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ACC VOLUNTEER CODE OF CONDUCT

Codes of Conduct are a part of ACC’s commitment to emotionally and physically safe environments, an expectation
of our Child Protection Policy, and a commitment to providing appropriate duty of care, including health and safety
considerations.
This Code of Conduct outlines the requirements and expectations for all paid and volunteer workers in ACC Churches
and associated activities.
The ACC Ministerial Code of Conduct (a separate document) applies to ACC Credential holders.

This Code of Conduct is divided into two categories:

• those considered to be legal, biblical and/or moral imperatives, denoted by the word “shall” must be implemented, and
• those considered as good practice, denoted by the words “expected”, and are nevertheless strongly recommended.

ACC recognises that volunteering and working in the context of a local church is a transformative process and is
committed to treating all workers with respect and facilitating worker growth where necessary.

1. SCOPE
This Code of conduct applies to all workers in Encounter Church International ABN 66 629 839 970, whether in a
paid or volunteer position.

2. COMMITMENT
Workers shall uphold all relevant State or Territory legislation applicable to their role. They shall abide by, and
implement all church or associated event policies, procedures and guidelines. Workers are expected to seek clarity
in circumstances where the guidelines, processes or instructions are unclear.

3. SERVANT HEARTED
All workers are servants of Christ, who should endeavour to become servant leaders as modelled by Jesus (John
13:3-14). The misuse of authority can be a particular temptation when being given a position of trust and power –
this must be avoided.

4. BEHAVIOUR
Workers:

• are expected act in the best interests of those we serve.
• shall not be abusive in any way toward others, spiritually, emotionally, physically or sexually, including domestic and family violence.
• shall avoid the use of offensive language (e.g. swear words, sexual connotations, racial, religious or gender related slurs).
• shall exercise caution with all potentially addictive behaviours and/or harmful substances. Drunkenness is never acceptable.
• shall refrain from using any illicit substances.
• are expected to understand and implement appropriate behavioural boundaries between themselves and those we serve, including using caution when initiating or receiving physical contact with those we serve. This includes gestures of comfort as such gestures can be unwanted or misinterpreted.
• shall act with sexual integrity. Sex is a gift from God and integral to human nature.
• shall not transmit, download or store any communication that is discriminatory or harassing, derogatory, obscene, sexually explicit or pornographic, defamatory, threatening, for any purpose other than that specifically relevant to their position, for the purpose of reporting to an authority, or to comply with a legal direction.
• are expected to report their concerns of harm or risk of harm according to ACC Safer Church Guidelines.
• are expected to treat all people fairly and in accordance with ACC and local church policies, guidelines and position papers.
• are expected to communicate with integrity, including accountable and wise use of electronic communication.
• are expected to acknowledge when they are out of their depth and do not possess the required skill set in difficult pastoral situations (e.g., a person who needs professional counselling) and seek help from a team leader or church leader.
• shall not take property belonging to others, including intellectual property (copyright).
• shall disclose potential, perceived or actual conflicts of interest in relation to their church role. (e.g. possible financial gain; existing personal relationships)

5. FINANCIAL MATTERS
Workers shall not seek financial gain from their role or misuse their personal church relationships for financial
gain. Workers are expected to steward property and finances related to their role with accountability,
transparency, and integrity and report any concerns they have in relation to these matters.

6. CONFIDENTIALITY
Confidential information shall not be disclosed and must be treated with the utmost care. Exceptions include:

• when disclosure is required by law,
• harm or risk of harm notifications, whether required by law or not,
• there are concerns for the safety of the person or others,
• in accordance with the entity’s privacy policy,
• or when the information is in the public domain.

Disclosure is a serious matter, and the assistance of a team leader or church leader should be sought.

7. COMMITMENT TO TEAM MINISTRY
Workers:

• Are expected to embrace the vision, values, and mission of the Church or associated activity, and continue to develop ministry skills through a variety of means, including team meetings.
• shall undertake the training required for their role.
• are expected to be accountable to the team, watch out for each other and protect each other’s integrity.
   

IMPLEMENTATION OF THIS CODE OF CONDUCT
Any breach of this code involving a criminal offence may lead to a report being made to the relevant authorities.
Any breaches relating to the harm, or risk of harm, of a child or young person will be dealt with under the ACC Child
Protection Policy. Any other breach may, at the church’s sole discretion, result in the worker being stood down or
suspended.

Workers are expected to be open to correction and to act with humility by appropriately modifying their behaviour so as
to not discredit the gospel.

 

I confirm that I have read, understood, and agree to abide by the Workers (Paid and Volunteer) Code of Conduct for Encounter Church. I understand this Code reflects ACC’s commitment to emotionally and physically safe environments, aligns with our Child Protection Policy, and guides my conduct in service. I commit to upholding the standards, expectations, and values outlined in this Code, and I acknowledge that breaches may result in corrective action in accordance with ACC policy and South Australian law.



 

Thank you for your expression of interest to volunteer at Encounter Church International ABN 66 629 839 970. Your declaration is
part of our commitment to ensuring our workers uphold our duty of care to all people, and also to fulfil our legal and insurance
requirements. If you are unclear as to any of the statements in this document, please seek clarification from a team or church
leader before signing.

CRIMINAL HISTORY CHECK AND/OR WORKING WITH CHILDREN CHECK
I consent to providing an Australian Federal Police Check as reasonably directed by my supervisor from time to time, dated within the last two months, providing disclosure adequate for the purpose of working with children.

CONSENT TO HOLD INFORMATION
I consent to the information contained in this application, including the subsequent pages, to be kept by Encounter Church International ABN 66 629 839 970. I understand that this information is collected via an online form in accordance with the above entity’s Privacy Policy and the Australian Privacy Principles (APP) where applicable. I understand that this information will be destroyed or de‑identified once the information is no longer needed for the purpose for which it has been collected.

DECLARATION

1. I understand that the church operates in a regulated environment, and I undertake to cooperate with the church in complying with any lawful requirements. I undertake that:
   • I will disclose to the Safer Churches Officer (or equivalent) any allegation, investigation or conviction of reportable conduct, child-related offenses, sexual harassment or assault, financial misconduct, workplace misconduct or any other disciplinary or criminal proceedings I have been subject to. I understand these matters will need to be considered when determining if, or what, role I may hold.
   • I have received and signed a copy of the Workers Code of Conduct .
   • I am able to uphold the safety of others in the fulfilment of my designated role
      
2. I understand that team or church leaders may refer to ACC and local church policies, codes of conduct, guidelines and position papers when determining my suitability for any role.
    
3. I have provided this information, and any documents accompanying it in good faith and declare they are true and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief.
    
4. I understand that any material misstatement or omission from this questionnaire may cause me to be considered unfit to hold a particular role in the church.

I confirm that I have read, understood, and agree to the volunteer requirements of Encounter Church International ABN 66 629 839 970. I consent to providing an Australian Federal Police Check and/or Working With Children Check as reasonably requested, in compliance with legal and insurance requirements. I consent to the information provided in this online form being collected, stored, and handled in accordance with Encounter Church’s Privacy Policy and the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs), and understand it will be destroyed or de‑identified when no longer required. I declare that the information I have provided is true and correct to the best of my knowledge, and I agree to disclose to the Safer Churches Officer (or equivalent) any relevant allegations, investigations, convictions, or disciplinary actions. I understand that my suitability for a role will be assessed in light of Encounter Church and ACC policies, codes of conduct, and legal obligations.