Code of Conduct

1. OVERVIEW

This code provides the framework for a vibrant and safe culture within the Church. It outlines a set of attitudes and behaviours that individuals agree to pursue as part of being a leader, volunteer, or member of the Church. As the code is quite open, those under the code will be expected to comply with it in a way that is proportional to the level of responsibility that they hold, i.e. leaders will be held to a higher standard than volunteers.

2. Definitions

Care – A duty of care that you hold towards others by virtue of your position in the Church.

The Church – Dianella Church of Christ Inc.

The Vulnerable – Vulnerable and marginalised people, especially children, the elderly, and those experiencing disability.

3. SCOPE

This code applies to leaders, volunteers, and members of the Church.

4. CODE OF CONDUCT

COMMITED

I will be committed to growing in my relationship with God.

  • Seeking God regularly through prayer, scripture, and Christian community.
  • Serving God diligently: loving my ‘neighbour’, ‘one another’, and even my enemies.

COACHED

I will be accountable to and supported by people within the Church.

  • Honouring commitments to internal reporting and supervision.
  • Actively seeking accountability and support from those who I am responsible to (e.g., Ministry Leader, Senior Minister, Church Board).

CONNECTED

I will be accountable to and supported by people outside the Church.

  • Actively seeking accountability and support from people outside of the Church community (e.g., Family, Friends, Community of Practice, Professional Supervisor, COCWA).
  • Exercising appropriate vulnerability and transparency in confidentiality with Appropriate and Trusted Figures.

CULTIVATOR

I will be mindful of how my actions and attitudes shape the culture of the Church and attitudes towards the Church.

  • Considering how my actions might appear to or impact those inside and outside the Church.
  • Endeavouring to serve and lead impartially, without favouring or marginalising others.
  • Fostering a culture of appropriate transparency, rather than secrecy or blame-shifting.
    (e.g. declaring conflicts of interest, owning up to mistakes or poor decisions.)

CO-OPERATOR

I will be a team player.

  • Offering help to others, especially when I have spare capacity.
  • Seeking help when I am finding things hard or struggling to make a deadline.
  • Earnestly following through with commitments in a timely fashion, and giving notice if I am unable to do so.

CONNECTOR

I will empower the Vulnerable by connecting them with people and resources.

  • Helping the Vulnerable to make and maintain healthy connections with those inside and outside of the Church.
  • Connecting the Vulnerable to resources, including knowledge of their rights and responsibilities, and how to report concerns.

CAREFUL

I will be careful not to exploit or abuse those in my Care.

  • Being mindful of the way that positional power impacts how people in my Care relate to me.
  • Ensuring that my interactions with them take place in a context that allows for transparency and accountability (e.g., in a public or group setting).
  • Ensuring that any physical contact with them is of a non-intimate nature and appropriate to the particular relationship (e.g., handshake, high five, pat on the shoulder, open hug).
  • Being aware of my responsibilities regarding privacy, confidentiality, and the reporting of disclosures and other concerns.

COURAGEOUS

I won’t avoid healthy conflict.

  • Standing up for the Vulnerable and marginalised.
  • Calling out breaches of church policies, procedures, and codes.
  • Seeking to be fair and kind, and growing in my capacity for healthy conflict.

Effective since: December 15 2021

Last edited: February 15 2024