General information – Safe Ministry Training
Safe Ministry training is part of the Diocesan Safe Ministry to Children Ordinance 2020.
It requires that all clergy and church workers (paid or volunteers) undertaking ministry to children and youth, complete Safe Ministry training every three years. This training is also beneficial for those involved in ministry to other vulnerable people.
The Courses
Effective Safe Ministry begins with excellent training, and we have three courses that are designed to equip all people working with children and other vulnerable people with the knowledge and understanding to do so in a manner that builds a culture of safe ministry.
Essentials
The Anglican Diocese of Sydney’s Safe Ministry To Children Ordinance 2020 requires that all clergy and church workers (paid or volunteers) undertaking ministry to children and youth, complete the Safe Ministry Essentials course prior to commencing in their role. This course is also relevant for those working in ministry to other vulnerable people.
Course contents include:
- Identifying and appointing appropriate leaders for Christian ministry
- Safe practices to protect vulnerable people
- Recognising and reporting abuse
- Providing a safe environment
Please note: due to the presentation of information on grooming and sexual abuse it is advised that this course may not be suitable for helpers who are under 18 years of age (see Safe Ministry for Junior Leaders course).
Refresher
After first completing Safe Ministry Essentials training, the Anglican Diocese of Sydney’s Safe Ministry To Children Ordinance 2020 requires that all all clergy and church workers (paid or volunteers) undertaking ministry to children and youth, maintain their training by completing the Safe Ministry Refresher course every three years.
If someone fails to complete a Refresher course within 30 days of their three year expiry, they must do Essentials again in order to maintain currency.
This course is also relevant for those working in ministry to other vulnerable people who wish to maintain their accreditation.
Junior Leaders
This training module educates Junior Leaders (those under 18yrs of age) on what it means to lead and protect children and vulnerable people in a ministry setting.
Junior Leaders generally fulfil a helper role and should be supervised at all times by an experienced leader.
Since the introduction of the Safe Ministry To Children Ordinance 2020, the Safe Ministry for Junior Leaders course is mandatory for leaders aged between 13 & 17 years – unless 16-17 year olds opt to do Essentials (with parental and church leadership approval).
Note: when a Junior Leader turns 18yrs of age they must complete Safe Ministry Essentials (if not previously completed). It is not appropriate for any leader to complete Safe Ministry Refresher without first having completed Safe Ministry Essentials.
Please Note
Safe Ministry training can contain content that may cause distress. It includes discussion of topics such as child abuse, family and domestic violence, abuse of power and bullying.
Please contact the Safe Ministry Team (PSU) if this training may cause concern.
Do you struggle with the online world?
We recognise that not everyone is comfortable with the online world.
That is why we strongly encourage every church to appoint an Online Assistant – someone willing to sit with and assist people in their church who are not as comfortable with websites and online processes.
If that describes you, please enquire who your church Online Assistant is. Ask your Safe Ministry Representative or your Senior Minister.
Having assistance of this kind can make the world of difference to you successfully completing your Safe Ministry Training.
Getting Started in Safe Ministry Training
Create a Safe Ministry Training Account
Before you can enrol in a course (either online or face to face) you will need to create a Safe Ministry Training Account. You will only need to do this once, and the account will retain information on your Safe Ministry Training over time.
If you don’t have an account, click the button below to create one:
Log in
To do many things on this web site, you need to log in. The log in page is always accessible from the main menu at the top of every page. When you are logged in, you will be able to:
Pay for/enrol in courses.
View your ‘My Course Dashboard’ page (look for ‘Dashboards’ in the main menu) where you will be able to see the courses you are enrolled in, expiry dates of your enrolment, certificates you have earned and other useful information.
Access the courses you are enrolled in.
Click the button to log in now:
Finishing your course
Essentials and Refresher Online:
A key part of these courses is the webinar (a seminar held online). Once you have registered and attended a webinar, you will have one final Topic to complete which will then release your certificate. Your certificate details will then be accessible for the next three years from your ‘My Course Dashboard’ page.
Face to face courses:
As soon as your attendance at the face to face training events and your signed Safe Ministry Pledge is confirmed, your certificate will be emailed to you at the address you used to when your created your Safe Ministry Training account. Your certificate details will also be accessible for the next three years from your ‘My Course Dashboard’ page.
