The Conduct Protocol Unit supports the Presbyterian Church to deal with & prevent abuse within the church.
We are here to help – just get in touch.
The Conduct Protocol Unit is equipped to offer churches and ministry organisations with advice and guidance relating to safe ministry within PCNSW, abuse matters and difficult situations that may arise due to abuse.
We can provide advice on risk management, safe recruitment processes, relevant disciplinary matters, camping arrangements, pastoral care boundaries and more.
When a person needs to contact the CPU about a concern, they are often dealing with a situation that is confusing or distressing.
The Conduct Protocol Unit Chaplain, Karen McMillan, is available to listen, and provide pastoral and spiritual support with acceptance and confidentiality. Karen can also refer people to the counselling service if needed.
The CPU Chaplain’s services are available in relation to CPU matters only. Please contact our office number on 02 9690 9325 for more information.
The CPU can provide access to a counselling referral service if appropriate. This service works with a number of experienced Christian counsellors with professional expertise. Contact us on 02 9690 9325 to discuss this option.
You can also find out more about the Counselling Service on the Jericho Road website.
Breaking the Silence: Foundations Training covers the essential areas of safe ministry for all those in a position of authority and everyone working with children and young people need to be competent in as part of our commitment to ensuring that our church communities, ministries and activities are safe places for all.
Breaking the Silence: Foundations Training must be completed every three years by anyone in a position of authority within the church and working with children and young people in their position. In addition, those working with children and young people must complete the Read and Review training in the years in between.
Find out more on the Training page.
The CPU is always happy to assist churches in the implementation of Breaking the Silence. We can provide specific advice over the phone or email, and can provide you with helpful resources to ensure you are effectively putting Breaking the Silence in place.
For more information, contact the team at cpu-auditing@pcnsw.org.au or on 02 9690 9325.
The BTS Audit process seeks to help churches implement Breaking the Silence in their local context. Read more on the Auditing page.
The CPU serves the Presbyterian Church of Australia in NSW, ACT, WA and Tasmania in:
Breaking the Silence deals specifically with the issue of abuse of children, young people and other vulnerable people, and the abuse of authority by those in a position of authority within the church. It does not deal with any other form of grievance or personal injury claim.
Breaking the Silence is provided on the terms and understanding that the writer and the church is not responsible for the results of any action taken on the basis of information in this publication, nor for any error in, or omission from, this publication. The author, the publisher, its employees or any other persons involved in the preparation of Breaking the Silence expressly disclaim all and any liability and responsibility to any person, in respect of anything, and of the consequences of anything, done or omitted to be done, by any such person in reliance, whether wholly or partially, upon the whole or any part of this publication. Where a specific issue / incident arises, expert professional advice should always be sought.
The information and advice is made available in good faith, reflects current knowledge, literature, legislation, regulations and standards and is derived from sources believed to be accurate at the time of publication. Breaking the Silence should be read in conjunction with relevant legislation and is not a substitute for it. The content will require updating in line with amendments or additions, which may supersede those cited, later in time, after the publication of this document.
CONFIDENTIALITY
Your contact with the CPU will be confidential, except in the following circumstances:
Other than the situations above, the CPU may ask your permission to share information with other parties in addressing an issue or situation.