparent
• appropriately supervised
• responsive to concerns and disclosures.

4. General Standard of Conduct

All workers must maintain high standards of behaviour, exercise sound judgment, uphold appropriate ministry boundaries, and act in a way that protects children, vulnerable persons, the organisation, and themselves from harm, risk, misunderstanding or allegations.

Children’s and vulnerable persons’ safety must always take priority over convenience, personal preference, ministry style, familiarity or reputation.

5. I Will

I will:

5.1 Uphold GCI values and safety standards

• conduct myself in a way that is consistent with the values, mission and expectations of Grace Communion International
• comply with the GCI Children & Vulnerable Persons Safety Policy, this Code of Conduct, all child safe protocols, and all relevant laws and reporting obligations
• complete required induction, training and refresher training, including online safety and safeguarding requirements
• seek advice from my supervisor, pastor, or Child & Vulnerable Persons Safety Officer (CVPSO) when unsure.

5.2 Prioritise safety, dignity and inclusion

• treat every child and vulnerable person with dignity, care and respect
• provide a welcoming, inclusive and safe environment for all children, young people, families, staff and volunteers
• maintain the highest standard of care regardless of race, colour, sex, gender, language, family background, culture, disability, religion, social origin or other personal circumstances
• promote the participation, safety and empowerment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children
• promote the participation, safety and empowerment of children and vulnerable persons from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds
• promote the participation, safety and empowerment of children and vulnerable persons with disability by taking reasonable steps to accommodate additional needs.

5.3 Maintain professional boundaries

• establish and maintain clear, healthy and professional boundaries with children and vulnerable persons
• act transparently in my conduct, decisions, whereabouts and interactions
• avoid favouritism, exclusive relationships, or any conduct that may reasonably be perceived as grooming, manipulation or special treatment
• ensure any contact with children or vulnerable persons is appropriate to the ministry context and within approved role boundaries
• self-assess my behaviour, language, actions and relationships and correct anything that may place a child, vulnerable person, or myself at risk.

5.4 Avoid isolated one-to-one situations

• avoid being alone with a child or young person wherever possible
• ensure ministry with children occurs in open, observable and appropriately supervised settings
• follow the two-adult rule and visibility requirements wherever applicable
• where one-to-one contact is necessary or unavoidable, ensure it is authorised, appropriate, visible where possible, and consistent with GCI protocols
• avoid placing myself in situations that may create avoidable risk or the appearance of impropriety.

5.5 Use appropriate communication and language

• use language that is respectful, age-appropriate, culturally sensitive and encouraging
• listen to and respond appropriately to the views, worries and disclosures of children and vulnerable persons
• recognise that additional caution is needed when discussing sensitive matters
• encourage open communication and help children, young people and adults feel safe to raise concerns or say when behaviour is unwelcome
• challenge and report unacceptable behaviour.

5.6 Follow reporting and response obligations

• report any concern, suspicion, allegation, policy breach, disclosure or risk of abuse, neglect, exploitation, grooming or unsafe conduct immediately in accordance with GCI procedures
• contact police on 000 if a child or vulnerable person is at immediate risk
• preserve relevant information and evidence where safe and appropriate to do so
• maintain confidentiality and only share information with authorised persons in line with reporting procedures and the law
• never promise secrecy where there is a safety concern or reporting obligation.

5.7 Respect privacy and confidentiality

• handle personal information carefully, lawfully and only for authorised ministry or safeguarding purposes
• protect the privacy and dignity of children, vulnerable persons and families
• keep records secure and only access, use, store or disclose information on a need-to-know and authorised basis
• follow GCI procedures for screening records, incident information, consent forms, photographs, videos, livestreams and online communications.

5.8 Use digital communication safely

• use only approved GCI systems, channels or ministry processes when communicating with children or young people in connection with GCI activities
• ensure parent or guardian visibility, or other approved adult visibility, for digital communications with children wherever required by GCI procedures
• use official group communication methods rather than private or secret channels
• ensure online group spaces are appropriately moderated
• apply the same standards of safety, respect, boundaries and accountability online as in person.

5.9 Protect children’s personal information online

• only collect, use, store or share a child’s personal information where it is authorised, necessary and appropriate for the ministry purpose
• ensure parental or guardian consent is obtained where required before collecting, publishing, recording, livestreaming or sharing children’s personal information, images or recordings
• avoid publishing identifying details about a child unless there is proper consent and lawful authority
• use privacy settings, access controls and safe practices to reduce unnecessary exposure of a child’s image, location or personal information
• follow GCI procedures for secure storage, retention and deletion of personal information.

5.10 Follow physical contact and ministry care protocols

• ensure physical contact is brief, appropriate, observable where possible, and consistent with GCI child safe protocols
• respect personal space and the child’s or vulnerable person’s cues and comfort
• obtain consent where appropriate and explain actions in an age-appropriate way
• ensure any assistance with personal care, disability support, health needs or accessibility needs is handled with dignity, transparency and according to approved procedures
• ensure prayer ministry and spiritual support occur in open, observable and appropriate settings and in a manner consistent with GCI protocols.

5.11 Meet screening and legal compliance obligations

• maintain any required state or territory child-related clearance, registration or screening status, including notifying relevant authorities of any required changes
• promptly disclose to GCI any matter that may affect my suitability to work with children or vulnerable persons, including charges, convictions, protective orders, clearance changes or policy non-compliance matters, in accordance with law and procedure
• comply with all relevant Australian, state and territory legal obligations.

