Safe Ministry Checks – Quick Guide – Anglican Canberra Goulburn
1. APPLY FOR A WWVP CARD (Working with Vulnerable People) - Apply online and then visit an Access Canberra Service Centre in person Online application at https://www.accesscanberra.act.gov.au/business-and-work/working-with-vulnerable-people/apply-for-or-renew-a-wwvp-registration
You’ll need 4 identity documents. One must have your photograph. The documents you choose must include:
2. CREATE A PROFILE IN SMIS (Safe Ministry Information System) Create your own profile in SMIS at https://safeministries.anglicands.org.au/forms/personal_information/add and fill in your SMCQ form online.
OR Your leaders will give you a copy of the relevant SMCQ form. Fill this in and return it. When this is processed you will get an email to access your online SMIS record.
You will need photos or scans of both sides of the following documents
3. ATTEND AN INTERVIEW FOR ENDORSEMENT AT YOUR LOCAL CHURCH - Your team leader or minister will meet with you for an interview or induction session. After this, with approval; you will be endorsed by your local church as an official volunteer. Your church will add this information to your record in SMIS
4. COMPLETE YOUR SAFE MINISTRY TRAINING - See the quick guide to completing your training over the page. Safe Ministry Training – Quick Guide - Anglican Canberra Goulburn
OPTION 1: ATTEND A SAFE MINISTRY TRAINING DAY - Training days coming up in 2025
30 August at Christ Church, Hawker (Modules 1-3) – 196 Hawker Place, Hawker ACT
1 November at Arawang, Kambah (Modules 1-3) – Corner of Kett St & Marconi Cres, Kambah ACT
9 - 11am
Module 1
$20
11:30am - 1:30pm
Module 2
$15
2 - 4 pm
Module 3
$15
Register via email to [email protected]. Please ask your church about payment arrangements. Morning tea will be provided at 11am on training days, but participants will need to supply their own lunch for 1:30-2:00pm.
YOUR ROLE AT CHURCH
IN PERSON TRAINING
Volunteers Working with Children and Youth
Modules 1 & 2
Clergy & Stipendiary Lay Ministers
Modules 1,2 & 3
Parish Council & Churchwardens
Modules 1,2 & 3
Safe Ministry Coordinators
Modules 1,2 & 3
All Ministry Program Coordinators
Modules 1,2 & 3
Volunteers aged 13-17 working with children and youth
A one-hour course with a local facilitator will provide a supportive and safe space for teen helpers to explore the concepts together. Ask your leaders for more information.
All other volunteers
Module 1
OPTION 2: COMPLETE AN ONLINE SAFE MINISTRY COURSE
Modules 1 & 2 are available online – Induction or Refresher (every 3 years) at https://safercommunities.net.au/anglican-diocese-of-canberra-goulburn-online-training. You can pay for courses by credit card or direct deposit. Following payment, you will receive an email containing a hyperlink to your course. Ask your local church if you would like a reimbursement for this cost.
Module 3 is facilitated via Zoom. Module 3 Zoom training dates coming up in 2025 are:
1 September (evening) 7 October (evening) 5 November (evening)
YOUR ROLE AT CHURCH
ONLINE TRAINING
Volunteers working with children and youth
Modules 1&2 combined online
or Module 1 & Module 2 Top Up
Clergy & Stipendiary Lay Ministers
Modules 1&2 combined & Module 3
Parish Council & Churchwardens
Modules 1&2 combined & Module 3
All Ministry Program Coordinators
Modules 1&2 combined & Module 3
Safe Ministry Coordinators
Modules 1&2 combined & Module 3
Volunteers aged13-17 working with children and youth
No online course available.
A one-hour course with a local facilitator will provide a supportive and safe space for teen helpers to explore the concepts together
Ask your leaders for more information
All other volunteers
Module 1
When you have finished your training please don’t forget to upload your training ‘certificate of completion’ into your online SMIS record or email it to [email protected]
Notes
Safe Ministry Check Questionnaire (SMCQ)
There are five (5 ) different role specific Safe Ministry Checks Questionnaires ;
Position interviews and Endorsement
These are carried out, and then entered into SMIS by the relevant office holder, i.e: - The Rector, Chaplain or delegate (e.g. Safe Ministry Coordinator) for ministry unit based lay (licensed & unlicensed) positions; the Bishop’s Office for clergy; The relevant board chair for Diocesan Board and Committee members who have not been previously interviewed in connection with that Board or Committee.
