Major safeguarding review to boost safety in Methodist churches

The Methodist Church is undertaking a comprehensive review ofevery safeguarding matter it has dealt with over the past sixtyyears in order to learn the lessons of the past. 

The independent Past Cases Review will see letterssent to all Methodist church leaders throughout Britain asking themto share the details of all relevant cases, dating back to 1950.Jane Stacey, former Deputy Chief Executive of Barnardo's, will actas project manager working with a small team of  independentconsultants who will read all of the responses and makerecommendations to the Church.

"As we have become increasingly aware in recent months, theChurch shares the challenge of safeguarding with the whole ofsociety," said Jane. "Our legal and cultural landscape has changeddramatically over the past fifty years and this review aims to makesure that no situations have been left where children or vulnerableadults remain at risk."

Church leaders will be asked to share all relevant material intheir responses to the Review, and to encourage others in theirchurches to do the same. The Review will begin 14 March and willroll out gradually across the Methodist districts, with a fullreport being made to the Methodist Conference in the summer of2015. The full schedule of the review can be found online here.

"The Past Cases Review is an excellent opportunity to see whatwent well, as well as allow the Church to learn from its mistakes,"added Jane. "Throughout the Review we will take great care toensure that we respect confidentiality, offering people support andadvice throughout what can be a very difficult process."

Initial findings from a pilot of the scheme indicate thatapproximately one third of cases arose when people sought help andsupport from the Church in dealing with incidents that had occurredoutside of the Church community.

Notes:

1. More information about the Past Cases Review can be found here.
2. A high-res image of Jane Stacey is available to download here.
3. Anyone who would like support through this difficult processshould contact either their District Safeguarding Coordinator(details can be found on district websites) or contact HilaryWalker and Brendan Stephens on 0207 486 5502, or via email.