Safeguarding information

The Methodist Church is committed to safeguarding as an integral part of its life and ministry. Safeguarding is about the action the Church takes to promote a safer culture. This means we will:
promote the welfare of children, young people and adults
work to prevent abuse from occurring
seek to protect and respond well to those that have been abused

Church Councils are required to ensure that those who use their premises under license (or who hire the premises for regular or occasional use) are given a copy of the local church Safeguarding Policy and declare their willingness to comply with the Safeguarding Policy of the Methodist Church or comparable equivalent guidelines and procedures (such as Scouting and Guiding national Safeguarding Policy).

Safeguarding Concerns

If you have a concern about possible abuse (including allegations):

In an emergency, respond immediately
Keep a record of what happened, your concerns and your actions
Tell your minister and / or Church / Circuit Safeguarding Officer
Further actions should follow the advice of the Safeguarding Officer and should be recorded

If a child, young person or vulnerable adult wishes to disclose they have been abused:

Listen. Keep listening. Do not question or investigate
Do not promise confidentiality; tell them we need to share this
Assure them they are not to blame
Tell them what you are going to do and that they will be told what happens
Make careful notes of what is said, record dates, times, events and when you are told
Report it to your minister and / or Church / Circuit Safeguarding Officer

Things to remember

Treat everyone with respect, setting a positive example for others
Respect personal space and privacy
Ensure another adult is present or within sight or hearing of any activity
Ensure any actions cannot be misinterpreted by someone else
Challenge unacceptable behaviour
Do not put anyone, including yourself, in a vulnerable or compromising situation
Do not have inappropriate physical or verbal contact with others
You must not keep allegations or suspected abuse secret

Please click here for a form for recording safeguarding concerns

Safeguarding Policy

It is the Methodist Church's intention to value every human being as part of God's creation and the whole people of God. At the heart of the Methodist community is a deep sense of welcome, hospitality, and openness, which demonstrates the nature of God's grace and love for all.

Every one has the right to protection from abuse and to be treated no less favourably than others, irrespective of any personal or protected characteristic.

All Safeguarding Information, advice and guidance from the Methodist Church

Please click here for the South Beds Safeguarding Policy 2025

DBS requirements for visiting preachers

Model Church Safeguarding Policy 2025

Safeguarding Referral Form

Safeguarding Training - Creating Safer Space

Anyone concerned for the welfare of others in the church is welcome to attend, and for some posts it is mandatory at either Foundation or Advanced Level. The Foundation Module is delivered in Circuit or can be undertaken online, the Advanced Module is delivered by the District.

Please click here for mandatory requirements as to which posts require which level of training and DBS checks.

Please see below for Eventbrite links for the Advanced Safeguarding Training planned for our District.

Tuesday 1st September @ 6.30pm

Click here to book via Eventbrite

Tuesday 27th October @ 2pm

Click here to book via Eventbrite

Thursday 29th October 10am – 2pm in person training Colchester circuit

Click here to book via Eventbrite

Monday 23rd November @ 6.30pm

Click here to book via Eventbrite

Useful Forms and Guidance

Click here for a list of useful forms and guidance