At Gateway, we are committed to creating environments where children are safe, valued and able to thrive.

We believe every child has the right to feel safe physically, emotionally, spiritually and culturally. Because of this, we work intentionally to build ministries and environments where safety, respect and care are foundational to everything we do.

Our Safe Spaces Safeguarding Policy outlines how we protect children and create safe environments across all Gateway ministries and activities.

Our commitment

Gateway Baptist Church is committed to fostering a culture where child safety and wellbeing are prioritised across our church community.

This means:

• Promoting a culture of safety in leadership, governance and everyday ministry.
• Ensuring children are respected, listened to and taken seriously.
• Creating environments where children feel welcomed, included and valued.
• Equipping staff and volunteers with the training and knowledge needed to keep children safe.
• Maintaining clear processes for reporting concerns and responding appropriately.

We believe creating safe spaces is a shared responsibility, and we partner with families and our wider community to ensure the safety and wellbeing of children in our care.

Screening, training and accountability

All staff and volunteers who work with children at Gateway go through an appropriate screening and onboarding process.

This includes:

• Agreeing to and signing the Team Gateway Code of Conduct
• Reference and suitability checks
• Working with Children Checks (Blue Cards) where required
• Safeguarding training and ongoing refresher training

These measures help ensure that everyone involved in our ministries understands their responsibility to create safe and respectful environments for children.

Listening to children and families

We believe children should be informed about their rights, have a voice, and feel confident speaking up if something doesn’t feel right.

We also partner closely with parents, carers and families to promote safe ministry environments and to ensure children feel supported, respected and included.

Raising concerns

If you have a concern about the safety or wellbeing of a child or anyone involved in a Gateway ministry, we encourage you to speak up.

All concerns are taken seriously and handled carefully, respectfully and in accordance with safeguarding and legal requirements.

You can raise a concern by:

• Speaking with your Campus Pastor, or
• Contacting the church directly at safespaces@gatewaybaptist.com.au