Safe Church Training
This page provides information about Safe Church PCV training in safe ministry practices and abuse prevention and response. It contains the following sections:
safe church training for the pcv
The purpose of Safe Church Training in the PCV is to educate, support and train all people in paid and volunteer ministry roles in practicing safe ministry and godly governance, to safeguard adults and children from abuse in the Church. Through the training programme the PCV champions and models a Christian, Bible-based, child safe culture at all levels of the Church, from the top down and bottom up.
The governance arrangements of the PCV, through both the PCV Code Book and the General Assembly of Victoria Safe Church programme, mandate the completion of Safe Church Training for specific roles within the Church (see below).
The Safe Church Training structure is as follows:
1. PCV Basic Training - completed first and once only by all people in ministry roles as described in the information section below.
2. PCV Online Safe Church Refresher Course - a short online presentation to be viewed once every twelve months and updated accordingly, completed by all people in ministry roles as described in the information section above.
3. PCV Advanced Training is for designated senior leaders only - ministers, elders, bible study leaders, pastoral carers/deacons, and heads of ministries - for example, youth group, Sunday School, music ministry, etc. ***Board Members do not need to attend this training.
There is no cost for course participation. The 2024 Safe Church Training Calendar is available here. Any additional Congregational In-House Basic Training events which are open to the whole church will be posted here as they are arranged throughout the year.
All 2024 training dates are listed in the Basic and Advanced Training Calendar sections on this page. Check this page regularly to see any new dates are made available throughout the year.
Contact the SCU for a completion of training certificate should you require one.
A person who is commencing in a role in the PCV which requires Basic and/or Advanced Training, has 12 months to complete the training from the time of commencing in the role. A person must complete the relevant training within the 12 months in order to remain in the role and, if the role is PCV Code Book nominated role, in order to satisfy the Safe Church PCV requirements for that role.
If you are interested in attending a Safe Church Basic Training session and you do not attend a PCV church please contact SCU
Other Recognised Basic Training
An individual who has:
joined a PCV church from another denomination/organisation or
joined a PCV church from an interstate Presbyterian Church of Australia congregation
and completed recognised child safe training within the last three years
must complete a Safe Church Training Recognition Form declaring that they:
have read the PCV Safe Church Policy, Code of Conduct and Policy, Procedure and Practice Manual
will abide by the PCV Safe Church Policy and Code of Conduct
have viewed the PCV Safe Church Refresher Course
and they have provided written documentation from the other denomination/organisation confirming the completion date and location of their Safe Church Training course
Contact the Safe Church Unit for further details about recognised Safe Church training.
safe church training for new ministers
In response to requests from our denomination Safe Church Training for New Ministers is now available to assist new ministers in areas such as reporting requirements (including legal responsibilities), resourcing to aide ministering to individuals involved in an abuse-related matter, and, responding to Safe Church scenarios. This training is for both recently graduated or ordained PCV ministers as well as for those ministers and pastoral ministry workers who have recently come to a PCV charge from another denomination. Please contact the Safe Church Facilitator if you would like further details.
basic TRAINING
As part of the PCV's commitment to Safe Church all people who
hold leadership positions, or
minister to children under 18, or
are involved in Pastoral Care
in a PCV congregation or organisation are required to complete the PCV Safe Church Basic Training Course.
This includes:
Ministers
Elders
Deacons
Bible Study Leaders
Music Ministry Leaders
Camp Committee Leaders
All those who work with children under 18 (e.g. Mainly Music, playgroup, Sunday School, youth groups, kids' or holiday clubs, creche and any other ministry to children under 18)
Pastoral Carers
Board Members
The two hour Basic Training course covers the implementation, procedures and practice of the Safe Church Policy and Code of Conduct in all child-related ministries and operations within the denomination. Paid staff and volunteers will not be permitted to take part in any child related ministries without completing the Safe Church Basic Training. People commencing a leadership, pastoral care or child-related role in the PCV for the first time must complete Basic Training within the first 12 months of taking on that role.
Basic Training is available via two means:
Churches are encouraged to run their own congregational In-House Basic Training through the use of a kit and the PCV Safe Church YouTube channel - administered by SCRs only and registered with SCU (see here).
The Safe Church Facilitator delivers Basic Training in each presbytery in the PCV each year at a Safe Church Training Day.
Under 18's attending Basic Training
From time to time SCU receives enquiries about under 18-year-olds attending Basic Training. As the training content includes material relating to child abuse and general information about abuse it is not recommended that people aged under 18 attend. However, if a person under 18 wishes to attend they must be at least 16 years old (the age of consent in Victoria) and a signed parental permission form must be completed and returned to the Safe Church Representative prior to attendance. The form can be found here and at the Forms page.
