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Safeguarding

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.

Policies and Guidance

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:

  • promote the welfare of children, young people and adults
  • work to prevent abuse from occurring
  • seek to protect and respond well to those that have been abused.

The Methodist Safeguarding Handbook

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 "

Local Ecumenical Partnerships (LEPs)

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.

Useful Resources for Churches

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

Training Events (Circuit and District)

Upcoming Circuit and District training opportunities will be posted on the weekly circuit bulletin.

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