NPNPs and communities will be varied in their approach and contexts. The principles and practices of the Methodist Church safeguarding policy must always be followed.
Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility.
The NPNP safeguarding policy should be written in consultation with your Regional Officer for Safeguarding and reviewed annually.
The safeguarding policy, procedures and guidance of the Methodist Church have been created to:
- Promote the well-being of children, young people and adults through a culture of shared responsibility for safeguarding, within clearly assigned roles.
- Prevent harm through best practice in work with children, young people and adults and the creation of a culture of informed vigilance.
- Protect through responding effectively when safeguarding concerns arise.
Important questions for all NPNPs
The following list is a starting point for safeguarding in your pioneering context. Download this list as a Pdf for printing
- Which trustee body holds responsibility for this NPNP in terms of safeguarding, e.g. district/circuit meeting/church council?
- Who is the designated safeguarding lead for the NPNP? What roles in the NPNP require a DBS check?
- Which roles need to complete Foundation/Advanced safeguarding training?
- What risk assessments for gatherings/activities are required (e.g. children and young people, gatherings/meetings, health and safety)?
- What policies and procedures are needed for digital communication?
- Are you aware of the impact of abuse, and good practice in responding well to survivors of abuse?
- Do people know how to respond to a safeguarding complaint, and the process for making a referral if necessary?
- Are you aware of the process for managing someone with a safeguarding contract if needed?
- How will you meet the criteria for data protection and GDPR (including use of photography and video recordings)?
- How will you enable the NPNP safeguarding policy to be easily accessible to all participants? How are you ensuring safe practice on funding and finances?
Regional online safeguarding surgeries for pioneers
Regional Officers for Safeguarding are organised into 4 regions, each led by a Regional Safeguarding Manager:
- North West Region, led by Chris Lewis
- South West Region (including Wales), led by Alison Corner
- North East Region (including Scotland and Shetland), led by Karen Allen
- South East Region, led by Claire Coles
North West
Contact Alison Hulse hulsea@methodistchurch.org.uk for the zoom link
Saturday 13th June 2026 10-12 noon
North East
Contact Alison Hill hilla@methodistchurch.org.uk Regional Officer for Safeguarding - North East, Sheffield District. Phone: 020 7467 3528 | Mobile: 07483 362735
- 24th June 2026, 10:00 – 12:00
- 13th October 2026, 13:00-15:00
- 1st March 2027, 10:00-12:00
- 8th July 2027, 13:00-15:00
South East region
Contact: Neil van Holland for the zoom link email: vanHollandN@methodistchurch.org.uk
Date: Wednesday 10th June 7pm
South West
Bookings can be made either directly through Amber Tate via email or by using the links provided below.
Register Zoom Meeting July 2nd, 10:00 –11:30 AM https://zoom.us/meeting/register/nCxfQ8xNTaecI2vt-zS2aQ
Further resources
Methodist Church safeguarding policies and procedure guidance, as well as templates, are available at methodist.org.uk/safeguarding/
Prayer and Safeguarding – coming soon