Basic Training Calendar
The 2024 Safe Church Training Calendar is available here. Any additional Congregational In-House Basic Training events which are open to the whole church will be posted here as they are arranged throughout the year.
BASIC TRAINING - PRESBYTERY OF GIPPSLAND
Saturday 24th February 2024
Drouin Presbyterian Church
Corner Church Street & Winters Ave, Drouin
9.30am - 11.30am
Arrive at 9.15am for training starting at 9.30am sharp
RSVP attendance by 22nd February: Text 0499 090 449 OR Email safechurch@pcv.org.au
BASIC TRAINING - PRESBYTERY OF melbourne east
Saturday 2nd March 2024
Chalmers Presbyterian Church
14 Rathmines Road, Hawthorn
9.30am - 11.30am
Arrive at 9.15am for training starting at 9.30am sharp
RSVP attendance by 29th February: Text 0499 090 449 OR Email safechurch@pcv.org.au
BASIC TRAINING - PRESBYTERY OF Flinders
Saturday 16th March 2024
Dandenong Presbyterian Church
51 Potter Street, Dandenong
9.30am - 11.30am
Arrive at 9.15am for training starting at 9.30am sharp
RSVP attendance by 13th March: Text 0499 090 449 OR Email safechurch@pcv.org.au
Congregational in-house BASIC TRAINING - donvale Presbyterian church
Saturday 16th March 2024
Donvale Presbyterian Church
5 McGowans Road, Donvale
9.30am - 11.30am
Arrive at 9.15am for training starting at 9.30am sharp
RSVP attendance by 13th March: Text 0499 090 449 OR Email safechurch@pcv.org.au
BASIC TRAINING - PRESBYTERY OF geelong
Saturday 20th April 2024
Geelong West Presbyterian Church
105-107 Pakington Street, Geelong West
9.30am - 11.30am
Arrive at 9.15am for training starting at 9.30am sharp
RSVP attendance by 17th April: Text 0499 090 449 OR Email safechurch@pcv.org.au
BASIC TRAINING - PRESBYTERY OF western victoria
Saturday 4th May 2024
Ebenezer Presbyterian Church
212 Armstrong Street South, Ballarat
9.30am - 11.30am
Arrive at 9.15am for training starting at 9.30am sharp
RSVP attendance by 1st May: Text 0499 090 449 OR Email safechurch@pcv.org.au
BASIC TRAINING - PRESBYTERY OF south west victoria
Saturday 1st June 2024
Warrnambool Presbyterian Church
25 Manifold Street, Warrnambool
9.30am - 11.30am
Arrive at 9.15am for training starting at 9.30am sharp
RSVP attendance by 29th May: Text 0499 090 449 OR Email safechurch@pcv.org.au
BASIC TRAINING - the scots’ church, melbourne
Saturday 15th June 2024
The Scots’ Church
Level 1, Robert White Meeting Rooms
156 Collins Street, Melbourne
9.30am - 11.30am
Arrive at 9.15am for training starting at 9.30am sharp
RSVP attendance by 12th June: Text 0499 090 449 OR Email safechurch@pcv.org.au
BASIC TRAINING - PRESBYTERY OF Maroondah
Saturday 22nd June 2024
Heathmont Presbyterian Church
6 Waterloo Street, Heathmont
9.30am - 11.30am
Arrive at 9.15am for training starting at 9.30am sharp
RSVP attendance by 19th June: Text 0499 090 449 OR Email safechurch@pcv.org.au
BASIC TRAINING - PRESBYTERY OF melbourne north
Saturday 27th July 2024
Eltham Presbyterian Church
23 Batman Road, Eltham
9.30am - 11.30am
Arrive at 9.15am for training starting at 9.30am sharp
RSVP attendance by 24th July: Text 0499 090 449 OR Email safechurch@pcv.org.au
BASIC TRAINING - PRESBYTERY OF north east victoria
Saturday 3rd August 2024
Shepparton Presbyterian Church
170 Hayes Street, Shepparton
9.30am - 11.30am
Arrive at 9.15am for training starting at 9.30am sharp
RSVP attendance by 31st July: Text 0499 090 449 OR Email safechurch@pcv.org.au
BASIC TRAINING - PRESBYTERY OF melbourne west
Saturday 17th August 2024
Darebin Presbyterian Church
15 Rossmoyne Street, Thornbury
9.30am - 11.30am
Arrive at 9.15am for training starting at 9.30am sharp
RSVP attendance by 15th August: Text 0499 090 449 OR Email safechurch@pcv.org.au
BASIC TRAINING - PRESBYTERY OF north west victoria
Saturday 7th September 2024
Eaglehawk Presbyterian Church
75A Victoria St, Eaglehawk
9.30am - 11.30am
Arrive at 9.15am for training starting at 9.30am sharp
RSVP attendance by 5th September: Text 0499 090 449 OR Email safechurch@pcv.org.au
congregational in-house basic training - bundoora presbyterian church
Saturday 9th November 2024
Bundoora Presbyterian Church
19 Enterprise Drive, Bundoora
9 am - 11 am
Arrive at 8.45am for training starting at 9 am sharp
RSVP attendance by 6th November: Text 0499 090 449 OR Email safechurch@pcv.org.au
