Safe Environment Office

 

The Safe Environment Office is responsible for administering the Diocesan Safe Environment Policy and the Workplace Bullying & Harassment Prevention Policy in cooperation with the pastors and the parish/school/organization Safe Environment Coordinators.

SAFE ENVIRONMENT POLICY

The purpose of the Safe Environment Policy is to eliminate abuse and harassment in the Diocese of Nelson.

All volunteers and Diocesan employees must (prior to commencing ministries):
  • undergo formal instruction on the Safe Environment Policy every five years (see your parish/school Safe Environment Coordinator)
  • complete the Safe Environment Application 
  • provide a clean criminal record check every five years (scroll down for more information)
  • sign off on the Confidentiality Policy (volunteers)
  • undergo formal instruction on the Workplace Bullying and Harassment Policy (employees and CISND contractors)
  • receive written approval from the Diocese

    Some volunteers are exempt from the above requirements. Consult the Safe Environment Coordinator or Safe Environment Office for exclusions, such as Greeters, Lecturers, Adult Music Ministry.

    Parish Council Members are required to provide a clean Criminal Record Background Check with Vulnerable Sector Check and a signed Confidentiality Statement. 

    Documents and
    Forms

VOLUNTEER CRIMINAL RECORD CHECK

All Criminal Record Checks are  processed through the Safe Environment Office. Forms are completed at the requesting organization and are then returned to the Safe Environment Office for submission. Neither individuals nor offices, other than the SEO, may submit a request for a Criminal Record Check if using the CRRP form. There is no fee for this process for volunteers.

In order to apply online for a Criminal Record Background Check for volunteers a BC Services e-Card must be created at www.gov.bc.ca/bcservicescard    The Criminal Record Check may then be requested online at https://justice.gov.bc.ca/screening/crrpa/org-access This process, which is free to applicants, requires a code which is available from the Safe Environment Coordinator. The process is available for school, parish and organizational volunteers.

Volunteers are still able to request a Criminal Record Check through their local RCMP detachment. This request must  include a Vulnerable Sector Check for children AND vulnerable adults. There is a fee for this process.

Volunteers requesting RCMP Record Checks 

EMPLOYEE CRIMINAL RECORD CHECK

All school employees must complete a Criminal Record Background Check with Vulnerable Sector Check for adults and children through CRRP. 
Individuals may apply online at  https://justice.gov.bc.ca/screening/crrpa/org-access but must first create a BC Services e-Card at www.gov.bc/bcservicescard. The online application will require a special code for processing, available from the Safe Environment Office.

The process for teachers involves ordering a Sharing Form. This process may be done online using the BC Services e-card.

All parish employees must provide a Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Check for adults and children by visiting the RCMP or local municipal police. They may not apply online.

When you visit the RCMP or local municipal police, remember the following:

  • visit the detachment in which you reside
  • bring two pieces of government issued ID.  Both IDs must contain your birth date.  One piece of ID must contain your photo.
  • bring a method of payment (cash or debit)
  • request a vulnerable sector search. To ensure that this search is done, bring one of the following letters with you:

FINGERPRINTING

In some cases, fingerprinting is required to complete the Criminal Record Check (a fee will apply).  If you have been asked to go for fingerprints, contact the Safe Environment Office immediately (250-448-2725 or email).  The SEO will provide you with instructions and make a note on your file.

Fingerprints are used to confirm your identity when some of your personal information matches that of a pardoned sex offender.

The processing time for fingerprinting can be up to 22 weeks.  You will not be approved to work/volunteer in the Diocese until the final results of the Criminal Record Check, including the fingerprinting, have been submitted to, and reviewed by, the Safe Environment Office.

WORKPLACE BULLYING AND HARASSMENT POLICY

The Diocese of Nelson is committed to creating and maintaining a work environment where people are treated, and treat each other, professionally and respectfully in their interactions and where the dignity of all individuals is upheld. The Workplace Bullying and Harassment training is required every five years for employees and contractors.

Documents and Forms

VISITING CLERGY AND RELIGIOUS BROTHERS AND SISTERS

Please complete and submit the following forms to the Safe Environment Office before you arrive in the Diocese.
Visiting Clergy and Religious Brothers and Sisters must receive written approval from the Diocese of Nelson before they minister
VISITING LAY INDIVIDUALS
 
Visiting Lay individuals must receive written approval from the Diocese of Nelson before they minister.
Please complete and submit the following form to the Safe Environment Office before you arrive in the Diocese.

TRAINING VIDEOS

Follow this procedure when using the online training videos:

1. The Pastor, Principal or Safe Environment Coordinator schedules a meeting with the applicant at the parish/school.
2. The Pastor, Principal or Safe Environment Coordinator enters the password. Do not give the password to the applicant.
3. The applicant watches the entire video in the presence of the Pastor, Principal or Safe Environment Coordinator – no fast-forwarding or stopping it early.
4. The Pastor, Principal or Safe Environment Coordinator who supervised the training signs the confirmation of training and mails the original form to the Safe Environment Office.

Safe Environment Training Video - 46 minutes
Updated Information:  To report suspected abuse or neglect, phone 1-800-663-9122 at any time of the day or night.  Children or Youth may call the Helpline for Children at 310-1234 at any time.

Respectiful Workplace Training Video  - 37 minutes
(Workplace Bullying & Harassment Prevention)

Safe Environment Policy Training PowerPoint - 40 minutes
This presentation must be made by the SEC using the sidebar commentary in person or via Zoom.
It is not a stand alone presentation at this time.

LINKS

Church Links

Contact Information

Safe Environment Office
Catholic Pastoral Centre
3665 Benvoulin Road
Kelowna BC V1W 4M7
Phone: 250-448-2725 ext 225
Fax: 1-866-964-3858
or 
        1-250-869-8697
Email

Director of the Safe Environment Office
Rev. Jim McHugh
Email

Diocesan Safe Environment Office
Heather Currens
Monday - Wednesday
Email