6. I Will Not

I will not:

6.1 Harmful or abusive conduct

• engage in any conduct that is abusive, exploitative, coercive, controlling, neglectful, degrading or likely to physically or emotionally harm a child or vulnerable person
• shame, humiliate, belittle or degrade a child or young person, in person or online
• use inappropriate, offensive, abusive, discriminatory, harassing, intimidating or sexualised language, jokes, gestures, comments or material in the presence of or directed toward children or vulnerable persons
• hit, physically punish or physically assault a child or young person.

6.2 Boundary breaches

• develop inappropriate, over-familiar, secretive or exclusive relationships with children or young people
• show favouritism or provide special treatment that could reasonably be perceived as inappropriate
• spend time with a child outside approved ministry activities unless it is authorised, necessary, transparent, and consistent with parental consent and GCI protocols
• invite a child or young person into private or unsupervised settings contrary to GCI procedures
• rely on my reputation, leadership status or the organisation’s reputation to excuse poor boundaries or unsafe behaviour.

6.3 Unsafe one-to-one contact

• intentionally place myself in isolated, closed, hidden or private one-to-one situations with a child or young person where this can reasonably be avoided
• arrange unofficial meetings, lifts, visits or private pastoral contact with a child or young person outside approved processes
• ignore or bypass supervision, visibility or authorisation requirements.

6.4 Unsafe digital conduct

• use personal messaging, disappearing-message platforms, secret chats or unapproved social media communication to contact children in connection with GCI activities
• engage in private or secret online conversations with children or young people
• add, follow, message or interact with children through personal online accounts in ways that blur ministry boundaries or remove accountability
• create or run online groups involving children without approval, oversight and moderation
• use any digital platform to exploit, harass, embarrass, intimidate or monitor children inappropriately.

6.5 Misuse of children’s information or images

• photograph, film, record, livestream or publish a child or vulnerable person without required consent and authorisation
• publish personal identifying information about a child where this is not authorised
• misuse, overshare or retain children’s personal information beyond authorised purposes
• use children’s images, recordings or personal data for personal, promotional or non-approved purposes
• expose location information, unnecessary identifying information or sensitive details online.

6.6 Failure to report or respond appropriately

• ignore, minimise, exaggerate, suppress or fail to report concerns, disclosures, allegations, signs of harm or policy breaches
• make judgments or jump to conclusions without following reporting processes
• investigate matters myself unless authorised to do so
• pressure a child, vulnerable person or witness, or ask leading questions about a disclosure
• promise confidentiality that conflicts with legal or safeguarding responsibilities.

6.7 Intrusive or inappropriate personal care

• initiate unnecessary physical contact
• do things of a personal nature that a child can do for themselves unless assistance is genuinely required, authorised and handled openly and appropriately
• assist with toileting, dressing or intimate care except when necessary, lawful, approved and managed according to GCI procedures
• act in a way that is intrusive, threatening or inconsistent with a child’s dignity.

6.8 Unsafe conduct in ministry

• condone or participate in unlawful, unsafe or abusive behaviour by children, young people or adults
• work with children or vulnerable persons while affected by alcohol, illegal drugs or any substance that impairs safe judgment or conduct
• display, share or use explicit, violent or otherwise inappropriate media in ministry contexts involving children
• ignore transport, supervision, attendance, medication, camp, facility or photography procedures.

7. Digital Safety and Children’s Online Privacy

GCI recognises that the same duty of care applies in online settings as in physical settings. All workers must use child-safe, transparent and privacy-respecting practices in any digital or online ministry environment.

Accordingly, I understand that:

• children’s privacy and safety must be considered in the design and operation of online activities likely to involve children
• digital interactions must be accountable, age-appropriate, supervised where required, and limited to approved ministry purposes
• information about children must be handled in a way that minimises unnecessary collection, exposure and risk
• safeguarding obligations include responding to online harm, cyberbullying, grooming concerns, inappropriate contact and misuse of images or information.

8. Reporting Breaches of This Code

All workers are required to report any breach or suspected breach of this Code to the relevant GCI leader, supervisor, pastor, event coordinator, CVPSO, or National Office in accordance with GCI procedures.

Where a child or vulnerable person is in immediate danger, police must be contacted on 000.

Any allegation, disclosure, concern or suspected abuse must be handled in accordance with GCI reporting procedures, relevant legal obligations, and any applicable external reporting requirements. Confidentiality must be maintained, but not in a way that prevents a lawful or necessary report.

9. Breaches and Consequences

A breach of this Code of Conduct may result in:

• immediate removal from duties or ministry activities
• supervision changes or restrictions
• further training or formal management action
• disciplinary action
• termination of employment, volunteer service, contract or ministry appointment
• referral to police, regulators or other authorities where required by law.

10. Declaration

I acknowledge that:

1. I have read and understood the Grace Communion International Children & Vulnerable Persons Safety Policy and this Code of Conduct.
2. I agree to comply with both at all times during my association with GCI.
3. I understand my duty to maintain appropriate boundaries, act transparently, protect children and vulnerable persons, and report concerns immediately.
4. I understand that safeguarding obligations apply in both physical and online settings.
5. I understand that GCI may take disciplinary action, and may be required to notify external authorities, if I breach this Code or if information arises that affects my suitability to work with children or vulnerable persons.
6. I agree to participate in required safeguarding and online safety training and to renew this agreement annually.