BASIC TRAINING - the scots’ church, melbourne
Saturday 30th November 2024
The Scots’ Church
Level 1, Robert White Meeting Rooms
156 Collins Street, Melbourne
9.30am - 11.30am
Arrive at 9.15am for training starting at 9.30am sharp
RSVP attendance by 27th November: Text 0499 090 449 OR Email safechurch@pcv.org.au
congregational in-house basic training
Safe Church Basic Training can be run in congregations following the guidelines below:
1. Safe Church Basic Training can only be held as an official congregational event approved by the Session. To be Safe Church compliant the Session must approve the running of the training event and work with the Safe Church Representative to set the date(s) and location for the training
2. A person will not be compliant with the training requirement by merely watching the video in their own time - the training must only be facilitated by the Safe Church Representative in an official congregational event with the above approval of the Session
3. The training event must be registered with the SCU prior to occurring to be Safe Church compliant (the registration form is found at step 3 of the Safe Church Basic Training Kit - see link below)
4. Use the Safe Church Basic Training Kit (see link below) to run the training event. The Basic Training video is on Youtube and an internet connection is required for these to be presented OR contact the SCU for a USB with the video on it to be sent to you
5. After the training the SCU must be notified of the completion of the event and the names of attendees
FOR SAFE CHURCH REPRESENTATIVES
The Safe Church Basic Training Kit (including registration and notification forms, advice, instructions, material to print and links to the Basic Training videos) enables Safe Church Representatives to hold a training event.
Online Safe Church Refresher training
As part of the PCV's commitment to Safe Church these same people listed above are required to complete the Safe Church Refresher Training every 12 months. The Safe Church Refresher Training is a brief online presentation available at the PCV Safe Church YouTube Channel, designed to ensure adherence to Safe Church policy, procedure and practice. An offline version of the Safe Church Refresher Course is available for those people without access to the internet - contact the Safe Church Unit to have this directly posted by mail. Alternatively it can be downloaded here
Safe Church Representatives promote the Refresher Training in their congregation/organisation and direct all mandated people to view the presentation.
Click here for the online Safe Church Refresher Training
Advanced Training
Advanced Training covers Safe Church material at a deeper level and in particular focuses on prevention and wider understandings, with more opportunity to engage with the material - for example, work through scenarios in groups. It is not a repeat of the Basic Training.
Who must complete advanced training?
Advanced Training is delivered to designated senior leaders in congregations and organisations with particular responsibility for leading and delivering ministry in both general and specific areas - including ministers, elders, bible study leaders, pastoral carers/deacons, and heads of ministries - for example, youth group leadership co-ordinator, Sunday School Superintendent, music ministry co-ordinator. ***Board Members do not need to attend this training.
An Advanced Training event requires 4 hours, including a break at half-way through the course material. Attendees participate in group learning activities, including responding to Safe Church scenarios, and there is time for questions and discussion. There is no cost for the training.
Advanced Training is delivered across the Church via a calendar system, published each year in February and promoted throughout the Church via Sessions, Presbyteries and the Safe Church Representatives. By publishing the calendar early in the year this allows individuals time to plan to attend an event. Individuals who need to complete Advanced Training have 12 months within commencing in their role to do so and may attend any Advanced Training event on the calendar.
Contact the Safe Church Unit with any enquiries.
Advanced Training Calendar
The 2024 Safe Church Training Calendar is available here.
