South Bedfordshire Circuit

Safeguarding

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

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.


Safeguarding Concerns

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

  1. In an emergency, respond immediately.
  2. Keep a record of what happened, your concerns and your actions.
  3. Tell your minister and/or Church/Circuit Safeguarding Officer.
  4. 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:

  1. Listen. Keep listening. Do not question or investigate.
  2. Do not promise confidentiality; tell them we need to share this.
  3. Assure them they are not to blame.
  4. Tell them what you are going to do and that they will be told what happens.
  5. Make careful notes of what is said, record dates, times, events and when you are told.
  6. 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

Who to Contact

In an emergency call 999 (if you think abuse is taking place) or to report abuse:

Luton Adults' safeguarding: 01582 547730/547563 

Luton Children's safeguarding: 01582 547653 or out of hours 0300 3008123 or email mash@luton.gov.uk

Central Beds Adults' safeguarding: 0300 3008122 or out of hours 0300 3008123 or email adult.protection@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk

Central Beds Children's safeguarding: 0300 300 8585

Bucks Adults' safeguarding: 0800 137915 or out of hours 0800 999 7677 or email ascfirstresponse@buckinghamshire.gov.uk

Bucks Children's safeguarding: 01296 383962 or out of hours 0800 999 7677

Church Safeguarding Officer - contact details are in the Church Safeguarding Policy posted on the noticeboard within the church premises.

Circuit Safeguarding Officer - Debbie Mitchelmore on 07845 259896 or by email 

Circuit Safeguarding Administrator - Circuit Administrator by email

Regional Officer for Safeguarding - Pauline Jackson (Caseworker & Training) on 07508 410758 or by email

If contacting the District Safeguarding Officers with a Safeguarding Enquiry, Notification or Referral, please complete this form.

Other Support:

NSPCC has many useful resources and fact sheets concerning safeguarding children. The helpline number is 0808 800 5000

Stop it Now offers advice, support and information for those with concerns about child sexual abuse. Freephone helpline 0808 1000 900

Azalea offers support for those seeking to escape exploitation and sex trafficking.

Women's Aid offers support for female victims of domestic abuse Helpline 0808 2000 247

Mankind Initiative offers support for male victims of domestic abuse Freephone 0808 800 1170

Useful Forms and Guidance

Risk Assessment Template
Risk Assessment Templates for Christmas Activities can be found on District website
Transport Procedures
Safeguarding Guidelines for the use of Zoom
Social Media Guidelines
DBS Guidance
Safer Recruitment
The Theology of Safeguarding: God Welcomes All

Letting Property and External use of premises, including Keyholder Form


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).