Code of Conduct – Working with Children and Adults at Risk

Code of conduct. version 1

 

 

 

 

ST THOMAS THE APOSTLE CHALDEAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND

CODE OF CONDUCT

Working with Children and Adults at Risk

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Document Title	Code of Conduct – Working with Children and Adults at Risk
Diocese	St Thomas The Apostle Chaldean Catholic Diocese of Australia & New Zealand
Alignment	National Catholic Safeguarding Standards (NCSS)
Document Owner	Diocesan Safeguarding Office
Approved By	Archbishop Amel Nona
Version	1.0
Effective Date	1st January 2026
Review Date	1st January 2029
Related Documents	Diocesan Safeguarding Policy; Complaints Handling Policy; Risk Management Framework; Recruitment & Screening Policy

1. Purpose and Commitment

(Leadership, Governance & Culture of Safeguarding)

The St Thomas The Apostle Chaldean Catholic Diocese of Australia & New Zealand is committed to providing safe environments for Children and Adults at Risk and to embedding a strong culture of safeguarding across all diocesan parishes, ministries, agencies, and services.

 

 

 

 

 

 

This Code of Conduct sets out the behavioural and professional standards required of all Clergy, Religious, Employees, Volunteers, Contractors, and others engaged in ministry or service involving Children or Adults at Risk within the Diocese.

Compliance with this Code is mandatory and forms part of the Diocese’s safeguarding governance framework under the National Catholic Safeguarding Standards.

2. Scope

(People Management)

This Code applies to all persons engaged in Child-related or Adult-at-Risk-related roles within the Diocese, including those required to hold a Working with Children Check (WWCC) or equivalent clearance in Australia or New Zealand.

Signing this Code is a condition of appointment, employment, engagement, or ministry within the Diocese.

3. Safe Recruitment, Screening and Training

(Human Resource Management)

I commit to:

• Providing all information relevant to assessing my suitability for ministry or work with Children or Adults at Risk.
• Maintaining a valid Working with Children Check (WWCC) or relevant clearance as required by state, territory, or New Zealand law.
• Undergoing National Criminal History Checks where required.
• Completing mandatory safeguarding induction and ongoing refresher training.
• Immediately notifying my Parish Priest, Chancery, or Supervisor if I am charged with a criminal offence.

4. Reporting and Responding to Concerns

(Responding to Complaints)

Except for information received under the seal of confession (where applicable under Canon Law), I will:

• Report reasonable suspicions of abuse, neglect, grooming, Reportable Conduct, or Risk of Significant Harm.

 

 

 

• Comply with mandatory reporting obligations under applicable Australian State, Territory, or New Zealand civil law.
• Report concerns to my Parish Priest, Agency Head, or Diocesan Safeguarding Office.
• Report Reportable Crimes to Police in accordance with my personal legal obligations.
• Cooperate fully with any safeguarding investigation conducted by the Diocese or civil authorities.

I understand that I am not responsible for investigating allegations, only for reporting concerns promptly and in good faith.

5. Respect, Inclusion and Human Dignity

(Children and Adults are Respected & Involved)

In all interactions, I will:

• Uphold the inherent dignity of every person as created in the image and likeness of God.
• Treat Children and Adults at Risk with care, respect, and compassion.
• Actively listen and take concerns seriously.
• Promote participation and empowerment of Children and Adults at Risk where appropriate.
• Be attentive to cultural, spiritual, linguistic, and personal diversity, including the particular needs of the Chaldean Catholic community and the wider Australian and New Zealand communities.
• Provide particular care to those who are vulnerable, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, Māori and Pasifika peoples, people with disability, the elderly, migrants, refugees, and those experiencing disadvantage.

6. Professional Boundaries and Appropriate Conduct

I will:

• Maintain clear and appropriate professional boundaries at all times.
• Recognise and not misuse the power and authority inherent in ministry and pastoral roles.
• Avoid favouritism or forming “special relationships.”
• Avoid being alone with a Child or Adult at Risk unless reasonably required for ministry and in accordance with diocesan guidelines.
• Ensure physical contact is appropriate, necessary, and respectful.

 

 

 

• Never engage in sexual or intimate conduct with a Child or Adult at Risk.
• Never engage in grooming behaviour.
• Never use humiliating, degrading, sarcastic, threatening, or intimidating language.
• Not contact a Child in a manner that excludes parents or carers in Church-related matters.

7. Safe Supervision and Risk Management

(Risk Management)

I will:

• Diligently supervise Children and Adults at Risk in my care.
• Ensure activities are age-appropriate, culturally appropriate, and risk-assessed.
• Protect participants from foreseeable harm.
• Not leave Children or Adults at Risk unsupervised.
• Follow all diocesan risk management and safeguarding procedures.

8. Discipline

If discipline is necessary:

• It will be reasonable, proportionate, and consistent with diocesan guidelines.
• It will never involve corporal punishment.
• It will not humiliate, isolate, or degrade the Child.
• The Child will be provided with a clear explanation.

9. Technology and Online Safety

I will:

• Communicate respectfully and professionally in all digital and online environments.
• Not “friend” or connect with Children met through ministry on personal social media accounts.
• Not engage in one-on-one digital communication with a Child without written parental consent and inclusion.

 

 

 

• Not record, possess, or distribute intimate images.
• Not engage in cyberbullying or inappropriate digital conduct.

10. Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs

(Risk Management)

I will:

• Never provide alcohol, tobacco, or illicit drugs to Children.
• Not undertake ministry while under the influence of alcohol or illicit drugs.
• Inform my supervisor if prescribed medication affects my capacity to safely fulfil my role.
• Not consume alcohol or illicit drugs while supervising Children or Adults at Risk at diocesan activities.

11. Images, Privacy and Information Sharing

I will:

• Obtain informed consent before using a Child’s or Adult’s image or personal information.
• Respect privacy and protect confidential information.
• Not possess, produce, or distribute offensive or exploitative material involving Children or Adults at Risk.

12. Breach of Code

(Governance & Complaints Management)

Failure to comply with this Code may result in:

• Immediate suspension from ministry or duties;
• Investigation under the Diocesan Safeguarding Policy;
• Disciplinary action, including termination of employment, appointment, or volunteer engagement;
• Referral to civil authorities where required.