The London District is committed to adhering to the Safeguarding Policy as written and published by the Methodist Church in Britain. 

The District's Safeguarding Policy is designed to address the safeguarding needs within our specific geographical area. As a District we hold ourselves and our actions to account through the application of this policy. 

This document sets out the policy, procedures and guidance relating to safeguarding within the Methodist Church. The provisions outlined are informed by current legislation and accepted good practice from within the Church, statutory agencies and other community organisations with safeguarding responsibilities.

The Methodist Church Safeguarding Policy, Procedures and Guidance are reviewed on an ongoing basis by the Connexional Safeguarding Team.

This edition was published by the Methodist Church in July 2023. 

The Safer Recruitment Policy makes explicit the Church’s commitment to establishing a worshipping and serving community that welcomes and is safe for all. 

This policy sets out the necessary actions that the Church needs to implement in its recruitment and selection procedures in order to identify and deter people who are a potential risk to children or vulnerable adults. 

Safer Recruitment is more than the undertaking of Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks. It is about promoting and exercising a safe culture including the supervision and oversight of those who work with children and vulnerable adults.

This document was published by the Methodist Church in October 2022. 

This guidance has been created by the London District Office and formulated as a result of the Government’s instruction on social distancing due to Coronavirus (COVID-19) concerns and the requirement for remote working using online platforms and telecommunication.

The Methodist Church has to be creative in how we connect with our congregations, each other and those we support. One of these innovative ways is to use digital technologies. However easy and straightforward some of us may find this; it is not without its pitfalls.

This guidance will be periodically reviewed and updated to identify any ‘gaps’, address poor practices or challenges to safe engagement.

This document was revised in December 2021. 

'The Methodist Church holds that domestic abuse in all its forms is unacceptable and incompatible with the Christian faith and a Christian way of living. It is committed to being a safer space for all. This means ensuring that members of the Methodist Church have an awareness and understanding of domestic abuse, and know how to respond appropriately and effectively. When victims disclose abuse, they can expect to be listened to, taken seriously, supported and referred to local professional services, as appropriate. Local churches should receive advice and support from their Church/Circuit Safeguarding Officer and the District Safeguarding Officer. This Domestic Abuse Policy and Procedures document includes recent legislative changes, contained in the Domestic Abuse Act, England (2021)4 and legislation in other jurisdictions. It also highlights useful resources available to local churches, victims and survivors.'