Important New Policies for Presbyteries and Congregations
The Synod Board have recently approved some key policies that apply across the Synod, including within presbyteries and congregations. This includes a Code of Conduct and Complaints Policy.
The Synod Board have recently approved some key policies that apply across the Synod, including within presbyteries and congregations. This includes a Code of Conduct and Complaints Policy. Please take the time to familiarise yourself with these policies. They can also be found on the Culture of Safety webpage.
The Complaints Policy introduces a consistent approach to all complaints, so that we can address complaints and concerns with demonstrated fairness and transparency. Any complaint must be sent to a Synod General Manager, who will triage it for appropriate action. You can use the complaints@nswact.uca.org.au email to forward complaints that you may receive, you may also provide this email to anyone considering a complaint. Of course, if anyone is in immediate danger you should always contact police first.
In addition to the dedicated complaints email, we have the SpeakOut service that can be accessed online, by phone or by mail. The SpeakOut service allows people to raise issues anonymously if they prefer. However, we want to take a ‘no wrong door’ approach, so if someone wishes to express a concern or make a complaint please feel free to receive that information and pass it on to a General Manager.
As you will see in the Complaints Policy, the General Manager is the first step in a process that ensures that all relevant reports are made, all legal responsibilities are met and all complaints are taken seriously.
If you have any further questions, please contact Katie Watson, Head of Culture and Safety - CultureofSafety@nswact.uca.org.au.