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Safeguarding

Safeguarding children and young people - District policy

As the people of the Methodist Church, we are concerned with the wholeness of each individual within God’s purpose for everyone.
We seek to safeguard people of all ages involved in District events and to encourage Circuits and churches actively to promote policies to ensure that all are safeguarded in the day to day life of the Church.

It is the responsibility of each one of us to protect children, young people and vulnerable adults from harm, including physical, financial, spiritual, sexual and emotional abuse and neglect; also to affirm, encourage and support those working with them.

Policy to be reviewed Annually by the Safeguarding Advisory Group.

Safeguarding Group

• Rev Jan Atkins (Convenor)
• Sandy Youngson
• Rev Michael Hall         
• Christine Tom-Johnson
• Graham Snelling
• Rosalina Frazer
• Ann Pratt

Guidelines for Safeguarding children and young people at District Events

The District adopts the guidelines published in Safeguarding children and young people with particular reference to the following checklist:
1. Those organising District events should pay particular attention to staffing levels and transport arrangements.  (see Safeguarding guideline 2 for detailed advice)
2. Make sure that participants have access to a suitable independent contact.  It is recommended that this is done by the display of Childline or NSPCC Child Protection Helpline posters.
3. Take suitable measures to protect children and young people when recruiting staff or volunteers.(see Safeguarding guidelines 4-11) They should obtain Enhanced CRB Disclosures, if they have not already done so in their own church, this should be for a similar role. Registration forms must be completed and references taken up for new staff and volunteers, approved by a suitable person and kept by the District Office.
4. Job Description forms contained in ‘Safeguarding’ (adapted as necessary) must be completed for all roles and risk assessments carried out regarding all activities
5. Guidelines on how to deal with the disclosure or discovery of abuse should be issued to organisers, leaders and helpers at District events where children and young people will be present. There should be a nominated Safeguarding rep for each event, known to all volunteers.
5. It is recommended that at least one member of the organising team for any District event should have participated in a Safeguarding training course.
6. Meetings for planning and reviewing District events will include the implementation of this policy on their agenda.
7. Please refer also to ‘Residential and camping guidance’, which may be relevant and is available on the Methodist website

AT NO TIME SHOULD ANY ASPECT OF THIS POLICY PREVENT ANYONE REPORTING CONCERNS DIRECTLY TO POLICE OR SOCIAL SERVICES

The purpose of the LONDON District Safeguarding Group is to:

• Assist Circuits and churches with policy preparation and the   implementation of good practice in according to connexional safeguarding guidelines by:
• regular contact with and networking of Circuit and Church representatives to advise on policy and implementation.
• providing contact details  of the District Safeguarding group in the Synod directory and on the website.

• Raise awareness of the issues relating to the care and protection of children and vulnerable adults by:
• providing training for Circuit and church Safeguarding representatives and Ministerial Staff
• advising and assisting the District to implement the Methodist Safeguarding Training programme ‘Creating Safer Space’
• ensuring that child protection matters are promoted and discussed at all levels within the District
  
  
• Provide support, help, advice and information where needed, in accordance with Methodist Safeguarding good practice. In particular to:
• advise circuits in providing effective pastoral care where safeguarding is an issue.
•  remind Churches, Circuits and District Council to review policies and their implementation on a regular basis (annually).
• work together with other child support agencies by forming contacts  with Statutory, voluntary agencies and other denominations.

Safeguarding Newsletter
The latest safeguarding newsletter is now available. For more details contact Rev Jan Atkins directly on: janet.atkins@methodist.org.uk