This article explains how volunteer accident insurance works for those undertaking volunteer roles inthe Anglican Diocese of Adelaide. It also covers who is eligible, what’s required for coverage, and what checks need to be completed before someone can start volunteering.
The Anglican Diocese of Adelaide (the Synod) maintains a Volunteer Workers Personal Accident policy as part of its insurance program. This policy provides fixed-benefit payments to cover out-of-pocketmedical expenses incurred by volunteers who are injured while doing authorised volunteer work. Please note that Medicare gap payments are not covered due to legal restrictions.
Cover is reduced for volunteers aged over 75.
If a covered person suffers an injury during volunteer work and it falls under the listed events in the policy’s Table of Events, they may be entitled to a lump sum or weekly benefit. Additional benefits may apply depending on the situation.
resulting directly from medical or surgical treatment. It doesn’t include an illness or
pre-existing condition.
To request a Certificate of Currency for this policy, please contact Ministry & Parish Support at support@adelaideanglicans.com.
To be covered, a volunteer must be officially endorsed or authorised by the Synod. This
means they’ve been identified and approved by the parish, congregation, or other insured
entity.
Examples of endorsement
If in doubt, provide a letter or similar document to confirm the volunteer’s appointment to
a specific role.
Volunteers who aren’t church members, such as op shop workers or gardener, may also be
covered. To ensure this:
The best practice is for the Parish Councils to review all parish activities each year, pass a resolution endorsing current programs, and name the volunteers involved.
Regardless of whether the volunteer is a church member, the responsibilities are the same:
Parish Councils should carefully assess each volunteer and use discretion in assigning roles. This isespecially important for new or less-involved members and roles involving children, youth, vulnerable people, or finances
In general, it’s recommended that volunteers regularly attend church for at least six
months before taking up a role.
Parish Councils should also assess whether volunteers are physically fit or suitably qualified, especially for tasks like gardening or cleaning gutters.
The role of the parish priest and wardens is central in discerning and approving volunteers for specific roles.
Some volunteers may be referred through Centrelink. These individuals often need proof that the parish has Volunteer Personal Accident Insurance.
In such cases, both the activity and the volunteer must be formally endorsed by the Parish Council to ensure coverage.
If a volunteer role involves regular contact with children or vulnerable people:
