Question 1

What is the revised timescale for completion of safeguarding training?

Accepted Answer

The timescale for completion of training is as follows:
Safeguarding training to be refreshed every 4 years (at the appropriate level)
Local Preachers and Worship Leaders are to complete the Advanced training by August 2021 
All those in appropriate roles to have completed safeguarding training within 6 months of starting in role 
All those who have had their training expire during during Covid-19 will need to complete the appropriate refresher level within 3 months of the District returning to face-to-face training

Question 2

Did the Safeguarding Committee agree to the current Foundation Module being delivered online?

Accepted Answer

No, the Safeguarding Committee agreed to the development of a modified online Foundation module which will be suitable for online platforms such as Zoom.

Question 3

We have a plan to deliver the Foundation Module online, can we do it now?"

Accepted Answer

No. The connexion need to make adjustments to the current material to ensure that it is accessible to all, and that the training delivery is consistent.
We also need to nake sure that all trainers have the support they need in order to adapt to this new learning forum. If your circuit would like to pilot the online training, please contact Becky or Martha.

Question 4

As a circuit we do not feel it is appropriate to deliver online training; what should we do?

Accepted Answer

Online training is an optional additional resource to enable circuits to deliver training. The District encourages those who are able to access online learning to do so. For circuits that do not want to offer online training, it is important that they work closely with the District to review what is needed to ensure face-to-face training can take place safely, and is kept under review.

Question 5

Some of our churches are now open for socially distanced worship; can we start delivering face-to-face-training again?

Accepted Answer

No. The current format for training uses discussion groups which we cannot facilitate under the current restrictions. This should be kept under review, and the District will be able to provide guidance on when face-to-face training can resume.

Question 6

Who will pay for the Zoom licence for Foundation Module training?

Accepted Answer

Circuits will need to purchase a licence for the Online Foundation Module training.

Question 7

How do we ensure appropriate pastoral support during Online Foundation module training?

Accepted Answer

There is clear recognition of the need to be pastorally sensitive during training, and the potential for the material to trigger traumatic memories and experiences. Part of the remit of the working group will be to look at how this need can be met when training is being delivered online.

Question 8

What happens with the timescale if we are unable to deliver the training and/or people are unable to commit or fit in with the dates?

Accepted Answer

The intention behind the training extension and the offer of online training, is in recognition of the challenges circuits are experiencing. Circuits are asked to work with the District by submitting their training records by Tuesday 01 September, to enable the District to make informed decisions

Question 9

Is there a maximum number of people per session we can train online?

Accepted Answer

Once the courses are available there will be guidance in relation to the number of people permitted per session.

Question 10

How frequently doe smy circuit need to forward training records to the District?

Accepted Answer

Every 6 months. You will be sent a reminder notification one month in advance. Records will be reviewed as part of the safeguarding audit process.

Question 11

What is the revised timescale for completion of safeguarding training?

Accepted Answer

The timescale for completion of training is as follows:
Safeguarding training to be refreshed every 4 years (at the appropriate level)
Local Preachers and Worship Leaders are to complete the Advanced training by August 2021 
All those in appropriate roles to have completed safeguarding training within 6 months of starting in role 
All those who have had their training expire during during Covid-19 will need to complete the appropriate refresher level within 3 months of the District returning to face-to-face training

Question 12

Did the Safeguarding Committee agree to the current Foundation Module being delivered online?

Accepted Answer

No, the Safeguarding Committee agreed to the development of a modified online Foundation module which will be suitable for online platforms such as Zoom.

Question 13

We have a plan to deliver the Foundation Module online, can we do it now?"

Accepted Answer

No. The connexion need to make adjustments to the current material to ensure that it is accessible to all, and that the training delivery is consistent.
We also need to nake sure that all trainers have the support they need in order to adapt to this new learning forum. If your circuit would like to pilot the online training, please contact Becky or Martha.

Question 14

As a circuit we do not feel it is appropriate to deliver online training; what should we do?

