Safe Spaces
Jesus teaches us that protecting the weakest among us is a very important part of being a Christian. It is because of this that New Vine Westlakes has put in place the Creating Safe Spaces framework — administered and guided by the Baptist Churches of NSW&ACT — which works to protect children and other vulnerable people in our church from abuse, harassment and injustice.
We are committed to partnering with individuals, parents and families in providing meaningful, welcoming and safe experiences. We want to ensure that when anyone — including children, young people and vulnerable adults — interacts with our ministries, they feel safe physically, emotionally and spiritually.
If you are a member of New Vine Westlakes and wish to volunteer, please see the documents and forms below. If you need further information, feel free to contact our Safe Spaces Team.
Our Safe Spaces Policy
This is our commitment and guiding document in relation to Safe Spaces.
Have a Concern to Raise?
Code of Conduct Categories
All volunteers and staff at New Vine Westlakes are placed into one of the categories below, which determines the level of screening and code of conduct required before they begin serving. If you’re unsure which category applies to you, please reach out to the Safe Spaces Team — we’re happy to help.
Pastoral Staff & Leadership
- Pastoral staff and staff in leadership roles
- Any role engaged in child-related work or work with vulnerable adults
- Staff considered a ‘spiritual officer’ of the church
- Subject to Baptist Churches of NSW & ACT Affirmation Oversight Team requirements
Other Staff
- Church staff not in leadership roles
- Not engaged in child-related work or work with vulnerable adults
Volunteers in Leadership or Child-Related Roles
- Church leaders, deacons, elders, regular preachers and worship leaders
- Volunteers in children’s and/or youth ministry
- Ministry team leaders where children are involved (band, AV, café, discipleship etc.)
- Volunteers in seniors, disability or pastoral care ministry
Other Volunteers
- Volunteers not in a leadership role
- Not engaged in child-related work or work with vulnerable adults
- Includes morning tea, cleaning and maintenance rosters
Supervised Volunteers Under 18
- Any volunteer under 18 years of age
- Engaged in a junior leader, trainee, or support role
- Must be supervised at all times
Forms and Documents
Can’t open the forms? Download a free PDF viewer from Adobe Acrobat Reader. Be sure to untick “Install McAfee Security Scan Plus” — it is not required.
Under 18’s Screening Questionnaire
For young volunteers working with those aged under 18.