Safeguarding

 

District Safeguarding Officer

Pauline Jackson
Mobile: 07508 410758
E-mail: safeguarding@behdistrict.org.uk

Safeguarding is everyone's responsibility. We are here to support and help individuals, churches and circuits in this role.  If you need any help with safeguarding matters, even if it is just a nagging doubt, there are people who are able to help. 

Each church will have a poster with details of those able to help at church, circuit, and district level, as well as telephone numbers of adult and children's services and other agencies who can offer help and advice.

If you believe someone is in immediate danger, call the Emergency Services on 999 or 101.

Policies

The Safeguarding Policy, Procedures and Guidance for the Methodist Church was updated in September 2021.

All churches and circuits are required to review their Safeguarding Policy annually.  Please check the latest Safeguarding Policy, Procedures and Guidance for the Methodist Church in Britain to ensure that your policy is as up to date as possible.  Please send a copy of all Circuit Safeguarding Policies to the District Safeguarding Officer when they are reviewed.

Referring a Safeguarding Issue to the District Safeguarding Officers

If you have an enquiry or need to seek advice from the District Safeguarding Officers in relation to a generic or non-urgent safeguarding issue or need to consult them about an allegation or safeguarding incident relating to a child or vulnerable adult in your church/circuit or in respect of a specific case or individual, you should download, complete and save the Safeguarding Enquiry, Notification and Referral Form. Then:

• email safeguarding@behdistrict.org.uk to request a password
• email a password-protected copy to safeguarding@behdistrict.org.uk

Safer Recruitment

The latest Safer Recruitment Policy includes clear guidelines on all aspects of recruitment, including DBS requirements for different roles. There are  ten steps to follow, which are laid out clearly and should help in the recruitment process.

Please remember that all DBS applications must be preceded by completion of the relevant Self-Disclosure form.

All workers, whether paid or voluntary, must have completed the appropriate forms for their role.  If you are unsure about this, please contact the District Safeguarding Officer.

Please click for Volunteer Application Form.

Safeguarding Recording Template and Activity Risk Assessment 

Please click for Safeguarding Recording Template and Activity Risk Assessment Form.

Safeguarding at Christmas - Risk Assessment Templates:

Carol service held outside
Carols by candlelight service
Christingle
Father Christmas - Santa visit
Nativity or Crib service

 

Links to Privacy Notices:

Member of Monitoring and Support Group
Subject of Monitoring and Support Group
Safeguarding Concern Privacy Notice - Contributor or Reporting Person
Safeguarding Concern Privacy Notice - Subject of Concern
Key Holder Privacy Notice
Safeguarding Training Privacy Notice

Connexional Guidelines 

Please click for The Methodist Church's connexional safeguarding information.

Training Information

Creating Safer Spaces modules

Disclosure and Barring Service

DBS Guidelines

 

Safeguarding Blog