Accepted Answer

Online training is an optional additional resource to enable circuits to deliver training. The District encourages those who are able to access online learning to do so. For circuits that do not want to offer online training, it is important that they work closely with the District to review what is needed to ensure face-to-face training can take place safely, and is kept under review.

Question 15

Some of our churches are now open for socially distanced worship; can we start delivering face-to-face-training again?

Accepted Answer

No. The current format for training uses discussion groups which we cannot facilitate under the current restrictions. This should be kept under review, and the District will be able to provide guidance on when face-to-face training can resume.

Question 16

Who will pay for the Zoom licence for Foundation Module training?

Accepted Answer

Circuits will need to purchase a licence for the Online Foundation Module training.

Question 17

How do we ensure appropriate pastoral support during Online Foundation module training?

Accepted Answer

There is clear recognition of the need to be pastorally sensitive during training, and the potential for the material to trigger traumatic memories and experiences. Part of the remit of the working group will be to look at how this need can be met when training is being delivered online.

Question 18

What happens with the timescale if we are unable to deliver the training and/or people are unable to commit or fit in with the dates?

Accepted Answer

The intention behind the training extension and the offer of online training, is in recognition of the challenges circuits are experiencing. Circuits are asked to work with the District by submitting their training records by Tuesday 01 September, to enable the District to make informed decisions

Question 19

Is there a maximum number of people per session we can train online?

Accepted Answer

Once the courses are available there will be guidance in relation to the number of people permitted per session.

Question 20

How frequently doe smy circuit need to forward training records to the District?

Accepted Answer

Every 6 months. You will be sent a reminder notification one month in advance. Records will be reviewed as part of the safeguarding audit process.

Question 21

On the 8th August face coverings became mandatory in places of worship. Can you clarify what his means for our churches?

Accepted Answer

When the guidance says something must be done, that means it’s enshrined in law. When something is said that it should be done, it means that is actually very strong guidance and you would need a really good reason not to do it and the guidance (1) says that face coverings it must be worn in places of worship.
Having said that there are exemptions and these include a minister delivering a sermon or someone assisting a minister in delivering something, although not when they are standing over consumables (the government’s catch all language for the elements of communion).
The guidance relating to face coverings very specifically refers to the other national guidance (2) for wearing face coverings where there is a long list of exemptions of people who do not need and should not be required to wear a face covering: children under the age of 11, never children under the age of three.
There are a range of things including people who are assisting people who are lip reading, people who may experience some form of psychological or physical distress by wearing something over their face; and it’s not our job to ask them what they experienced that means they cannot wear a mask.
There’s clarity in the national guidance (2) that says we should be considerate of people’s reasoning for not wearing a face covering, even though it says it is a legal requirement in the places of worship guidance.

Question 22

Should we do temperature checks?

Accepted Answer

There is no guidance that these are to be used outside of very specific places i.e. hospital settings and security settings (possibly). For the general workplace, places of worship, shops, pubs, these kinds of places; temperature checks are not advised for a few reasons:
Mostly they are not accurate, they only give a skin temperature not an internal temperature.
The devices on sale now are designed for building surveys, taking the temperature of an oven or for industrial uses or DIY purposes. They are not clinical grade tools for diagnoses. (The guidance for schools and early years’ settings when they first came out was don’t take temperatures because they are not reliable and it sets a difficult conversation up that you don’t need to be having).
More recently the Medicines and Healthcare Regulatory Body has suggested to be very cautious unless you have a clinical grade thermometer for this. Outside of specific healthcare settings there is little evidence as to its efficacy. (5)
There is nothing in the Connexional guidance that says that temperatures need to be checked. As Trustees it will all come down to the risk assessment.

Question 23

I am concerned about having to turn people away from church if we were to do temperature checks or if they did not wear a face mask. How should we deal with this?

