Safeguarding

What is Safeguarding?

As Christians we are charged to love and care for each other. This is particularly true where the most vulnerable members of our community are concerned.

Important News -

Safeguarding newsletter
(June 2010)
Contains announcement regarding CRB ISA (changes to Vetting and Barring)

Recruiting Safely - consultation document (March 2010)

Children and young people have specific needs, which can be met by the Church if its members respond to the call to be Christ's people, living in his way. This means living in today's world amongst its problems and challenges, recognising that some of these will be challenges for the church itself.

Safeguarding is about preventing the abuse of children and young people and promoting their welfare. 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.

These web pages provide a summary of policy and good practice, news, information, frequently used forms, articles and bulletins.

Who can assist you?

	Every circuit (or church in Scotland ) should have a designated person who advises and provides information on Methodist policy
	Your District will have Safeguarding/ Taking Care reps who may be contacted directly or via the Training Officer
IF YOU ARE UNSURE WHO THESE PEOPLE ARE CONTACT YOUR CIRCUIT OR DISTRICT OFFICE
	Child Protection and Safeguarding queries can also be sent to Safeguarding@methodistchurch.org.uk, we aim to address these queries and reply to them as soon as possible.
	The Connexional person who supports and develops guidance in these matters is the Revd Pearl Luxon. Please contact her in case of urgent and serious incidents. Tel: 020 7486 5502 (via Help Desk)

Every church, children's work or youth leader and minister should obtain the latest (2003) Safeguarding book from Methodist Publishing (£2.50 each). www.methodistpublishing.org.uk
Methodist CRB/CRBS packs are also available from Methodist Publishing.

CRB (England and Wales) and CRBS (Scotland) procedures are explained on www.churchsafe.org.uk This process is run by Churches' Agency for Safeguarding (CAS) on behalf of the Methodist Church and 10 other denominations.

Methodist policy with these procedures for lay people and ministers are outlined on Recruitment in the Methodist Church and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)

Relevant information and documents: -

Government issued guidance ‘When you are worried a child is being abused...'

Our Safeguarding procedures are based upon Codes of Practice from the Home Office and Scottish Executive and Child Protection legislation in the UK. (pdf)

Advice on protecting vulnerable adults (PDF 776K)