Step 3

Code of Conduct

For SMG Pastoral Care Workers providing Chaplaincy Services in Government Schools
This Code of Conduct is applicable both professionally and personally

Introduction
This Code of Conduct for Pastoral Care Workers (formerly Christian Pastoral Support Workers or Chaplains) has been developed by Schools Ministry Group Incorporated (SMG) in consultation with the Department for Education.

The Code of Conduct should be read in conjunction with these documents:
  • Department for Education Policy for Religious Activities in government schools (as amended and updated from time to time)
  • The Pastoral Care Worker’s Job and Person Specification.

Compliance with the Code of Conduct is a condition of employment by SMG in the provision of chaplaincy services as a Pastoral Care Worker to government schools.

Pastoral Care Workers are endorsed by and work on behalf of the combined Christian community in South Australia. Therefore, they are to uphold the principles of the Christian faith and are expected to adhere to a high level of ethical and moral conduct.

The following items constitute the Code of Conduct

1.Pastoral Care Workers must model lawful and ethical conduct, and Christian morals and values.

Pastoral Care Workers are reminded that it is unlawful to:


1.1 Perpetrate verbal, emotional, physical or sexual harassment or abuse
(Ref: Equal Opportunity Act 1984*)

1.2 Become involved in a sexual relationship with a student under the age of consent
(Ref: Criminal Law Consolidation Act 1935*)

1.3 Not comply with Mandatory Notification requirement:
(Ref: Children’s Protection Act 1993*)

1.4 Use an illegal substance or supply legal substances illegally
(Ref: Controlled Substances Act 1984*)

1.5 Discriminate against any person on the basis of sex, sexuality, marital status, race, age, pregnancy or disability
(Ref: Equal Opportunity Act 1984 & Disability Discrimination Act 1992*)

1.6 Contravene occupational health, safety and welfare requirements.
(Ref: Work Health and Safety Act 2012*)
*For more information or to view these Acts visit http://www.legislation.sa.gov.au/browseActs.aspx and search for the specific Act by name (as italicised above) in the A-Z Index.

It is unacceptable for a Pastoral Care Worker to:

1.7 Initiate or become involved in relationships of a sexual or inappropriate nature with any persons to whom they are not legally married. This includes a relationship with a student, which includes cohabitation or any behaviour of a sexual nature.

1.8
Be under the influence of drugs, alcohol or any substance in the workplace, which may impair their judgement or could adversely affect their personal work performance or the safety and wellbeing of others.

1.9
Consume with, or supply to students alcohol, tobacco or any non-prescription drugs.

1.10 Have students frequent or reside with them without the approval of the School Principal and Schools MinistryGroup.

1.11 Buy goods from students or sell goods on students’ behalf unless it is for a legitimate fundraising endeavour.

2.Respect and be inclusive of the diversity of community cultures and faiths.

This includes:
2.1 Refraining from using their role to proselytise i.e. to push the beliefs or practices of any one denomination or group. In a voluntary setting, it may be appropriate to provide an opportunity for students to clarify and respond to the Christian faith.

2.2
Explaining carefully, when asked their view on an issue, that this view may differ from that of other Christians, and other groups.

2.3 Avoiding theological terminology and any language that assumes that those they speak with share their Christian beliefs.

2.4
Seeking, when approached by a student who wishes to attend a local church or associated youth group, to ascertain the particular needs of the student, whether there is any family history of church attendance. Where there is no history of church involvement / attendance, any advice must be from an ecumenical perspective, that is, outlining the range of different church options available. It is therefore required that the Pastoral Care Worker has an understanding of and relationship with local churches.

2.5 Checking that the advertising of any event is cleared with the Principal and local inter- church group. Any advertising should be honest about the nature of the event or activity, for example if the event is primarily a worship event then it should not be advertised as a concert, or even if the event comprises a number of different aspects then this needs to be made clear.

3.Comply with school and Department for Education policies.

https://www.education.sa.gov.au/schools-and-educators/national-student-wellbeing-program/about-the-program

This includes:
3.1 Understanding and complying with departmental policy regarding religious education and contentious issues.

3.2 Respecting and supporting the role of the teacher in relation to the learning program of the students and overall duty of care.

3.3
Being familiar, and complying, with all school policies, including standards of behaviour, dress and language.

3.4 Being familiar with, and upholding the terms of, the Charter of Rights for Children and Young People in Care.

3.5 Understanding and supporting departmental policy regarding privacy, confidentiality, referral and teachers’ duty of care.

This means that Pastoral Care Workers must:
  • Explain to students, and enact, their obligation to report to a teacher information about a student’s safety or wellbeing which the teacher would need to ensure their duty of care is fulfilled and appropriate care provided to a student
  • Inform teaching staff whenever a student indicates, or the Pastoral Care Worker assesses, he or she might need help for themselves or someone else in relation to their learning and/or wellbeing
  • Inform the principal or delegate of any issue relating to duty of care for a student.

3.6 Ensuring any activity they organise during school time and of significance in terms of social and emotional health and wellbeing is conducted in line with Department for Education policy.

3.7 Maintaining records as required by the principal and Department for Education policy.

3.8 Being trained in and enacting mandatory notification requirements.

4.Ensure that their public statements are positive and respectful of the school 
community, Department for Education and its Minister, the Christian community, Schools Ministry Group, and the Chaplaincy Service. Their public statement must also not reveal any confidential issues in regard to these groups.

This includes:
4.1 Consulting with and taking direction from the school principal before making any media statement on matters related to the school or education in general. If it is a state-wide or Adelaide-wide media outlet or in relation to the state wide Chaplaincy Service the Pastoral Care Worker should also consult with their SMG Regional Manager or the Chief Executive Officer.

Please Note: By clicking through to Step 4 you acknowledge that you have read, understood & will comply with the smg code of conduct throughout your employment.