Safe ministry in FIEC churches
FIEC believes that churches need to take responsibility for how vulnerable people (especially children) are treated. To this end, we require that all our member churches comply with all regulatory obligations and create a culture of safe ministry. Safe Ministry Check (operated by Hunter Bible Church) is a provider recommended by FIEC.
FIEC notes the 10 child safe standards recommended by the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sex Abuse and encourages our member churches to be aware of the Royal Commission’s recommendations as they formulate their own child safe policies.
Child safety is embedded in institutional leadership, governance and culture;
Children participate in decisions affecting them and are taken seriously;
Families and communities are informed and involved;
Equity is upheld and diverse needs are taken into account;
People working with children are suitable and supported;
Processes to respond to complaints of child sexual abuse are child- focused;
Staff are equipped with the knowledge, skills and awareness to keep children safe through continual education and training;
Physical and online environments minimise the opportunity for abuse to occur;
Implementation of the Child Safe Standards is continuously reviewed and improved;
Policies and procedures document how the institution is child safe.