1.          Purpose

Dapto Uniting Church is committed to creating an ethical, safe, and inclusive environment. This Code of Conduct outlines expected behaviour for ministers, employees, volunteers, and contractors.

At Dapto Uniting Church, we strive to uphold the highest standards of ethical conduct, ensuring that every individual feels respected and valued. Our dedication to a safe environment means that we actively work to prevent harm and promote well-being within our community. By fostering inclusivity, we embrace diversity and ensure that all individuals, regardless of their background, feel welcomed and supported.

This Code of Conduct serves as a comprehensive guide, clearly delineating the expected behaviours for all those associated with our church.

·       Ministers are expected to lead by example, demonstrating integrity and compassion in their actions.

·       Employees must adhere to professional principles, maintaining honesty and accountability in their duties.

·       Volunteers are encouraged to contribute positively, showing respect and kindness towards others.

·        Contractors working with us are also held to these high standards, ensuring consistency and reliability in their interactions.

Through implementing this Code of Conduct, we aim to create a cohesive and harmonious community where everyone can thrive and participate meaningfully. We believe that by adhering to these guidelines, we can collectively build a nurturing and supportive environment reflective of our core values and mission.

2.          Scope

This Code of Conduct applies to all volunteers, employees (permanent, fixed term, and casual), independent contractors, and ministers. This policy applies to all employment and volunteer locations and activities, no matter the time or place.

This includes:

Ø  at an individual’s usual workplace (whether employee or volunteer;

Ø  where an individual is working remotely or at an alternative location, including when the individual is working from home or is attending church or a member’s premises in the course of work;

Ø  where an individual is representing the Dapto UC or engaging in work-related activity such as community consultation, conferences, training, business trips, social events.

The Code is applicable to all forms of written and verbal communication within and beyond the workplace. This encompasses letters, reports, emails, instant messages, text messages, and interactions on social media platforms such as LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter. It is imperative to maintain professionalism and adhere to the guidelines set forth by the Code in all these communications to ensure clarity, respect, and compliance with organisational standards. Furthermore, the Code emphasises the importance of consistent and appropriate communication practices that reflect positively on Dapto Uniting Church and its values, whether one is engaging with colleagues, clients, or the public.

For anyone subject to a relevant Reportable Conduct Scheme, the Code of Conduct also applies as required by the relevant legislation.

3.          Our Values

Our values guide the important work we do, defining our approach with our people and with those we serve. We are guided by:

Ø  Compassion: We treat those we serve and support with empathy and kindness.

Ø  Respect: We treat others in the way we want to be treated.

Ø  Collaboration: We work together to create positive outcomes.

Ø  Integrity: We have the courage to do the right thing.

4.          Commitments

As a Minister, volunteer, employee or contractor, I commit to:

4.1        Respect the mission, beliefs and values of the Uniting Church in Australia

4.2        Uphold the Policies and Procedures of the Synod of NSW and ACT

4.3        Participate fully in any required training.

4.4        Treat others with respect and communicate with integrity regardless of race, colour, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, language, religion, political or other opinion, health status, national, ethnic or social origin, culture, property, ability or other status, for example by:

a      Actively promoting a culture of safety and inclusion;

b     Considering power imbalances in personal and professional relationships;

c      Ensuring that information communicated is accurate and not presented in a misleading manner;

d     Refraining from engaging in or condoning any form of bullying, harassment, discrimination, or abuse;

e      Refraining from acting violently, inciting violence, or engaging in behaviour likely to cause isolation or intimidation;

f      Avoiding communication or behaviour that may humiliate, intimidate, or cause distress to others.

4.5        Raising a concern where I become aware of any other person engaging in bullying, harassment, discrimination, abuse, violence, intimidation, or other inappropriate behaviours.

4.6        Act with financial integrity, including:

a      Maintaining transparent records for all financial transactions;

b     Ensuring that the property of others, including intellectual property, is respected and valued;

c      Ensuring that property is used solely for its intended purposes;

d     Avoiding misuse of my position for personal benefit or for those close to me;

e      Avoiding fraud, bribery, and corruption;

f      Always accept gifts or benefits only when they are offered without any expectation or understanding of preferential treatment for the giver or a third party.

4.7        Uphold my responsibilities to contribute to a safe and healthy workplace, including:

a      Reporting any hazards I become aware of, including physical and psychological hazards;

b         Maintaining an awareness of Work health and Safety Policies and my responsibilities.

4.8        Uphold the Child Safe Standards, including:

a      Upholding the Dapto Uniting Church Statement of Commitment to Child Safety and Safe Church policies and procedures;

b     Reporting any allegations or information about risks of harm in accordance with the relevant policies and procedures;

c      Refrain from engaging in any sexual offenses or misconduct involving individuals under the age of 18.

d     Refraining from any conduct that may constitute ill-treatment, neglect, emotional abuse, or grooming of any child or young person;

e      Disclosing any prior misconduct relating to children;

f      Communicating with children in an age appropriate and realistic manner;

g     Avoid inappropriate, offensive, or sexual communication with children or young people;

h     Avoid one-on-one text or online communication with any child or young person.

i       Avoid forming special relationships with children that might be perceived as grooming or favouritism, such as offering gifts or special treatment.

j       Maintaining clear boundaries about appropriate behaviour between myself and a child;

k     Always being willing to listen and respond appropriately to a child’s views and concerns;

l       Responding quickly, fairly and transparently to any complaints made by a child or related to a child.

m   Avoiding prohibited substances.

n     Uphold confidentiality (except where there is a legal or ethical obligation to disclose).

4.9        Protect the interests of the Synod and Dapto Uniting Church as appropriate, including:

a      Refrain from speaking to third-party media without permission from the Synod Communications Team.

b     Use Dapto Uniting Church computer and communication devices appropriately.

c      Complying with all relevant legal requirements;

d     Following all reasonable directions;

e      Raising a concern if I become aware of anyone committing a serious breach of this Code of Conduct.

5.          Consequences

5.1          I accept that any complaint or allegation made against me will be dealt with in accordance with the Dapto Uniting Church Complaints Policy and I commit to participating in any investigative process and being bound by the outcome of such a process even if it includes disciplinary action.

5.2              I accept that some complaints or allegations may require that I be stood down or given alternative duties while the matter is investigated, and I commit to following the directions of the Synod General Secretary or their delegate in relation to such matters.

6.          Approval

This Code of Conduct was approved by the Dapto Uniting Church Council at its meeting on: 29 January 2025