The Diocese of Christchurch has employed a safeguarding officer this year to bring “safeguarding practices” up to speed. As a result, we as a parish were encouraged to adopt policies and procedures that reflect what is required of a charitable organisation in today’s world. While the Diocese provided some of the templates for this, Ruth had to search far and wide for possible examples of other policies and procedures. These were adapted to the circumstances of St Paul’s. At the last vestry meeting these policies were accepted, so that we are now one of the most up-to-date parishes in the Diocese. Some of the policies and procedures are quite lengthy and few of us know the details, but they are there to be consulted should we need them. While there is no immediate “sanction” if they are not followed, they clearly set out what’s expected. Some action is happening—for example we are compiling a hazard and risk register.

POLICY NAME	WHAT IT IS?
KEEPING US SAFE
Fire Emergency Evacuation Procedure	What to do if there is a fire
Earthquake Policy	What to do if there is an earthquake
First Aid Procedure	What to do if First Aid is needed
First Aid register	Paperwork for the above
Health and Safety Policy	Overarching document of Health and Safety
Keeping them safe Policy	Looking out for children
Lockdown Procedure	Procedure if occupants onsite need to be protected
PRIMARILY FOR GROUPS WITH CHILDREN
Off-site Activities Procedure	Procedure if taking children off-site / camps
Transport Policy Permission Form	Form to be filled in if taking anyone offsite
Anti-Bullying Policy	Explains bullying, consequences, and follow-ups
ADMINISTRATIVE POLICIES
Privacy Policy	Looking at collection and disclosure of personal information
Privacy Information Storage Policy	How to correctly obtain and store personal information
Engaging a Contractor	How to correctly engage a contractor for onsite work
Complaints Procedure	Where and how to lodge a complaint, and against whom
Hazard and Risk Management Identifier and Register	Paperwork if you find / know of a Hazard or Risk
Code of Ethics	As title says

In addition, there are of course the church canons and diocesan statutes.
A new national complaints process is part of that. Complaints about office bearers of the Anglican Church can now be made to a national office, which assesses the complaint. Just to make it clear: clergy and wardens are office bearers (though clergy are held to more detailed standards), the parish administrator is not. The process is outlined on the website of the Diocese of Christchurch:
https://anglicanlife.org.nz/about-us/complaint-process/

While all these policies may seem somewhat burdensome, they are necessary in today’s world and I hope that they may serve us well.

Blessings, Tim