Safeguarding Policy

The Methodist Church is committed to :

● The creation of a safe environment and culture where all are welcome and everyone feels able to speak out about safeguarding concerns
● Pastoral care for victims and survivors of abuse, and other people who have been affected by safeguarding issues
●A prompt and appropriate response to every safeguarding concern or allegation regardless of status or circumstance
● Carry out risk assessments and put safeguarding measures in place where individuals may present a risk
●Pastoral care for those who are the subject of concerns or allegations 

●Safe recruitment of all those who have responsibility for children and adults who may be vulnerable
●The promotion of good safeguarding practice through effective training, guidance, policy and procedures  Safeguarding Policy Statement The Methodist Church values every human being as part of
God’s creation. Everyone has the right to fair treatment and protection from harm.

Safeguarding is Everyone’s Responsibility

 

Code of Safer Working Practices with Children

Church officers will respect all children, young people and adults and promote their well-being. You should dress appropriately when working with children and not wear anything revealing or that is not practical for carrying out the tasks as part of your role. There may be occasions when children give you gifts. It is polite to accept a gift but your group leader should be informed. If you receive any gift of significant value, e.g. more than £15.00, you should talk with your group leader about whether it is appropriate to accept it. As a general rule, expensive gifts should not be accepted. The Church will create and maintain environments that:

• are safer for all

• promote well-being

• prevent abuse

• create nurturing, caring conditions within the Church for children, young people and adults.

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Code of Safer Working Practices with Vulnerable Adults You should: 

• Treat all adults with respect and dignity 

• Ensure that your own language, tone of voice, and body language are respectful 

• Record any incidents of concern and give the information to your group leader, sign and date the record Share concerns about an adult or the behaviour of another worker with your group leader and/or safeguarding officer.

 

You should not: 

• Invade the privacy of an adult who is washing and toileting 

• Use any form of physical punishment or restraint (apart from car seat belts) 

• Be sexually suggestive about or to an adult, or scapegoat, ridicule or reject an adult or group permit abusive peer activities (e.g. initiation ceremonies, ridiculing or bullying) 

• Show favouritism to any one adult or group 

• Allow an adult to involve you in behaviour that is overtly physical or sexual

• Allow unknown adults access to adults deemed at risk of harm (visitors should always be accompanied by a known person)

• Allow strangers to give lifts to adults in your group.

Methodist Church Safeguarding Policy- Procedure & Guidance