Accepted Answer

We would hope that we would all work with dignity and respect when it comes to supporting people and their wellbeing; and we shouldn’t have to ask people to treat others with care and kindness.
A suggestion may be to use signs reminding people that there are reasons that others may not be able to wear a face mask and reminding everyone to treat others with kindness might be a good way forward.
The Govt has produced a resource to show that individuals are exempt (similar to ‘baby on board badges’. (6)

Question 24

How can you tell whether somebody is just deciding they don’t want to wear a mask or if they do have a clinical reason?

Accepted Answer

There is no way of telling if people genuinely cannot wear a face mask or if they are just being obstructive. What we have to remember is that face coverings are one tiny element and not the most effective element in infection control.
Bigger issues are not reminding people to wash their hands and not reminding people to social distance; and if you find people starting to sing or pass the peace or wanting to hug because they haven’t seen people for a long time. These are the bigger issues in infection control than one person choosing to wear a mask or not.
We work in a broad range of guidelines and cannot tell people what to do. Rather, church trustees must make the right decisions for their context but stick to guidance.

Question 25

Are visors acceptable or should we be using face masks?

Accepted Answer

Visors are classed as PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) whereas face coverings are not PPE (they are not clinically graded). Visors are required in Aerosol Generating Procedures (i.e. when a dentist uses a high speed drill). If someone works in an environment where they are likely to be spat at (certain areas of criminal justice has seen people wearing visors). National guidance (2) appears to be in place only for people providing Close Contact Services (tattooists, nail bars and hairdressers).
What has happened is that because visors are more comfortable to wear over a long period of time, people have adopted them as cough guards, almost a travelling version of the Perspex screens that have been put up in supermarkets or banks.
There is little clinical evidence they are going to help you unless you are in one of those close contact situations. Nurseries and childcare settings are advised not to wear masks and not to wear visors but individual risk assessments are important and people can make their own assessments.
Visors are sometimes used instead of a plexi-glass screen when someone is singing. You’ll be aware from the places of worship guidance (13) that an individual can sing (usually a professional) can sing in an act of worship if (according to the guidance) it is behind a plexi-glass screen. Some people have used visors instead of the plexi-glass in this type of situation but you’ve still got to be a fair distance away and a visor does not mean you can get within 2 metres.
Visors are popular but there is no real clinical evidence that they are going to help in our context, apart from if someone is lip reading. Visors are a good nod to people who are looking to protect themselves and others if they are lip reading but are not common in childcare settings.
Guidance for places of worship (13) refers to face coverings quite specifically because they do different things. Visors are often not fitted properly and don’t prevent breath or the droplets from coming down.
It’s not a step that is required, unless for those who don’t feel they can’t wear a mask but can wear a visor so it becomes an option.

Question 26

How do you get the virus?

Accepted Answer

The only way for the virus to get into your body is via droplets and contact, so if someone coughs or sneezes directly within 2m of you there’s potential to contract the virus. Also if you touch a surface droplets have landed on, there’s a potential but the virus cannot be absorbed through the skin.
If it’s on your hands and you don’t wash your hands and the next thing you touch is adjusting the visor and it’s close to your eyes, your nose or your mouth, then you’re going to introduce it to your body. So the more you wear something around your face (and if you’re not used to wearing something around your face) the more you’ll end up touching your face.

Question 27

Currently there doesn’t seem to be any government advice around washing face masks?

Accepted Answer

There is some guidance in the guidance for face coverings (3). It refers to storing and washing them in a particular way, discard them if they are single use; store them in a polythene bag to wash them if multiple use and wash on a regular basis.
There has been a rise in pleurisy admissions to hospital for people who have worn face coverings for up to 12 hours a day – taking them off to drink, smoke and talk to people. They have then put them down and so they get dirty and then have put them back on again, and wear them the next day which has seen a rise in the number of infections which is an issue.

Question 28

Now we have to wear masks in church can we now sing?

Accepted Answer

The short answer is no.
This is partly because singing pushes out the droplets with greater force. The issue becomes if people who are not wearing face masks then also choose to join in the singing. There is work being done by Public Health England and choristers to assess what is transferred during singing. We might see some changes in the guidance as the research tells us with greater clarity just how far droplets travel when people are doing different types of singing.
There are a range of issues with this but the guidance (1) at the moment is clear in that singing, shouting, chanting of any type is not permitted at the moment in a choral or group fashion.

