What happens when my Safe Ministry training expires?

Under the Safe Ministry to Children Ordinance 2020 clergy, church workers (paid or volunteer) and parish staff members are required to complete accredited safe ministry training no later than three years from the date of their previous training. Wardens and parish councillors are among others who are also required to complete training within three years prior to their appointment or election (see this article for more information).

A record of each person’s previous safe ministry training date is always visible in their ‘Course Dashboard’ page of their safe ministry account.

An individual should keep note of when their training will expire, however Safe Ministry Reps are required to maintain records within the parish and may send reminders when training is due.

Any person who wishes to maintain their safe ministry training accreditation should:

• Make every effort to complete the Refresher course BEFORE the expiry date.
• If their training has lapsed*, the Ordinance states that they should complete the Refresher course within 30 days after their certificate expiry date. Note: where training is completed online, all aspects of the course must be finalised and a certificate received prior to the 30 day grace period expiring.

If a Refresher course is not completed within 30 days after their certificate expiry date, the leader should step down from their ministry role(s), and complete the Essentials course again before resuming their role.

*If there are very unusual circumstances such as serious medical reasons or the person is overseas, some leniency should be offered, but before doing so, the Safe Ministry Rep or Minister should contact the Safe Ministry Parish Consultant to discuss the details.

The Safe Ministry Board clarified and confirmed the above details as policy at their December 2016 meeting. This underscores the importance for all church workers to keep track of their training dates.