Referee Checks:
For ministry unit based unlicensed positions, the applicant shall complete the ‘add referee’ section in SMIS. - Then the Rector or their delegate will then contact the applicant’s referees. - If no concerns raised, the Rector or their delegate will verify/clear the clearance in SMIS. - If any referee raises a concern the Rector or their delegate refer the concern to the Office of Professional Standards.
For clergy and licensed positions referee forms are to be downloaded from SMIS: - The applicant shall complete the ‘add referee’ section in SMIS (nominating Referees) - The applicant shall send the downloaded referee form to their nominated referees for completion. - The Referees will then send the completed Referee forms to the Diocesan Safe Ministry Unit. - The Diocesan Safe Ministry Unit will then upload the Referee forms into SMIS.
For members of Boards and Committees: - the Chair (or other person making the nomination if it is not from the Board of Committee itself) will provide the Statutory Declaration to the nominee - The applicant shall complete and return the form to the Assistant Registrar.
Police Checks must be completed for
National Register Check & Professional Standards Clearance
These are added and verified/cleared by the Diocesan Safe Ministry Unit. They are required for
Further information:
Find below a link to the Diocesan Safe Ministry pages. It is the link to the Diocese’ Safe Ministry Policy and Protocols. You will readily find the information you need about:
1. APPLY FOR A WWVP CARD (Working with Vulnerable People) - Apply online and then visit an Access Canberra Service Centre in person Online application at https://www.accesscanberra.act.gov.au/business-and-work/working-with-vulnerable-people/apply-for-or-renew-a-wwvp-registration
You’ll need 4 identity documents. One must have your photograph. The documents you choose must include:
- 1 commencement document (for example, your full Australian birth certificate)
- 1 primary document (for example, your driver licence)
- 2 secondary documents (for example, your Medicare card and a credit card)
- The email with receipt and application number from your online WWVP application
- The same 4 documents you selected in the online form and any linking documents for name changes. These can be originals or true certified copies.
- A VISA or Mastercard to pay the fee if you did not pay it when you applied online. This is for paid workers. The WWVP card is currently free for volunteers
2. CREATE A PROFILE IN SMIS (Safe Ministry Information System) Create your own profile in SMIS at https://safeministries.anglicands.org.au/forms/personal_information/add and fill in your SMCQ form online.
OR Your leaders will give you a copy of the relevant SMCQ form. Fill this in and return it. When this is processed you will get an email to access your online SMIS record.
You will need photos or scans of both sides of the following documents
- Your WWVP card
- Proof of your identity with one of these documents
- Australian Drivers Licence
- Current Student Card
- Current Australian Drivers Licence
- Birth Certificate
- Upload your WWVP card and add your referees
- Compete a police check if you are clergy, in ordination process, on a diocesan board or committee or a licenced lay minister or paid worker. Please download the police check application form and instructions from SMIS or email [email protected] to get a copy. Complete the form and return it to the [email protected] for processing
3. ATTEND AN INTERVIEW FOR ENDORSEMENT AT YOUR LOCAL CHURCH - Your team leader or minister will meet with you for an interview or induction session. After this, with approval; you will be endorsed by your local church as an official volunteer. Your church will add this information to your record in SMIS
4. COMPLETE YOUR SAFE MINISTRY TRAINING - See the quick guide to completing your training over the page. Safe Ministry Training – Quick Guide - Anglican Canberra Goulburn
OPTION 1: ATTEND A SAFE MINISTRY TRAINING DAY - Training days coming up in 2025
30 August at Christ Church, Hawker (Modules 1-3) – 196 Hawker Place, Hawker ACT
1 November at Arawang, Kambah (Modules 1-3) – Corner of Kett St & Marconi Cres, Kambah ACT
9 - 11am
Module 1
$20
11:30am - 1:30pm
Module 2
$15
2 - 4 pm
Module 3
$15
Register via email to [email protected]. Please ask your church about payment arrangements. Morning tea will be provided at 11am on training days, but participants will need to supply their own lunch for 1:30-2:00pm.
YOUR ROLE AT CHURCH
IN PERSON TRAINING
Volunteers Working with Children and Youth
Modules 1 & 2
Clergy & Stipendiary Lay Ministers
Modules 1,2 & 3
Parish Council & Churchwardens
Modules 1,2 & 3
Safe Ministry Coordinators
Modules 1,2 & 3
All Ministry Program Coordinators
Modules 1,2 & 3
Volunteers aged 13-17 working with children and youth
A one-hour course with a local facilitator will provide a supportive and safe space for teen helpers to explore the concepts together. Ask your leaders for more information.
