The three points of contact within the Circuit are as follows. Contact details for all these are provided on the notice board in every church in the Circuit. The District Safeguarding Officer (Sue Holder) may then be contacted by any of these three.
Remember, in an emergency, to contact the Police and/or Social Services.
The Circuit Safeguarding Policy was agreed at the Circuit Meeting on 3rd March 2020.
The aim of the Methodist Church Safeguarding policy is to create Christian communities of love and care, where good practice in this area becomes a way of life.
The Methodist Church is committed to safeguarding as an integral part of its life and ministry. Safeguarding is about the action the Church takes to promote a safer culture. This means we will:
To enable churches to achieve the above aim, and in light of legislation and government guidance, the Methodist Church has produced the Methodist Safeguarding Handbook. It contains the latest policies and procedures which have been updated in April 2019. By following the guidelines, your church community will be complying with the latest government guidance and creating a safe space for all.
The April 2019 handbook is available to download directly from the Methodist Website or here " Safeguarding Policy, Procedures and Guidance "
This joint practice guidance is intended to support the work of Single Congregation Local Ecumenical Partnerships, in respect of safeguarding children and adults. This joint practice guidance has been approved by the Methodist Church and the House of Bishops, and as such, it is recommended that you follow this guidance. Failure to do so could invalidate your insurance cover. For more information on safeguarding go directly to the Methodist Church Safeguarding Page.
Checklist for all leaders of church-run groups with young people (Circuit-produced July 2019)
CSS Foundation Module Training Handbook (April 2017)
Methodist Church Safer Recruitment Guidelines
The Methodist resources for young people and their leaders "The Well"
Working with SEND Children (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities)
The Methodist Church Social Media Guidelines
' PREVENT ' Online Training – helping to counter extremism and radicalisation
NSPCC's Podcast about Safeguarding In Faith Groups
Upcoming Circuit and District training opportunities will be posted on the weekly circuit bulletin.