Introduction

This Code of Conduct, which is specifically for those under 18 years of age, identifies a set of principles which describes the conduct expected by those under 18 years of age and involved in ministry at the Berwick Church of Christ.

To ensure those under 18 yars of age understand the Code of Conduct, Parents/Guardians are strongly encouraged to read and explain the principles to their child. The Code of Conduct is to be signed only by those Under 18 years of age and once a volunteer turns 18 years they must sign the standard Code of Conduct. The original signed copy of this Code of Conduct will be kept with the confidential Safe Ministry records which are maintained by the Safety Contact Person.

Purpose

This Code of Conduct which is specific to under 18 year olds, sets out what is required to comply within ministry at the Berwick Church of Christ.  Its purpose is to:

• Promote adherence to Biblical values that are important in ministry.
• Defines the principles that will guide under 18 year olds involved in ministry in their everyday life and to provide a helpful framework as they make choices about their ministry and personal life.
• Provide a public declaration of how under 18 year olds involved in ministry live their lives.
• Promote public confidence in the ministries of the Berwick Church of Christ.
• Promote alignment with the vision, mission and values of Berwick Church of Christ.

Scope

This Code of Conduct sets the expectations of under 18 year olds in ministry, in any role at Berwick Church of Christ.

Principles

1. I will endeavour at all times to conduct myself in a manner that honours God and His church.
2. I will actively seek to grow as a disciple of Jesus Christ through reading the Word, prayer, spiritual disciplines, church connections and regular church attendance.
3. At all times I will seek to conduct all my personal/work relationships in a godly manner, acting with respect, love and integrity towards all those with whom I associate.
4. In my communications (verbal/written), I will be honouring and truthful, avoiding exaggeration, misrepresentation and gossip/slander, and will maintain appropriate levels of confidentiality. I will abstain from coarse language and sexual inuendo.  My speech will be honouring, encouraging and righteous.
5. I will dress, present and conduct myself in a modest way.
6. In my ministry, I will endeavour to punctual, reliable and trustworthy and I will honour and be accountable to my leaders.
7. I will complete all prescribed training that is required by the Berwick Church of Christ.
8. In situations where conflict and division occur based on Matthew 18:15-16 and 5:23-24 it is my responsibility, without gossip, to go and seek reconciliation one on one.  Where I am uncomfortable or dont know how to do this, or the conflict remains unresolved, I will seek help from a Pastor, Leader or Elder in resolving the matter.
9. I will be responsible in the use of legal addictive substances and activities (e.g. prescription drugs or alcohol) and will not use an prohibited substance (i.e. illicit drugs). I will abstain from gambling and other addictive activities and behaviours. (1 Corinthians 10:23)
10. In my personal relationships, I will practice standards of sexual morality reflecting a commitment to holiness as taught in the Bible (faithfulness within marriage and chastity outside marriage, where marriage is instituted by God to be a union between one man and one woman for life). I will abstain from all forms of pornography. I will abstain from sexual contact or arousal outside of marriage. I will align all my communication in ministry with this interpretation of Biblical sexuality.
11. In my ministry I will exercise due diligence and care toward the minors (under 18 year olds) I am responsible for, and will observe all Work Health and Safety rules and responsibilities, and actively promote a safe environment where harassment or abuse (sexual or otherwise) is not tolerated. I will notify a Pastor or Ministry Leader immediately of any suspicious or inappropriate behaviour I may observe.
12. In my ministry I will not teach in contradiction to the Bible or the values as outlined in this code, and I will always uphold the reputation of the Christian faith and Berwick Church of Christ at all times in line with the Statement of Faith. 
13. I will not have contact with a child (under 18 years old) of which I oversea as a leader either by phone, via my personal social media profiles, email accounts or engage in online chat rooms unless it is in a group setting with multiple Leaders, that includes the Ministry Leader (i.e. Facebook message group, WhatsApp or Discord) as stated in the Social Media Policy.
14. In all ministry related financial matters I will act with honesty and integrity.  I will publicly account for all monies handled by me on behalf of others.  In my personal use of money I will be generous and consider the needs of others above my own self interests.
15. I will not post any images, videos or written material online or on any social media site that may be deemed, interpreted, or reasonably perceived to be, inappropriate, insulting, hurtful or defamatory to anyone, in particular a Staff Member, a Leader, a Volunteer or member of the public.
16. I will let the leader(s) to whom I am immediately accountable in Berwick Church of Christ know when I am not able to follow this code with integrity.
17. I agree to express the vision, mission, values and principles of Berwick Church of Christ at all times.
18. I agree to comply with all Berwick Church of Christ policies, procedures, rules, regulations, guidelines and contracts and accept that I am responsible for my own conduct at all times.
19. I agree to comply with all relevants laws.
20. I will report any conduct of other volunteers or staff members which is in breach of any of the above, or potentially in breach of any of the above, without delay.

I acknowledge that I have read and understand this Code of Conduct, and I agree that in the course of my association with the Berwick Church of Christ that I will undertake to conduct myself in accordance with the principles of this Code of Conduct, and I agree to surrender my role/leadership if I am unable to fulfil my responsibilities.  I also understand that disciplinary measures and/or legal steps may be taken if I am found to be in breach of the Code of Conduct, and where a breach of this Code of Conduct involves a breach of any law, then the relevant government authorities or the police may be notified. I agree to resign from my role/position whether it is a voluntary or paid staff role/position if requested.

Please provide your parent's name and contact details to ensure they are prepared to underwrite this policy.