Advanced TRAINING - PRESBYTERY OF GIPPSLAND
Saturday 24th February 2024
Drouin Presbyterian Church
Corner Church Street & Winters Ave, Drouin
1 pm - 5 pm
Arrive at 12.45pm for training starting at 1 pm sharp
RSVP attendance by 22nd February: Text 0499 090 449 OR Email safechurch@pcv.org.au
Advanced TRAINING - PRESBYTERY OF melbourne east
Saturday 2nd March 2024
Chalmers Presbyterian Church
14 Rathmines Road, Hawthorn
1 pm - 5 pm
Arrive at 12.45pm for training starting at 1 pm sharp
RSVP attendance by 29th February: Text 0499 090 449 OR Email safechurch@pcv.org.au
Advanced TRAINING - PRESBYTERY OF Flinders
Saturday 16th March 2024
Dandenong Presbyterian Church
51 Potter Street, Dandenong
1 pm - 5 pm
Arrive at 12.45pm for training starting at 1 pm sharp
RSVP attendance by 13th March: Text 0499 090 449 OR Email safechurch@pcv.org.au
Advanced TRAINING - PRESBYTERY OF geelong
Saturday 20th April 2024
Geelong West Presbyterian Church
105-107 Pakington Street, Geelong West
1 pm - 5 pm
Arrive at 12.45pm for training starting at 1 pm sharp
RSVP attendance by 17th April: Text 0499 090 449 OR Email safechurch@pcv.org.au
Advanced TRAINING - PRESBYTERY OF western victoria
Saturday 4th May 2024
Ebenezer Presbyterian Church
212 Armstrong Street South, Ballarat
1 pm - 5 pm
Arrive at 12.45pm for training starting at 1 pm sharp
RSVP attendance by 1st May: Text 0499 090 449 OR Email safechurch@pcv.org.au
Advanced TRAINING - PRESBYTERY OF south west victoria
Saturday 1st June 2024
Warrnambool Presbyterian Church
25 Manifold Street, Warrnambool
1 pm - 5 pm
Arrive at 12.45pm for training starting at 1 pm sharp
RSVP attendance by 29th May: Text 0499 090 449 OR Email safechurch@pcv.org.au
Advanced TRAINING - the scots’ church, melbourne
Saturday 15th June 2024
The Scots’ Church
Level 1, Robert White Meeting Rooms
156 Collins Street, Melbourne
1 pm - 5 pm
Arrive at 12.45pm for training starting at 1 pm sharp
RSVP attendance by 12th June: Text 0499 090 449 OR Email safechurch@pcv.org.au
Advanced TRAINING - PRESBYTERY OF maroondah
Saturday 22nd June 2024
Heathmont Presbyterian Church
6 Waterloo Street, Heathmont
1 pm - 5 pm
Arrive at 12.45pm for training starting at 1 pm sharp
RSVP attendance by 19th June: Text 0499 090 449 OR Email safechurch@pcv.org.au
Advanced TRAINING - PRESBYTERY OF melbourne north
Saturday 27th July 2024
Eltham Presbyterian Church
23 Batman Road, Eltham
1 pm - 5 pm
Arrive at 12.45pm for training starting at 1 pm sharp
RSVP attendance by 24th July: Text 0499 090 449 OR Email safechurch@pcv.org.au
Advanced TRAINING - PRESBYTERY OF north east victoria
Saturday 3rd August 2024
Shepparton Presbyterian Church
170 Hayes Street, Shepparton
1 pm - 5 pm
Arrive at 12.45pm for training starting at 1 pm sharp
RSVP attendance by 31st July: Text 0499 090 449 OR Email safechurch@pcv.org.au
Advanced TRAINING - PRESBYTERY OF melbourne west
Saturday 17th August 2024
Darebin Presbyterian Church
15 Rossmoyne Street, Thornbury
1 pm - 5 pm
Arrive at 12.45pm for training starting at 1 pm sharp
RSVP attendance by 15th August: Text 0499 090 449 OR Email safechurch@pcv.org.au
Advanced TRAINING - PRESBYTERY OF north west victoria
Saturday 7th September 2024
Eaglehawk Presbyterian Church
75A Victoria St, Eaglehawk
1 pm - 5 pm
Arrive at 12.45pm for training starting at 1 pm sharp
RSVP attendance by 5th September: Text 0499 090 449 OR Email safechurch@pcv.org.au
Advanced TRAINING - bundoora presbyterian church
Saturday 9th November 2024
Bundoora Presbyterian Church
19 Enterprise Drive, Bundoora
9 am - 1 pm
Arrive at 8.45am for training starting at 9 am sharp
RSVP attendance by 6th November: Text 0499 090 449 OR Email safechurch@pcv.org.au
Advanced TRAINING - the scots’ church, melbourne
Saturday 30th November 2024
The Scots’ Church
Level 1, Robert White Meeting Rooms
156 Collins Street, Melbourne
1 pm - 5 pm
Arrive at 12.45pm for training starting at 1 pm sharp
RSVP attendance by 27th November: Text 0499 090 449 OR Email safechurch@pcv.org.au