Question 29

Will leaving a 72 hour gap remove the need to do extra cleaning?

Accepted Answer

72 hours is the length of time we know the virus can last for on certain surfaces and still remain active. After that it is so diminished that it is very very unlikely to still be active. The 72 hours gives you the ability to be able to say that the virus should not be alive at this point. So if you are meeting your normal cleaning regime and no one is going to be using the building for maybe 3 or 4 days then in terms of Covid you don’t need to put anything extra special in place.
There is guidance on cleaning non-healthcare settings (7). There is not just Covid to factor into cleaning regimes, also think about Legionnaires and other things like that.
From a property perspective we need to ensure we are providing places that are safe and we have done the most that we can do. So if we have the capacity to clean after people have left then we should do so. Property support stays in line with government guidance and we must stay on the right side of the law.

Question 30

Can we now move to 1m + distancing since the implementation of face masks?

Accepted Answer

Yes, (technically) if other precautions taken but ideally you should stick to 2m unless you really really have to. This is largely because the large droplets which contain Covid fall to the ground within 1m. One and a half metres becomes a problem if people aren’t wearing masks properly or at all.
If it means that you can only fit 20 people into a service rather than 25, then so be it, particularly as most of us are working with those in the clinically vulnerable group. Multi use buildings and over 70s do not mix (2). Don’t let one bit of supposed PPE change your thinking about everything else.
The biggest and most important things are still distance, handwashing and not touching your face.

Question 31

We have a significant number of rooms which are let to community groups normally, the government guidance states there is no requirement to use face masks in such rooms which are wholly separate to the worship area?"

Accepted Answer

For multi-use sites, the individual organisations must be aware of what the legislation says concerning what they are doing (i.e. nurseries need to know what is required for their setting). This should all be brought up in the risk assessment – that is if there is overlap between what they do and what you do. Each organisation is answerable to the guidelines for their own perspective.

Question 32

Are we allowed to use hand driers or not?

Accepted Answer

The best and most effective method for minimising infection is to use paper towels and a bin (foot pedal to avoid people having to touch it), with a bin liner that can be bundled up and disposed of.
Some hand driers are less likely to spread virus than others. The powerful ones that spray up into your face are not advised.
Fabric towels that everyone can use are an absolute no no.
Connexional guidance (14) does state that you can use hand dryers but does not refer to which type of hand dryer; and only states that they should be wiped down regularly.
Please remember that after washing, hands are only clean once they are dry. If using alcohol sanitiser your hands must be properly air-dried before touching anything.

Question 33

Does the panel have any ideas or guidance regarding the celebration of Holy Communion in our churches?

Accepted Answer

Full guidance regarding Holy Communion can be found here:
Guide for Holy Communion(18)

Question 34

We have mentioned signing but what about reciting the Lord’s Prayer or the Creed?

Accepted Answer

Guidance (2) reads as follows:
‘Except for the limited circumstances outlined above, people should avoid singing, shouting, raising voices and/or playing music at a volume that makes normal conversation difficult or that may encourage shouting. This is because of the potential for increased risk of transmission from aerosol and droplets. Therefore, spoken responses during worship should also not be in a raised voice.
Activities such as singing, chanting, shouting and/or playing of instruments that are blown into should be specifically avoided in worship or devotions. This is because there is a possible additional risk of transmission in environments where individuals are singing or chanting as a group, and this applies even if social distancing is being observed or face coverings are used.’

Question 35

If we aren’t using the church can other organisations (worship groups etc) use it?

Accepted Answer

When you do the risk assessment it should assess whether there is any contact between the two groups (which there shouldn’t be) so you’re using separate entrances and exits and using separate facilities so that the transmission risk is low. The assessment should show no contact between the two; that you are able to do social distancing, and all the concerns are looked into so everyone is kept safe.
Some churches have had nurseries using their buildings for some time because they were early years settings (and allowed to open earlier than churches).
Please refer to the section entitled Guide for Other Property Users via the following link: https://www.methodist.org.uk/for-churches/property/coronavirus-guidance-for-property/

Question 36

What can you tell us about attendance to church and the over 70s?

