PCV Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy 2023-2027
By Presbyterian Church of Vanuatu
The official Presbyterian Church of Vanuatu Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy 2023-2027, setting out the Church’s commitments, responsibilities, reporting processes, code of conduct, safeguarding procedures, incident reporting requirements and child protection risk management measures.
About this resource
The PCV Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy 2023-2027 establishes the Presbyterian Church of Vanuatu’s framework for protecting children and vulnerable people from sexual harassment, exploitation, abuse, neglect and other forms of harm. The policy applies across the Courts of the Church and PCV ministries, including the Assembly, Presbyteries, Sessions, congregations, Evangelism, Men’s Fellowship, Presbyterian Women Missionary Union, Youth Fellowship, Sunday Schools, Pikinini Plei Grup, PCV schools, mission schools, health activities, staff, volunteers, contractors and partners. The document sets out PCV’s safeguarding commitments, including safe recruitment, staff awareness, partner due diligence, safeguarding risk assessments, accessible reporting mechanisms, protection from retaliation, investigation and response procedures, and disciplinary or referral action where required. It also includes the PCV Child Protection and Safeguarding Code of Conduct, roles and responsibilities of Church bodies and Child Protection Focal Points, associated policies, pastoral care arrangements and detailed reporting procedures. The annexes include the PCV Reporting Process, Child Incident Report Form, Incident Report Form for vulnerable adults, Child Protection and Safeguarding Code of Conduct, responsibilities of Child Protection Focal Points, definitions and terms, and a Child Protection Risk Register.