Safeguarding

Working to make the Church a safer place

The aim of the Methodist Church Safeguarding policy is to create Christian communities of love and care, where good practice in this area becomes a way of life.

"There is a growing understanding that protecting children, young people and vulnerable adults is at the core of our faith. Safeguarding is about creating churches that are a safe space for everyone; a space where children can flourish and adults can live up to their potential. It is about enabling everyone to come to Jesus without stumbling blocks of abuse, ignorance, fear, compassion fatigue or the failure to recognise the experiences that so many carry within our communities."

Elizabeth Hall, Safeguarding Advisor, Methodist Church in Britain.

Into 2024, and beyond, the church will continue to develop its care through safeguarding for all who attend functions within the church or organised by the church.

We are a busy church and, because of this, more than fifty members have undertaken Methodist Safeguarding update training and a further twenty are due to do so. This is so that we can continue to safely develop our work in our building and in our presence in the community.

At present the Church Council is working to make recruitment to posts and training more robust with an even greater awareness of safer recruitment for both salaried and volunteer posts.

The policies of the Methodist Church are constantly evolving and key policy guidance can be found at:

• Policies, Procedure and Information
• Safer Recruitment Policy and Practice Guidance

The church's Safeguarding Officer is Sue Smith. If you have any safeguarding concerns you can contact her here.