Every effort is taken to safeguard the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults who are involved in church-based activities and other activities on church premises.
Children and young people need to be respected as individuals, and protected in their vulnerability – as do all who are vulnerable, irrespective of age.
The Methodist Church first published its welfare standard, “Safeguarding” in 1994, in direct response to the Children Act 1989 and Home Office guidance for voluntary organisations involved with children (“Safe From Harm”, 1993).
Further revisions have enabled us to incorporate latest expectations for local good practice. A fully updated 2010 handbook covers various aspects of Safeguarding and forms the basis of our continuing efforts to ensure high standards.
Safeguarding has been approved by the Methodist Conference as the policy and practice to be adopted and used in all Methodist Churches with regard to children and young people under 18 years of age, and is also to be applied to the care of vulnerable adults.
All those working with children (and/or vulnerable adults) at our church will have been appointed by Church Council, and obtained a clear CRB Disclosure Certificate (as required). While some aspects of the new Vetting and Barring Scheme remain on hold, we await detailed instructions from the Independent Safeguarding Authority or newly-combined authority.
All those working with children (and/or vulnerable adults), together with all responsible church officers, will be required to attend the latest Foundation Module of Safeguarding training.
We are supported by the East Anglia District via the Taking Care Team, and in-house training is available for all workers/helpers through the Methodist Church’s modular “Creating Safer Space” programme. Additional training/re-training may sometimes be accessed via the Local Authority’s newly-appointed Local Safeguarding Children’s Board (formerly ACPC).
We have a comprehensive written Safeguarding Policy, which may be viewed at the premises – revised in the light of recent and expected changes. For local information please speak to our Safeguarding Officers – John Gilham or Pauline Butler - or to the Minister.
For further information about Safeguarding Policy and procedures, please refer to the national “Churches’ Agency for Safeguarding” website: www.churchsafe.org.uk or see www.methodist.org.uk
