Safeguarding & Professional Standards

St John’s Anglican Church, Soldiers Hill, is committed to being a safe, caring, and respectful community for all people.

Safeguarding — also known as the Safe Church Program — is our shared responsibility.
Every person is created in the image of God and deserves dignity, safety, and respect.
Our parish upholds and implements the Safeguarding and Professional Standards Policies of the Anglican Diocese of Ballarat and the Anglican Church of Australia.

We are committed to fostering a culture in which all people can worship, serve, and grow safely in the love of Christ.

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Our Commitment

Aligned with diocesan policy, we commit to:

• creating safe environments for children, young people, and vulnerable adults
• promoting healthy, respectful relationships within parish life
• ensuring clergy, staff, and volunteers complete all required Safe Church / Safeguarding training
• following diocesan guidelines for screening, supervision, and accountability
• responding promptly, compassionately, and appropriately to any concern, disclosure, or complaint
• upholding the highest standards of pastoral care, conduct, and professionalism
• cooperating fully with diocesan and statutory authorities when required

Our commitment is ongoing and grounded in the Diocesan vision of a Church where all can flourish without fear or harm.

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Reporting a Safeguarding Concern

If you have concerns regarding safety, wellbeing, misconduct, or inappropriate behaviour, we encourage you to speak up.
All concerns are taken seriously and responded to in accordance with diocesan policies.

Parish Contacts

Rector – Rev’d Chris Keast: rector@stjohnsballarat.au

Parish Safe Church Officer – Mr John Saunders: parish@stjohnsballarat.au

Diocesan Safeguarding Officer

Kate Schnerring: safechurch@ballaratanglican.org.au

The Diocesan Safeguarding Officer oversees the Safe Church Program, provides advice, and manages reports under the Diocesan Safeguarding & Professional Standards framework.

Professional Standards Resources

🔗 https://ballaratanglican.org.au/safechurch/

All reports will be handled with discretion, care, and pastoral sensitivity, following the diocesan procedures for responding to concerns or complaints.

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Diocesan Policies and Resources

St John’s follows all relevant policies, codes, and procedures of the Anglican Diocese of Ballarat, including:

• the Diocesan Safeguarding Policy
• the Code of Conduct for Clergy and Church Workers
• Safe Ministry screening and training requirements
• Procedures for reporting and responding to concerns, misconduct, or abuse
• Professional Standards processes and guidelines

Comprehensive information can be found at: 👉 https://ballaratanglican.org.au/safechurch/

These policies reflect our commitment to accountability, transparency, and the ongoing wellbeing of all who participate in the life of our parish.

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If You Need Immediate Assistance

If someone is in immediate danger, please contact:

Help is available. You are not alone.

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A Community of Care

“Let us love one another, for love is from God.” — 1 John 4:7

At St John’s, we believe safeguarding is an expression of our faith.
By caring for one another with integrity, honesty, and love, we bear witness to Christ and help build a community where all are valued and protected.