The Professional Standards Commission which was established by Canon 6 of 2004.
The Commission is to:
Child Protection
The Anglican Church has released the report of a major research project commissioned to help strengthen its child protection protocols The study was prepared by leading child sexual abuse experts, Emeritus Professor Kim Oates AM of the Medical Faculty of the University of Sydney and Professor Patrick Parkinson of the University of Sydney Faculty of Law.
Download Study of Reported Child Sexual Abuse in the Anglican Church May 2009 Full Report.pdf
Model Professional Standards Ordinance
The 13th General Synod in October 2004 encouraged dioceses to pass the model Professional Standards Ordinance along with any amendments suggested by the Standing Committee of General Synod from time to time (Resolution 55/04).
The model Ordinance provides for the adoption of a code of conduct, a series of protocols and an institutional structure for the handling of complaints relating to sexual misconduct for clergy and church workers. This includes the formation and function of a Professional Standards Committee, Director of Professional Standards and the Professional Standards Board.
The model Ordinance and all subsequent amendments approved by the Standing Committee may be downloaded below. Earlier versions of the model Ordinance and all amendments from January 2004 to May 2007 are available from the General Synod Office.
Model Professional Standards Ordinance (6) with amendments February 2008
Amendments (6) February 2008
National Register
The National Register Canon was first adopted by General Synod in 2004. As development proceeded, implementation of the canon proved challenging and an extensive revision was proposed and agreed by the General Synod in 2007.
The National Register is an essential part of the Church's response to the prevention of child and adult sexual abuse. It provides for a national, transparent and accountable process to ensure appropriate checks are made before all ordinations, licences or appointments are made.
The Register contains only information pertaining to complaints or findings of abuse. Details about the operation of the Register may be found in Canon 15, National Register Canon 2007. Operational instructions for handling of information on the register (input, inquiries, access and disclosure) are provided for in a series of protocols which may be found below.
National Register Canon 2007 Canon 15, 2007 Amended by Canon 13, 2010 Full description of the Register and informatioin it contains
National Register Protocol 1 (Revised Feb 2009) Inclusion of information on Register Operational guidelines
National Register Protocol 2 Access to and disclosure of information on Register Operational guidelines
National Register Protocol 3 Ascertaining information on Register Operational guidelines
National Register Protocol 4 Amending information on Register Operational guidelines
Faithfulness in Service
Faithfulness in Serviceis the national Anglican code for personal behaviour and the practice of pastoral ministry by clergy and pastoral workers. It was approved by the General Synod in October 2004. Since then, it has been revised periodically by the General Synod Standing Committee. The most recent edition (6th edition) was approved in November 2011.
Faithfulness in Service and Copyright
Please note that Faithfulness in Service is protected by provisions of the Copyright Act 1968.
1. The Anglican Church of Australia Trust Corporation owns the copyright in Faithfulness in Service.
2. Members of the Anglican Church of Australia are permitted to reproduce the document provided that copyright is acknowledged.
3. The Anglican Church of Australia permits the reproduction of Faithfulness in Servicein whole or in part by any other party on the conditions set out in paragraphs 4 and 5 below.
4. The Anglican Church of Australia does not and is not to be taken to endorse the use of any part or the whole of Faithfulness in Service by any other party for any purpose and disclaims responsibility and liability of any kind in respect of such use.
5. If any part or the whole of the text of Faithfulness in Serviceis used by any other party for any purpose, then such party, by such use:
i. releases the Anglican Church of Australia from and
ii. indemnifies the Anglican Church of Australia for all liability loss and expense arising from such use.
All enquiries must be made in writing to:
The General Secretary
General Synod Office
The Anglican Church of Australia
Suite 2, Level 9
51 Druitt Street
SYDNEY NSW 2000
The current and some past versions of Faithfulness in Service and amendments are listed below and may be downloaded:
Faithfulness in Service (6) 6th Edition (Full Text), November 2011
Amendment to FIS 5 made November 2011
Faithfulness in Service (5) 5th Edition (Full Text), April 2011
Amendment to FIS 4 made October 2006
Faithfulness in Service (4) 4th Edition (Full Text), October 2006
Faithfulness in Service Discussion Guide May 2006
Faithfulness in Service Feedback Sheet May 2006
Model System for Lay Parish Church Workers
The Professional Standards Commission has also developed a model system for the selection and accreditation for lay parish church workers. This model was approved by the General Synod Standing Committee in October 2006. A variety of resource materials for dioceses may be downloaded below.