Accepted Answer

Guidance (2) reads as follows:
‘Certain groups of people may be at increased risk of severe disease from COVID-19, including people who are aged 70 or older, regardless of medical conditions. Individuals who fall within this group are advised to stay at home as much as possible and, if they do go out, to take particular care to minimise contact with others outside of their household. You should consider informing these groups in particular of the symptoms of COVID-19 and current stay alert and social distancing guidance.’
We are in contact with very vulnerable people, they may not think they are but people who catch Covid and are over 80 are 70 times more likely to die of Covid than people under the age of 40 (9).
So we are looking the biggest imbalance of people’s experiences of Covid. We are also seeing evidence of people having long term effects of Covid; so people recovering and having long term effects in other parts of their body i.e. kidneys.

Question 37

Can churches open if they are able to find someone leading worship?

Accepted Answer

The decision about a particular church meeting for worship or bible studies is up to the local trustees and must be done in conjunction with a risk assessment to qualify if it is safe to do so. If a circuit meeting has said that none of their churches are going to open until a particular date then that would overrule the local trustees.
Local trustees cannot force the Superintendent to provide preachers if they say that most preachers are in the at risk category. Therefore if you are going to meet it needs to be locally organised worship.
You must complete your risk assessment to establish if it is safe enough to do so and as long as all the provisions are in place.

Question 38

Should over 70s not be attending service?

Accepted Answer

The guidance for reopening places of worship (2) has a specific line in it about the over 70s and that there should be very clear thinking about whether or not they should be returning to the worship environment because although there have been changes in the national arrangements for shielding, it’s important to recognise that the guidance specifically talks about people who are over 70 being particularly vulnerable and a recognition that many faith communities do a lot of work with older members of the community.

Question 39

What about children attending church?

Accepted Answer

All the evidence would suggest that children are not super spreaders of this disease but the evidence is based on the dataset of who has tested positive; and very few under 19s proportionately, have tested positive for this disease.
You must also recognise that for a long time you couldn’t get tested if you were under 11 so the length of time adults have been tested is longer than the time that children have been tested.
There’s a lot of work going on in schools to clarify this but it would seem, at the moment, that the biggest group of people who are impacted by this disease are older. And this is not always based on what other conditions you might also have. You could be an incredibly fit 75 or 80 year old and it hits you differently to someone who is a bit younger.

Question 40

Do we need to see risk assessments from other users of our premises?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We need to have a risk assessment for a whole building and where there are interactions. They should have a risk assessment to satisfy you that they are operating safely.

Question 41

When we reopen how long can we stay in for service?

Accepted Answer

Methodist Church guidance (13) encourages worship to last for between 30 – 45 minutes and that there be no informal gathering afterwards for tea and coffee or anything else.

Question 42

Can we use audio instead of singing?

Accepted Answer

Yes, it’s possible to have video or audio of someone singing but you need to ensure that other people don’t join in with that and the congregation understand that they are just listening to it or watching it.
A suggestion might be to treat a hymn as a reading and so have someone read the words of the hymn but not have any music; so that is one way of including our hymnody but without singing.

Question 43

Can you clarify the District’s stance on when churches can reopen?

Accepted Answer

The District recommended that churches did not feel under any pressure to reopen once the government guidance changed on 04 July; but we did not say that no church could reopen until September.
The District’s position is that a number of things need to happen first i.e. risk assessment in place and to ensure that the church council has made that decision.

Question 44

By local trustees do we mean that it is church or circuit trustees that decide upon reopening?

Accepted Answer

It is the church council (local trusteeship) that is responsible for deciding how the building is used.

Question 45

Is the number of people allowed in a service dependent on the size of the building or is it limited to 30 people?

