Investigation and Compliance Officer

The Uniting Church in Australia (the Church) is a large, uniquely Australian Christian denomination with heritage from historical reformed evangelical denominations. In Queensland, the Uniting Church has around 250 congregations and includes early learning centres, schools, colleges, and large community services (such as UnitingCare Queensland – BlueCare, Lifeline, Wesley Hospital and Wesley Mission Queensland).

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We are a church that values relationships, collaboration, and service, seeking to steward our resources in ways that reflect the love of Christ. The Queensland Synod Office works to enable, equip, and encourage a growing and renewing Church across Queensland, acting in alignment with the discernment of Synod in Session. We are mission-driven and service-oriented, fostering an environment of collaboration, support, and care for the communities we serve.

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The Uniting Church is multicultural, committed to reconciliation with First Peoples, calls for reconciliation across its communities and aims to use its people and property resources wisely and in the furtherance of God’s mission in the world.

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Position Purpose

The purpose of this role is to investigate alleged misconduct within the church and advise decision-makers on regulatory compliance.

This is a deeply relational role that requires empathy, a commitment to the church’s mission, and ability to develop professional relationships with church officers, particularly Presbytery Ministers (ordained regional leaders).

It is essential that the successful applicant quickly gains a working knowledge of the Uniting Church in Australia Regulations and understand the workings of the councils of the Church.

The successful applicant must hold, or be able to obtain, a Working with Children Check (Blue Card), as well as must be eligible to legally work in Australia and able to provide proof of eligibility.

Responsibilities:

• Investigate misconduct allegations; breaches of regulations, policies or codes; or integrity concerns involving members, adherents, lay officers, or ministry agents.

• Prepare evidence-based investigation reports, briefing papers, and recommendations to inform decision-making.

• Analyse processes to detect recurring problems or weaknesses and propose actionable steps to enhance the Church’s integrity and compliance systems.

• Drive continuous improvement through leading the ongoing development of Church policies, procedures, and training related to regulatory compliance, discipline, misconduct, and integrity.

• Engage relationally with executive staff and councils of the Church and consistently act in accordance with Synod Office values – actively seek solutions; contribute confidently, be gracious, embrace an abundant future, and explore beyond your assumptions.

• Mentor and support church leaders, fostering a culture of continual learning, accountability, and best practice.

Qualifications

Qualifications in investigations, law, risk, or compliance are highly regarded. For example, a bachelor’s degree in risk management, law, human services, or a Certificate IV in Government Investigations. 

Experience and Skills

This role would best suit a professional with strong experience in investigations within highly regulated industries.

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You bring sound investigative judgment, a deep understanding of procedural fairness and conflicts of interest, and the ability to handle complex situations within a faith-based context.

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You can demonstrate:

• Strong commitment to, and understanding of, the Uniting Church’s values and mission, procedural fairness, confidentiality, integrity, and trauma-informed practice.

• A thorough understanding of the Uniting Church’s discipline and complaints frameworks, or the ability to quickly acquire this knowledge.

• Strong skills in conducting interviews, analysing evidence, and making evidence-based recommendations to decision makers.

• Strong written and spoken communication abilities, with the capability to present information clearly and effectively to senior Church leadership and relevant external bodies.

• The ability to work collaboratively and independently, maintaining resilience and integrity in response to sensitive and complex matters.

What’s in it for You?

You will collaborate with senior Church leaders and external partners on matters of significant importance, gaining professional visibility and the opportunity to shape a culture of justice and care.

• Professional development (e.g. mental health first aid training and vicarious trauma training)

• Employee Assistance Program

• Flexible work hours.

• Hybrid role – Auchenflower office and Work from Home

• Free off-street parking at the office

• Employee Culture Club Activities

• Paid Parental Leave

If you are a culturally &/or linguistically diverse, living with a disability or returning to the workforce after a period of time off raising children, we recognise you are less likely to apply for this position, however we strongly consider those who can meet most of the above and have a great work ethic to formalise their application.

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Uniting Church in Australia, Queensland Synod is committed to being a child safe, child friendly organisation and for all children who come into contact with our services we will provide welcoming, safe and nurturing services, prevent child abuse and neglect within our services and appropriately and immediately address child abuse and neglect if it does occur.