Model System for Selection and Accreditation of Lay Parish Workers Overview Document October 2006
Sample List of Lay Ministry Positions Appendix A October 2006
Sample Ministry Position Template Appendix B October 2006
Safe Ministry Check - Applicant Appendix C October 2004
Safe Ministry Check - Referee Appendix D October 2004
Safe Ministry Check - Volunteers Appendix E July 2005
Sample Questions Referee Check Appendix F October 2006
Screening Checklist Appendix G October 2006
Pastoral Supervision of Abusers
The General Synod in October 2004 referred to the Professional Standards Commission by Resolution 34/04(c)(ix) and (x):
Furthermore, the General Synod recommended [Resolution 35/04(m)] that each diocese adopts a system of pastoral support and pastoral supervision of known abusers of children or other vulnerable people within a parish or church organisation that includes:
Consequently, in December 2006 the Commission released the resource entitled Model Guidelines for the Pastoral Supervision and Support of Known and Suspected Sexual Abusers in Parishes for national use. As well as providing information about sexual abuse and some of the attendant theological issues, this resource addresses the pastoral supervision and support of known and suspected sexual abusers. It also includes a template of a Memorandum of Understanding between the abuser, the parish and the diocese.
Model Guidelines for Pastoral Supervision and Support Overview document December 2006
Parish Memorandum of Understanding Model agreement for supervision and support December 2006
The General Synod Standing Committee resolved on 16-18 October 2009 to recommend Revised Guidelines for Parish Safety where there is a risk of Sexual Abuse by a Person of concern, which guidelines have been prepared by the Professional Standards Commission.
Revised Guidelines for Parish Safety where there is a risk of Sexual Abuse by a Person of concern October 2009
Pastoral Care and Assistance Principles
The Standing Committee by Resolution 2009/3/037 resolved:
To recommend the attached document containing principles for a system of pastoral care and assistance for those who have been sexually abused as a resource for dioceses.
Pastoral Care and Assistance Principles
Private Confession
The Australian Bishops released a set of pastoral guidelines for private confession with special reference to child sexual abuse in April 2006 called Private Confession, Pastoral Guidelines (April 2006).Amendments were approved by the Standing Committee in March 2011.
Private Confession Pastoral Guidelines with Special Reference to Child Sexual Abuse March 2011
Private Confession Report Report by the Clergy Discipline Working Group March 2001
National Benchmark for Safe Ministry Training
These benchmarks are a development of the standards for safe ministry training agreed and developed by the National Council of Churches in Australia Safe Church Training Agreement during 2006 and 2007.
These benchmarks are designed to:
· Set a high and consistent standard in safe ministry training across the Anglican Church of Australia and
· Facilitate mutual recognition of training between Dioceses.
Safe Ministry Training Benchmarks approved by the General Synod Standing Committee, November 2011 (SC\2\32)
The Path to Safer Ministry - A "Roadmap" of National Professional Standards Resources
This “roadmap” is a guide to the use of the various resources to assist safe ministry propogated by the Professional Standards Commission over recent years. These resources are organised into two groups, one for prevention of lapses in safe ministry and the other for responses to lapses should they occur.
The Path to Safer Ministry - A "Roadmap" of National Professional Standards Resources
Form For Recording Child Sexual Abuse Information
The Standing Committee by Resolution 2009/3/037 noted and resolved:
The Commission is to:
- examine questions of professional standards, safe ministry practices and training, care and support for ordained and authorised lay ministry, referred to it by the Primate, the Standing Committee or the General Synod, and to report thereon to the referring party and the Standing Committee; and
- make recommendations to the Standing Committee on matters relating to professional standards, safe ministry practices and training and care and support for ordained and authorised lay ministry.
