FAQ 01 Who is required to undergo a Working with Children Check (WWCC)?
In accordance with the Duty of Care Policy, all appointed leaders require a WWCC.
In addition to the WWCC, the following voluntary roles of responsibility will need a ‘General Probity Check’
- Office holders and members of church council
- Anyone managing financial responsibilities
- Driving a vehicle for a church sanctioned activity
- Working in a Uniting Church Op Shop or café
In addition to the WWCC, Volunteers who provide any of the following on behalf of their congregation will need a ‘Vulnerable Person Related Employment’ check.
- Being a Designated Pastoral Visitor from a Church.
- Lead or assist with worship services in Aged Care facilities or Hospitals
- Working with Refugees, migrants
- Offering social support services (e.g. counselling/ financial support/ soup kitchen)
All Ministry Agents as defined in the Code of Ethics and Ministry Practice and who are deemed to be ‘in active service’ will require:
- Working With Children’s Check
- General Employment Probity Check
- Vulnerable Person Related Employment Check
Ministers who are retired and not deemed to be ‘in active service’, and Ministers ‘on designated leave of absence’ do not require a General Employment Probity or Vulnerable Person Related Employment Check.
Ministry Agents only need a Disability Check if employed by a Government funded disability organisation.
Ministry Agents only need an Aged Care Check if employed by a Commonwealth Funded Aged Care facility. (Commonwealth Aged Care Act 1997 and Aged Care Accountability Principles 2014)
Employees within Uniting Church Presbyteries and Congregations require:
- Working With Children Check
- General Probity Check.
- A Vulnerable Person Related Employment Check will be required, if any responsibilities include a role as listed above (#3)
Employees of the Uniting Church in Australia, Synod of South Australia, require upon employment a General Probity Check. This is then to be renewed as required.
- If the employee’s role is deemed to fulfil the definition of Child Related Work*, then a Working with Children Check will be required.
- If the employee’s role is deemed not to fulfil the definition of Child Related Work but the staff member is an Appointed Leader within a congregation, the WWCC is then submitted as a volunteer.
- If the employee’s role includes any responsibilities as listed in 3 above, then a Vulnerable Person Related Employment Check will be required.
- If the employee’s role does not includes any responsibilities as listed in 3 above but the staff member is an Appointed Leader within a congregation, the Vulnerable Person Related check is then submitted as a volunteer.