SAFEGUARDING

Good Safeguarding means we should all:

Recognise the concern

Respond well

Record what has been seen, heard or said

Refer to the appropriate people

There are copies of the Creating Safer Spaces mini booklet in the foyer to explain this.

If you are concerned about someone, please record what you have seen, heard or said as soon as possible afterwards.

Record the following:

  • Who was involved – key people including possible witnesses;
  • What happened – facts not opinions and use the person’s own words where possible;
  • Where it happened – location and address;
  • When it happened – date and time;
  • Whom it was referred on to – and what happened next.

It is not your role to investigate or even find out if what was said is true. Trained people do that.

Please give your report to the church or area Safeguarding representative. He or she will keep them in a secure place.

If you do not think you have been taken seriously, tell another person in the church.

PML: May 2022

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Statement of safeguarding principles at St Andrew’s Church

Every person has a value and dignity, which comes directly from the creation of humans in God’s own image and likeness. Christians see this potential as fulfilled by God’s re-creation of us in Christ. Among other things this implies a duty to value all people as bearing the image of God and therefore to protect them from harm.

Principles

We are committed to:

  • the care and nurture of, and respectful pastoral ministry with, all children, young people and adults
  • safeguarding and protecting all children, young people and adults when they are vulnerable
  • establishing safe, caring communities, which provide a loving environment where there is informed vigilance as to the dangers of abuse.

We will carefully select and train all those with any responsibility within the Church, in line with safer recruitment principles, including the use of criminal records disclosures and registration with[1] the relevant vetting and barring schemes.

We will respond without delay to every safeguarding concern, which suggests that a child, young person or adult may have been harmed, working in partnership with the police and local authority in any investigation.

We will seek to work with anyone who has suffered abuse, developing with them an appropriate ministry of informed pastoral care.

We will seek to work with anyone who has suffered abuse, developing with them an appropriate ministry of informed pastoral care.

We will seek to challenge any abuse of power, especially by anyone in a position of trust.

Working with the District Safeguarding Officer, we will support risk assessment of those whopresent asafeguarding risk within a church environment.  We will ensure appropriate pastoral care is offered and measures are taken to address identified risks including referral to statutory agencies, suspension and the use of safeguarding contracts. We will recognise and apply the restrictions to appointment laid down in Standing Order 010 of the Constitutional Practice and Discipline of the Methodist Church.

In all these principles we will follow legislation, guidance and recognised good practice.

[1] Or membership of (PVG scheme Scotland).