Child Protection
The Anglican Church has released the report of a major research project commissioned to help strengthen its child protection protocols The study was prepared by leading child sexual abuse experts, Emeritus Professor Kim Oates AM of the Medical Faculty of the University of Sydney and Professor Patrick Parkinson of the University of Sydney Faculty of Law.
Download Study of Reported Child Sexual Abuse in the Anglican Church May 2009 Full Report.pdf
Model Professional Standards Ordinance
The 13th General Synod in October 2004 encouraged dioceses to pass the model Professional Standards Ordinance along with any amendments suggested by the Standing Committee of General Synod from time to time (Resolution 55/04).
The model Ordinance provides for the adoption of a code of conduct, a series of protocols and an institutional structure for the handling of complaints relating to sexual misconduct for clergy and church workers. This includes the formation and function of a Professional Standards Committee, Director of Professional Standards and the Professional Standards Board.
The model Ordinance and all subsequent amendments approved by the Standing Committee may be downloaded below. Earlier versions of the model Ordinance and all amendments from January 2004 to May 2007 are available from the General Synod Office.
Model Professional Standards Ordinance (6) with amendments February 2008
Amendments (6) February 2008
National Register
The National Register Canon was first adopted by General Synod in 2004. As development proceeded, implementation of the canon proved challenging and an extensive revision was proposed and agreed by the General Synod in 2007.
The National Register is an essential part of the Church's response to the prevention of child and adult sexual abuse. It provides for a national, transparent and accountable process to ensure appropriate checks are made before all ordinations, licences or appointments are made.
The Register contains only information pertaining to complaints or findings of abuse. Details about the operation of the Register may be found in Canon 15, National Register Canon 2007. Operational instructions for handling of information on the register (input, inquiries, access and disclosure) are provided for in a series of protocols which may be found below.
National Register Canon 2007 Canon 15, 2007 Amended by Canon 13, 2010 Full description of the Register and informatioin it contains
National Register Protocol 1 (Revised Feb 2009) Inclusion of information on Register Operational guidelines
National Register Protocol 2 Access to and disclosure of information on Register Operational guidelines
National Register Protocol 3 Ascertaining information on Register Operational guidelines
National Register Protocol 4 Amending information on Register Operational guidelines
Faithfulness in Service
Faithfulness in Serviceis the national Anglican code for personal behaviour and the practice of pastoral ministry by clergy and pastoral workers. It was approved by the General Synod in October 2004. Since then, it has been revised periodically by the General Synod Standing Committee. The most recent edition (6th edition) was approved in November 2011.
Faithfulness in Service and Copyright
Please note that Faithfulness in Service is protected by provisions of the Copyright Act 1968.
1. The Anglican Church of Australia Trust Corporation owns the copyright in Faithfulness in Service.
2. Members of the Anglican Church of Australia are permitted to reproduce the document provided that copyright is acknowledged.
3. The Anglican Church of Australia permits the reproduction of Faithfulness in Servicein whole or in part by any other party on the conditions set out in paragraphs 4 and 5 below.
4. The Anglican Church of Australia does not and is not to be taken to endorse the use of any part or the whole of Faithfulness in Service by any other party for any purpose and disclaims responsibility and liability of any kind in respect of such use.
5. If any part or the whole of the text of Faithfulness in Serviceis used by any other party for any purpose, then such party, by such use:
i. releases the Anglican Church of Australia from and
ii. indemnifies the Anglican Church of Australia for all liability loss and expense arising from such use.
All enquiries must be made in writing to:
The General Secretary
General Synod Office
The Anglican Church of Australia
Suite 2, Level 9
51 Druitt Street
SYDNEY NSW 2000
The current and some past versions of Faithfulness in Service and amendments are listed below and may be downloaded:
Faithfulness in Service (6) 6th Edition (Full Text), November 2011
Amendment to FIS 5 made November 2011
Faithfulness in Service (5) 5th Edition (Full Text), April 2011
Amendment to FIS 4 made October 2006
Faithfulness in Service (4) 4th Edition (Full Text), October 2006
Faithfulness in Service Discussion Guide May 2006
Faithfulness in Service Feedback Sheet May 2006
Model System for Lay Parish Church Workers
The Professional Standards Commission has also developed a model system for the selection and accreditation for lay parish church workers. This model was approved by the General Synod Standing Committee in October 2006. A variety of resource materials for dioceses may be downloaded below.