Accepted Answer

Government guidance (2) states life cycle events (weddings and funerals etc) allow a maximum of 30. There was never a stipulation in regards to the number of people in an act of worship, it was more to do with the capacity of the building. The guidance (15 and 16) on weddings and funerals is changing all the time and so we need to keep an eye on that.
Please remember that it is not only when you are in the building that you have responsibility. There is a section in the national guidance which talks about protective security (7). You are also responsible for the groups of people waiting outside and how they get into the building before they can wash their hands. If you are on a high street you will also need to consider, as part of your risk assessment, how people can keep 2m apart.
Some churches are using a booking system which will help with planning and assessing numbers.

Question 46

Is it possible for church councils to meet (electronically) without giving the usual 14 days notice?

Accepted Answer

During Covid-19 you can have a church council meeting within a week – Elizabeth Ovey

Question 47

Is there an issue with using blower radiators in the church buildings?

Accepted Answer

The current guidance states:
‘If there are ceiling fans, air conditioning systems or heating systems which blow air, the current advice states that the need for an adequate supply of fresh air through natural or mechanical ventilation has not changed and that improving ventilation may help reduce the risk. Please refer to please refer to HSE’s Guidance on Ventilation or the CIBSE Covid-19 Ventilation Guidance.’ (13)
We expect there to be updated government guidelines closer to the time that will address heating systems during autumn and winter.

Question 48

How do we clean in between users?

Accepted Answer

Good practice includes closing the toilet lid before you flush, because there is some evidence to suggest that flushing can create an aerosol of fluid. There is a section on toilets in the national guidance for places of worship (2).
There is also cleaning guidance in cleaning in non-healthcare settings (7). If we wash our hands properly and don’t touch our face, the chances of this virus getting into us is really really low.

Question 49

Having submitted a risk assessment, should we expect a response or feedback, from District?"

Accepted Answer

Not necessarily. We are asking for copies to be sent to Kathleen and she or a Chair will get in touch if your RA raises any concerns, but we are not signing them off at the District. That is a local decision for the Church Council.

Question 50

Can the church hall be let out for events e.g. birthday party, charity events while adhering to social distancing?"

Accepted Answer

No. Government guidelines state: '
It remains the case that you should not:
socialise indoors in groups of more than two households (anyone in your support bubble counts as one household) – this includes when dining out or going to the pub
interact socially with anyone outside the group you are attending a place with, even if you see other people you know, for example, in a restaurant, community centre or place of worship
hold or attend celebrations (such as parties) where it is difficult to maintain social distancing and avoid close social interaction – even if they are organised by businesses and venues that are taking steps to follow COVID-19 Secure guidelines (17)

Question 51

Representative Synod - September 2022

Accepted Answer

Synod Summary and presentations can be accessed below:

Question 52

Representative Autumn Synod - 18 September 2021

Accepted Answer

Please click here to read the Synod Notes

Question 53

Representative Spring Synod - 17 April 2021

Accepted Answer

Please click here to access the Synod Notes

Question 54

Representative Autumn Synod - 19 September 2020

Accepted Answer

Please click the link below for full details:
 
Synod Summarised - Representative Synod (Sept 2020)

Question 55

Representative Spring Synod - 25 April 2020

Accepted Answer

Please note that this Synod was cancelled due to Covid-19. Essential business was conducted remotely to cover the following: 
Clapham & Lambeth Circuit merger
Bandon Hill Methodist Church – discontinuing public service
Re-invitation of Revd Nigel Cowgill
All resolutions were passed.

Question 56

Representative Autumn Synod - 14 September 2019 - 'Journeying Together in Love, Faith and Joy.'"

Accepted Answer

Available to download / view:
 
Notes of Synod Proceedings (.pdf)
Synod Round Up

Question 57

Representative Spring Synod (06 April 2019) - 'Evangelism'

Accepted Answer

Available to download:
 
Notes of Synod Proceedings (.pdf)

Question 58

Representative Autumn Synod (15 September 2018) - 'Our Calling'

Accepted Answer

Available to download:
 
Secretary's Minutes (.pdf)
Synod Business Session Digest (.pdf)
Keynote Address by Revd Dr Jonathan Hustler 'Our Calling' (.pdf)
Keynote Address by Revd Dr Jonathan Hustler 'Our Calling' (.ppt)

Question 59

Can you confirm if we, as a church, should have sight of the safeguarding policies for external organisations using our premises? Should we ask they be displayed during their time with us?"

