Screening
It is legally mandatory to screen anyone who works with or makes decisions about children.
WWCC
All staff and volunteers of the church are required to have a valid Working With Children Check (WWCC) and undergo the relevant Safe Church approval process before working with or making decisions about children. A person may only commence in a role working with children under 18 in the Presbyterian Church of Victoria (PCV) after the Safe Church Unit has notified the congregation/organisation of their approval.
You must submit the details of each church or organisation you work or volunteer with to Working With Children Check Victoria (WWCCV). This includes the details of both the PCV and your local congregation:
| Organisation name | Presbyterian Church of Victoria |
| Address | Mezzanine, 156 Collins St, Melbourne VIC 3000 |
| Phone | 03 9650 9311 |
| scu.compliance@pcv.org.au | |
| Child-related work field | 64 Religious organisations |
This includes kids' church/Sunday school teachers, playgroup volunteers, creche volunteers, youth leaders, pastoral carers/deacons, and similar roles. Ministers, elders, board members, ministry leaders, team leaders, supply preachers and Safe Church Representatives must hold a WWCC and complete the relevant Safe Church approval process regardless of whether or not their ministry area includes ministry to children. A record of all volunteers and workers is to be held by a church's session.
Volunteer Approval Process
The Volunteer Approval Process (VAP) is the Safe Church Unit's screening process for everyone 18 years or over who volunteers or works with children within the PCV. This must be completed and approved before they can begin their role. This involves character reference interviews, proof of identification and database checks.
Those wishing to volunteer should firstly approach their Session. Once given the go ahead their Safe Church Representatives (SCRs) can initiate the VAP by asking them to submit a completed Initial Registration Form. All applicants will be required to hold a valid WWCC. They must complete or have already completed Basic Training within a year of submission, or Basic and Advanced Training if required for their role. This is recommended at the earliest opportunity.
If you're unsure whether you have already completed the VAP, contact us or talk to your local Safe Church Representative.
Transfers
A person who has been approved through the screening process in one PCV church, may transfer their Safe Church registration to another PCV congregation by completing the required to Safe Church Transfer Registration Form.
Short-Term Missions
Where short-term missions take place within PCV congregations where children will be present, external mission organisations are responsible for compliance. All mission team members must have a valid WWCC, must have completed Safe Church or equivalent child protection training, and must provide documentation of such to the SCU.
If visitors are from interstate, all mission team members require a WWCC equivalent and official evidence or certificate of safeguard training from their denomination submitted to the SCU. Interstate visitors who remain for more than 30 days are required to apply for a Victorian WWCC.
If visitors are international, all mission team members require a WWCC equivalent (eg a police check form their country of origin) and evidence of Safe Church Training submitted to the SCU. In addition, they should be supervised at all times by a church leader who has been screened by the SCU.
Exemptions
Victoria Police officers, Australian Federal Police officers and teachers with the Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT) are exempt from the WWCC. They are still required to complete the VAP and must provide proof of employment.
Teachers must notify WWCCV of child-related work with the PCV.
If officers or teachers are suspended, dismissed, or otherwise cease employment, they are no longer exempt and must apply for a check. They must notify any congregations or organisations they work with in writing and discontinue their role while awaiting approval in the form of a current WWCC.
Exclusions
If you receive an Interim WWC Exclusion or WWC Exclusion, you must inform the SCU and cease any roles with the PCV immediately. In limited circumstances, an exclusion may be appealed by applying to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) within 28 days of the date given.
Appointment/Employment Process
The Victorian Child Safe Standards require that organisations with children have an employment process that includes due diligence and screening before a person is offered a position in the organisation. This applies to all paid ministry workers.
The general employment process should involve due diligence information such as a role description, requirement of a resume and references, proof of qualifications, a National Police Check and valid WWCC, and an interview. This is information for the specific employer.
For all paid ministry workers, this process includes extra screening by the Safe Church Unit. These prospective ministry workers are required to fill out the Appointments Registration Form and a Role Description Form (ordained or non) which are submitted to the Safe Church Unit.
Students exiting from the Presbyterian Theological College (PTC) must complete the Exit Student Registration Form. An exit student will also complete the full Appointments Process prior to an appointment approval.
Supply/Lay Preachers
Pulpit supply preachers, i.e. visiting or unlicensed preachers, are required to have a current WWCC and have completed Safe Church Training or equivalent. They are not required to go through the appointment employment process.