Model System for Selection and Accreditation of Lay Parish Workers Overview Document October 2006
Sample List of Lay Ministry Positions Appendix A October 2006
Sample Ministry Position Template Appendix B October 2006
Safe Ministry Check - Applicant Appendix C October 2004
Safe Ministry Check - Referee Appendix D October 2004
Safe Ministry Check - Volunteers Appendix E July 2005
Sample Questions Referee Check Appendix F October 2006
Screening Checklist Appendix G October 2006
Pastoral Supervision of Abusers
The General Synod in October 2004 referred to the Professional Standards Commission by Resolution 34/04(c)(ix) and (x):
- the preparation of a model agreement between a known abuser of children or other vulnerable people and church leaders for the involvement of the abuser in the parish or church organisation; and
- model guidelines and resources for the training, functioning and support of accountability and support groups for known abusers within a parish or church organisation.
Furthermore, the General Synod recommended [Resolution 35/04(m)] that each diocese adopts a system of pastoral support and pastoral supervision of known abusers of children or other vulnerable people within a parish or church organisation that includes:
- the entry into an agreement between the abuser and church leaders for the involvement of the abuser in the parish or church organisation; and
- the establishment of an accountability and support group for the abuser.
Consequently, in December 2006 the Commission released the resource entitled Model Guidelines for the Pastoral Supervision and Support of Known and Suspected Sexual Abusers in Parishes for national use. As well as providing information about sexual abuse and some of the attendant theological issues, this resource addresses the pastoral supervision and support of known and suspected sexual abusers. It also includes a template of a Memorandum of Understanding between the abuser, the parish and the diocese.
Model Guidelines for Pastoral Supervision and Support Overview document December 2006
Parish Memorandum of Understanding Model agreement for supervision and support December 2006
The General Synod Standing Committee resolved on 16-18 October 2009 to recommend Revised Guidelines for Parish Safety where there is a risk of Sexual Abuse by a Person of concern, which guidelines have been prepared by the Professional Standards Commission.
Revised Guidelines for Parish Safety where there is a risk of Sexual Abuse by a Person of concern October 2009
Pastoral Care and Assistance Principles
The Standing Committee by Resolution 2009/3/037 resolved:
To recommend the attached document containing principles for a system of pastoral care and assistance for those who have been sexually abused as a resource for dioceses.
Pastoral Care and Assistance Principles
Private Confession
The Australian Bishops released a set of pastoral guidelines for private confession with special reference to child sexual abuse in April 2006 called Private Confession, Pastoral Guidelines (April 2006).Amendments were approved by the Standing Committee in March 2011.
Private Confession Pastoral Guidelines with Special Reference to Child Sexual Abuse March 2011
Private Confession Report Report by the Clergy Discipline Working Group March 2001
National Benchmark for Safe Ministry Training
These benchmarks are a development of the standards for safe ministry training agreed and developed by the National Council of Churches in Australia Safe Church Training Agreement during 2006 and 2007.
These benchmarks are designed to:
· Set a high and consistent standard in safe ministry training across the Anglican Church of Australia and
· Facilitate mutual recognition of training between Dioceses.
Safe Ministry Training Benchmarks approved by the General Synod Standing Committee, November 2011 (SC\2\32)
The Path to Safer Ministry - A "Roadmap" of National Professional Standards Resources
This “roadmap” is a guide to the use of the various resources to assist safe ministry propogated by the Professional Standards Commission over recent years. These resources are organised into two groups, one for prevention of lapses in safe ministry and the other for responses to lapses should they occur.
The Path to Safer Ministry - A "Roadmap" of National Professional Standards Resources
Form For Recording Child Sexual Abuse Information
The Standing Committee by Resolution 2009/3/037 noted and resolved:
- That the Professional Standards Directors' Network has approved and agreed to use the attached form for recording child sexual abuse information.