For general Safe Church information, or if you have any questions or concerns, please read the policies page or make use of the contact form. This page contains specific information relevant to METRO applicants (trainees and trainers) and trainee parents/guardians.
It is expected that all applicants will be familiar with the policies and the procedures of the PCV's Safe Church Unit (SCU). Direct links to certain resources as of the time of writing are provided on this page, however, to retrieve an up-to-date version of any policy or form, please go to the SCU's website.
All Applicants
Application Approval Requirements
- The applicant must hold a current Working With Children Check (WWCC).
- The applicant must have completed the Volunteer Approval Process (VAP). This is the official screening process that everyone 18 years and over who volunteers/works with children within the PCV must complete and have approved before they can begin their role. This involves character references and proof of identification.
- Read and be familiar with the Safe Church Policy, Procedure and Practice manual.
To complete the VAP, submit the completed Initial Registration with the SCU and Children's Ministry Role Description for VAP forms to your local Safe Church Representative.
If you are unsure of a previously approved VAP, use the contact form on this site or talk to your local Safe Church Rep.
Basic Training
It is required that all applicants have already completed or will complete Safe Church Basic Training within a year of completing their VAP. This is recommended at the earliest opportunity.
Trainees under 18 Years
By legal definition, trainees 17 years and younger are themselves "children." As such:
- The trainee must not be left alone in the company of an adult (e.g. their trainer) unless in a public place (i.e. where other observers are present).
- Communication with the trainee should go through their parents/guardians (e.g. CC-ing the parents/guardians in an email or creating a group chat including the parents/guardians).
- The trainee must not be left the sole minder of other children.
Due to their leadership position within the church, trainees under the age of 18 are also required to complete a VAP (see above) and attend Safe Church Basic Training (with parental permission).
In order to complete the VAP, holding a current and valid Working With Children Check (WWCC) is mandatory for all trainees. As an organisation, METRO is able to require trainees under the age of 18 to apply for a WWCC in line with METRO's Safe Church requirements. This comes at no cost, as trainees can apply for a free volunteer card.