Accepted Answer

External organisations either need to comply with our policy (which we would share with them as a matter of course), or they may have their own, which needs to be of an equivalent standard and we would require a copy of that. Similar to us, they would have to have their policy easily accessible for all and ideally on display.

Question 60

Someone has come to the church and says they have a safeguarding contract from another church / Circuit / District / denomination, what should I do?"

Accepted Answer

If you are the Church/Circuit Safeguarding Officer, you should contact the DSO. If you are not one of these people, you should inform one of these people immediately.
The DSO will provide guidance on any immediate action required. The DSO will also contact relevant authorities to receive disclosure under information sharing protocols. If the subject of the contract comes from another District or denomination, the DSO will liaise with the relevant parties to receive disclosure under information sharing protocols.
Further information can be found from p.53 of the Methodist Church Safeguarding Policy.

Question 61

What happens during a District Risk Assessment for an individual who may pose a risk?

Accepted Answer

The DSO will contact relevant authorities to receive disclosure under information sharing protocols; they will also liaise with other Districts or denominations if applicable. The DSO will hold a meeting with the person who may pose a risk to seek an account from them of their previous/current history. The DSO may, where applicable, speak to the relevant victim, survivor or witnesses. Through collating and assessing gathered information, the DSO will be able to establish the terms for a Safeguarding Contract. A Monitoring and Support Group will need to be convened.
Throughout the process, the DSO will work in conjunction with the Minister, Superintendent and/or Church/Circuit Safeguarding Officers where appropriate.
Further information can be found from p.53 of the Methodist Church Safeguarding Policy.

Question 62

Someone says they are on Probation / being monitored by a Probation Officer / Jigsaw / the police, what do I do?"

Accepted Answer

If you are the Church/Circuit Safeguarding Officer, you should contact the DSO. If you are not one of these people, you should inform one of these people immediately.
The DSO will provide guidance on any immediate action required. The DSO will conduct a risk assessment, liaising with the Church/Circuit Safeguarding Officer and/or Minister/Superintendent where appropriate. The DSO will contact appropriate authorities such as Police, Social Services, LADO, and Probation, to receive disclosure under information sharing protocols. The DSO will provide further information and guidance.
Further information can be found from p.53 of the Methodist Church Safegarding Policy.

Question 63

Someone has come to church and says they recently been released from prison, what do I do?"

Accepted Answer

If you are the Church/Circuit Safeguarding Officer, you should contact the DSO. If you are not one of these people, you should inform one of these people immediately.
The DSO will provide guidance on any immediate action required. The DSO will conduct a risk assessment, liaising with the Church/Circuit Safeguarding Officer and/or Minister/Superintendent where appropriate. The DSO will contact appropriate authorities such as Police, Social Services, LADO, and Probation, to receive disclosure under information sharing protocols. The DSO will provide further information and guidance.

Question 64

Our Circuit does not really wish to run online training and are considering waiting to be able to run face to face training again, is this OK?"

Accepted Answer

The District does not anticipate face-to-face training being available until at least Easter 2021. With this in mind and the increasing backlog of people that require training, the District urges all Circuits to consider utilising the online Foundation Module; although this is not a mandatory requirement.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the revised timescale for completion of safeguarding training?

Did the Safeguarding Committee agree to the current Foundation Module being delivered online?

We have a plan to deliver the Foundation Module online, can we do it now?"

As a circuit we do not feel it is appropriate to deliver online training; what should we do?

Some of our churches are now open for socially distanced worship; can we start delivering face-to-face-training again?

Who will pay for the Zoom licence for Foundation Module training?

