Acts Global Churches is committed to fostering a Christ-centred culture of integrity, transparency and accountability across all our activities. We believe that raising concerns early—when something does not seem right—helps keep our communities safe, strengthens good governance, and supports the health of our movement.
This Policy outlines how concerns about Acts Global Churches business conduct can be raised, how they will be handled, and the protection available to those who speak up under the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) and other relevant legislation. Our intention is to create an environment where individuals feel safe, supported and confident to come forward, knowing their information will be treated seriously, respectfully and fairly.
This Policy applies to current and former:
These individuals are collectively referred to as Eligible Whistleblowers.
This Policy relates to a specific set of reports or concerns that are protected by Whistleblower protection. A disclosure qualifies for protection when a person honestly believes something isn’t right, even if you can’t prove it (reasonable grounds). This Policy relates to reports for the following matters:
A whistleblower does not need to prove the allegation for it to be considered.
Some matters are generally not considered whistleblower disclosures, including personal work‑related grievances, such as:
These concerns will usually be managed through the Complaints and Grievances Policy (COM001) or other relevant internal processes. However, personal grievance may still qualify for protection if it also involves misconduct, legal breaches or victimisation related to whistleblowing.
Individuals may report concerns anonymously or with their identity disclosed. Doing so directly to those specific people outlined in this policy ensures your report can be legally protected. The specific avenues for raising your concerns are as follows:
Whistleblowers are encouraged to report internally where they feel safe to do so, as this enables swift action and early resolution.
Whistleblowers can also report directly to any relevant body such as:
When a disclosure qualifies for protection, the whistleblower receives:
Their identity will not be shared except where required by law or with their consent.
No one may cause or threaten harm, disadvantage, intimidation or discrimination because a concern has been raised.
Whistleblowers are not liable for civil, criminal or administrative consequences arising from making the disclosure.
Whistleblowers may seek legal remedies if they experience victimisation.
To support individuals who speak up, Acts Global Churches takes steps such as:
Support is guided by sensitivity, discretion and the wellbeing of all parties involved.
The Whistleblowers Protection Officer (WPO) or delegate will acknowledge the disclosure, outline the process and provide reassurance about confidentiality.
The matter will be promptly assessed to determine whether it qualifies for protection, the level of risk, urgency and the most suitable investigative approach.
Investigations will be handled respectfully, objectively and promptly. A qualified investigator—internal or external—may be appointed depending on the nature and complexity of the matter.
Acts Global Churches is committed to fairness for all individuals involved. This includes giving those named in a disclosure an opportunity to respond, where appropriate and safe.
At the conclusion of an investigation, Acts Global Churches will determine next steps, which may include remediation, disciplinary action, system improvements or reporting to relevant authorities. Where possible, the whistleblower will be provided with a general update on the outcome.
A whistleblower may request a review of the investigation process. Acts Global Churches may decline to reopen a matter if it was conducted appropriately or if no new information is available. Whistleblowers may also contact authorities if they remain unsatisfied with the outcome.
Anonymous disclosures are accepted. However, anonymity may limit the ability to investigate fully.
Information that may identify the whistleblower will only be shared where:
Acts Global Churches will always take reasonable steps to minimise the risk of identification. This is through secure and dedicated mailboxes and secure information storage and deidentification where required and appropriate.
Knowingly making a false or malicious allegation is a serious matter and could result in disciplinary action. However, a disclosure made in good faith remains protected even if it is not substantiated.
The Acts Global Churches Board oversees this Policy to ensure it remains effective and accessible. The Policy will be reviewed every two years, or earlier if needed.
This Policy aims to support a culture where people can speak up with confidence, knowing they will be protected, respected and heard.