All other volunteers
Module 1
OPTION 2: COMPLETE AN ONLINE SAFE MINISTRY COURSE
Modules 1 & 2 are available online – Induction or Refresher (every 3 years) at https://safercommunities.net.au/anglican-diocese-of-canberra-goulburn-online-training. You can pay for courses by credit card or direct deposit. Following payment, you will receive an email containing a hyperlink to your course. Ask your local church if you would like a reimbursement for this cost.
Module 3 is facilitated via Zoom. Module 3 Zoom training dates coming up in 2025 are:
1 September (evening) 7 October (evening) 5 November (evening)
YOUR ROLE AT CHURCH
ONLINE TRAINING
Volunteers working with children and youth
Modules 1&2 combined online
or Module 1 & Module 2 Top Up
Clergy & Stipendiary Lay Ministers
Modules 1&2 combined & Module 3
Parish Council & Churchwardens
Modules 1&2 combined & Module 3
All Ministry Program Coordinators
Modules 1&2 combined & Module 3
Safe Ministry Coordinators
Modules 1&2 combined & Module 3
Volunteers aged13-17 working with children and youth
No online course available.
A one-hour course with a local facilitator will provide a supportive and safe space for teen helpers to explore the concepts together
Ask your leaders for more information
All other volunteers
Module 1
When you have finished your training please don’t forget to upload your training ‘certificate of completion’ into your online SMIS record or email it to [email protected]
Notes
Safe Ministry Check Questionnaire (SMCQ)
There are five (5 ) different role specific Safe Ministry Checks Questionnaires ;
- Safe Ministry Check – Ordained, Paid and Licensed Church Worker
- Safe Ministry Check – Volunteer (over 18 years) in Ministry with Children/Vulnerable People
- Safe Ministry Check - Volunteer (13-17 yrs) in Ministry with Children/Vulnerable People
- Safe Ministry Declaration – Volunteer Role (non-child/vulnerable people)
- Safe Ministry Statutory Declaration for Diocesan Boards and Committees
Position interviews and Endorsement
These are carried out, and then entered into SMIS by the relevant office holder, i.e: - The Rector, Chaplain or delegate (e.g. Safe Ministry Coordinator) for ministry unit based lay (licensed & unlicensed) positions; the Bishop’s Office for clergy; The relevant board chair for Diocesan Board and Committee members who have not been previously interviewed in connection with that Board or Committee.
Referee Checks:
For ministry unit based unlicensed positions, the applicant shall complete the ‘add referee’ section in SMIS. - Then the Rector or their delegate will then contact the applicant’s referees. - If no concerns raised, the Rector or their delegate will verify/clear the clearance in SMIS. - If any referee raises a concern the Rector or their delegate refer the concern to the Office of Professional Standards.
For clergy and licensed positions referee forms are to be downloaded from SMIS: - The applicant shall complete the ‘add referee’ section in SMIS (nominating Referees) - The applicant shall send the downloaded referee form to their nominated referees for completion. - The Referees will then send the completed Referee forms to the Diocesan Safe Ministry Unit. - The Diocesan Safe Ministry Unit will then upload the Referee forms into SMIS.
For members of Boards and Committees: - the Chair (or other person making the nomination if it is not from the Board of Committee itself) will provide the Statutory Declaration to the nominee - The applicant shall complete and return the form to the Assistant Registrar.
Police Checks must be completed for
- Clergy
- Licenced Lay People and Paid Workers
- Ordination process
- Diocesan Boards and Committees
National Register Check & Professional Standards Clearance
These are added and verified/cleared by the Diocesan Safe Ministry Unit. They are required for
- Clergy
- Licenced Lay People and Paid Workers
- Ordination process
- Volunteer in Ministry with Children/ Vulnerable People (aged 18yrs and over)
Further information:
Find below a link to the Diocesan Safe Ministry pages. It is the link to the Diocese’ Safe Ministry Policy and Protocols. You will readily find the information you need about:
- our Diocese’s commitments to keeping people safe
- our Code of Good Practice and our Code of Conduct for Ministry with Children.
- our clearance processes
- what to do if they have a concern or there is an incident.