How do we ensure appropriate pastoral support during Online Foundation module training?

What happens with the timescale if we are unable to deliver the training and/or people are unable to commit or fit in with the dates?

Is there a maximum number of people per session we can train online?

How frequently doe smy circuit need to forward training records to the District?

What is the revised timescale for completion of safeguarding training?

Did the Safeguarding Committee agree to the current Foundation Module being delivered online?

We have a plan to deliver the Foundation Module online, can we do it now?"

As a circuit we do not feel it is appropriate to deliver online training; what should we do?

Some of our churches are now open for socially distanced worship; can we start delivering face-to-face-training again?

Who will pay for the Zoom licence for Foundation Module training?

How do we ensure appropriate pastoral support during Online Foundation module training?

What happens with the timescale if we are unable to deliver the training and/or people are unable to commit or fit in with the dates?

Is there a maximum number of people per session we can train online?

How frequently doe smy circuit need to forward training records to the District?

On the 8th August face coverings became mandatory in places of worship. Can you clarify what his means for our churches?

Should we do temperature checks?

I am concerned about having to turn people away from church if we were to do temperature checks or if they did not wear a face mask. How should we deal with this?

How can you tell whether somebody is just deciding they don’t want to wear a mask or if they do have a clinical reason?

Are visors acceptable or should we be using face masks?

How do you get the virus?

Currently there doesn’t seem to be any government advice around washing face masks?

Now we have to wear masks in church can we now sing?

Will leaving a 72 hour gap remove the need to do extra cleaning?

Can we now move to 1m + distancing since the implementation of face masks?

We have a significant number of rooms which are let to community groups normally, the government guidance states there is no requirement to use face masks in such rooms which are wholly separate to the worship area?"

Are we allowed to use hand driers or not?

Does the panel have any ideas or guidance regarding the celebration of Holy Communion in our churches?

We have mentioned signing but what about reciting the Lord’s Prayer or the Creed?

If we aren’t using the church can other organisations (worship groups etc) use it?

What can you tell us about attendance to church and the over 70s?

Can churches open if they are able to find someone leading worship?

Should over 70s not be attending service?

What about children attending church?

Do we need to see risk assessments from other users of our premises?

When we reopen how long can we stay in for service?

Can we use audio instead of singing?

Can you clarify the District’s stance on when churches can reopen?

By local trustees do we mean that it is church or circuit trustees that decide upon reopening?

Is the number of people allowed in a service dependent on the size of the building or is it limited to 30 people?

Is it possible for church councils to meet (electronically) without giving the usual 14 days notice?

Is there an issue with using blower radiators in the church buildings?

How do we clean in between users?

Having submitted a risk assessment, should we expect a response or feedback, from District?"

Can the church hall be let out for events e.g. birthday party, charity events while adhering to social distancing?"

Representative Synod - September 2022

Representative Autumn Synod - 18 September 2021

Representative Spring Synod - 17 April 2021

Representative Autumn Synod - 19 September 2020

Representative Spring Synod - 25 April 2020

Representative Autumn Synod - 14 September 2019 - 'Journeying Together in Love, Faith and Joy.'"

Representative Spring Synod (06 April 2019) - 'Evangelism'

Representative Autumn Synod (15 September 2018) - 'Our Calling'

Can you confirm if we, as a church, should have sight of the safeguarding policies for external organisations using our premises? Should we ask they be displayed during their time with us?"

Someone has come to the church and says they have a safeguarding contract from another church / Circuit / District / denomination, what should I do?"

What happens during a District Risk Assessment for an individual who may pose a risk?

Someone says they are on Probation / being monitored by a Probation Officer / Jigsaw / the police, what do I do?"

Someone has come to church and says they recently been released from prison, what do I do?"

Our Circuit does not really wish to run online training and are considering waiting to be able to run face to face training again, is this OK?"

What is the revised timescale for completion of safeguarding training?

Did the Safeguarding Committee agree to the current Foundation Module being delivered online?

Do we have a current list of roles in a Methodist Church where a DBS would be required?