Brunswick Uniting Church is committed to creating and sustaining a culture of safety in our gatherings and activities for all people of all backgrounds. This will involve how people speak to and behave with each other, how decisions are made, and how feedback is given and received. People will be welcomed to participate, share their views and express feedback, in the context of giving all others the same opportunities. Discrimination based on race, physical appearance, first language, disability, gender, sexuality, family background or economic situation will not be tolerated.

Children and young people will be especially valued, protected and nurtured at Brunswick Uniting Church, in cooperation with their parents or guardians. We make every effort to provide an environment of safety and support. Our children’s and young people’s activities will be deemed inclusive according to normal age-group divisions. We encourage an environment and culture that allows children to feel free to report any safety concern, discomfort or inappropriate behaviour that they may be experiencing.

All key leaders and those who lead and assist in children’s and youth activities possess a Working With Children Check. We have clear expectations for appropriate behaviour with children, documented in a Code of Conduct. BUC fully supports and adheres to the Uniting Church Keeping Children Safe Policy. We have guidelines on how to promote care, safety and protection for children and young people and clear directions on how to respond to a situation of suspected or actual child abuse. We regularly review our policies and procedures, to keep them consistent with the Synod-wide policies and procedures included in the dedicated Keeping Children Safe website.

On Sunday 11th March, 2018, Lent 4, following the recently released final report of the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses into Child Sexual Abuse, we expressed our deep concern for the victims of sexual abuse with a Time of Lament, Confession and Commitment.