I am sure you will agree with me that two of the features of faithful Christian life and service are behaving with integrity and treating others with respect and care. This is vital to flourishing churches and effective mission. The Baptist Union of Victoria is committed to churches being safe for everyone involved and to ministries being carried out with integrity and love. The BUV Support Hub provides training, advice and support to foster safe people, places and programmes.
Over the past two decades, Brenda Williams has made a major contribution to this in her role as the BUV’s Professional Standards Consultant. Brenda has decided to retire from that role and will finish with the BUV on December 16. We thank Brenda for her outstanding ministry among us over the past 21 years. Our churches are safer and stronger because of her work.
In light of Brenda’s retirement, the following structure for supporting Safe Church and Professional Standards for pastoral leaders will come into effect from the beginning of 2026:
- The BUV’s Professional Standards Group will continue to provide oversight to this important area of denominational and church life, with Rev David Devine ontinuing to Chair this group.
- David will oversee National Redress Scheme matters.
- David will also support the Pastoral Leadership Support & Development Team in organising Professional Standards workshops.
- The BUV’s Safe Church Consultant, Vicky Dyer, will expand her current advisory service to churches to include allegations of abuse and matters related to the Reportable Conduct Scheme. Her position title will be updated to Church Safeguarding Consultant.
- Vicky will also be the initial contact person for complaints against Pastoral Leaders. Where appropriate, under our Complaint Procedure, the BUV will engage external consultants to carry out independent investigations of complaints.
- Vicky will oversee the Persons of Concern process, assisting churches to establish and monitor safety plans when required.
David and Vicky have years of experience in Safe Church and Professional Standards and I am confident they will enable us to continue our good work in these areas.
Please join me in praying for Brenda as she enters enters a new chapter of life, and for David and Vicky as they continue to lead and serve us in their roles.
God bless,
Rev Daniel Bullock
Director of Mission & Ministries