Some of the larger documents below have been bookmarked for easier use on a computer.
Note: A selection of Appendixes to the main policy document have been extracted for easy reference and are available below.
Safeguarding Policy, Procedures and Guidance for the Methodist Church - July 2023
Updated and bookmarked July 2023
Summary of the Safeguarding Policy of the Methodist Church - July 2023
10 page summary of the Safeguarding Policy
The revised safeguarding policy document explained (May 2023)
This document provides a general overview of the rationale for the changes to the document as well as a brief look at what is different.
Addendum-detailed documented changes to the Methodist Church Safeguarding Policy (May 2023)
This document provides a section by section summary of the changes in a table format contrasting the previous with the newly revised policy.
Safer Recruitment Policy, Procedures and Guidance - Updated January 2024
Amended January 2024 to correct pagination. Amended November 2023 to include new guidance on Confidential Declarations
PVG Guidance - The Methodist Church in Scotland-August 2021
Domestic Abuse policy and procedure 2021
Bookmarked July 2023
Safeguarding Risk Assessment Policy and Procedures
This document sets out the policy and procedures for conducting safeguarding risk assessments within the Methodist Church. This is a new policy and has been written to reflect GDPR provisions. Updated May 2018
Anti-Bullying policy-July 2023
Appendix 1 (now includes flow chart)
Procedures for safer working practice when managing children's activities July 2023
Appendix 2
Procedures for the management of safeguarding information-July 2023
Appendix 4
Model Church Safeguarding Policy - Updated July 2023
This Model Church policy template may be used and amended to suit local circumstances. Appendix 6a
Model Circuit Safeguarding Policy - Updated 25 August 2023
This model circuit policy template may be used and amended to suit local circumstances. Appendix 6b
Model District Safeguarding Policy - Updated July 2023
This model district policy template may be used and amended to suit local circumstances. Appendix 6c
Role Description for church safeguarding officer - March 2023
Appendix 7a
Role Description for Circuit Safeguarding Officer-March 2023
Appendix 7b
Safeguarding Training Attendance-July 2023
Appendix 9
Safeguarding Guidance for Local Ecumenical Partnerships (LEPs) -July 2023
Responding to character reference requests - July 2023
Appendix 5b
Model Building Risk Assessment Template
This building risk assessment form can be used to comply with the recommendation on the church safeguarding policy template for the church premises to be assessed by the Church Safeguarding Officer and the property steward annually.
Model Activity Risk Assessment Template
While the Church recognises that it is not possible to avoid all risk when working with vulnerable groups, it is possible to try and minimise those risks. This can be achieved through careful planning and preparation and by providing a written record of the thought processes and action taken.
Activity risk assessments should be undertaken before any activity takes place, approved by the event leader/minister and retained securely in case they need to be seen at a later date (e.g. as a result of an accident taking place).
Code of safer working practices when working with children and young people leaflet - Jan 2024
A leaflet outlining good practice and systems should be given to everyone who works with children, young people and vulnerable adults. This leaflet should be reviewed annually.
Code of safer working practices when working with adults leaflet - Jan 2024
A leaflet outlining good practice and systems should be given to everyone who works with children, young people and vulnerable adults. This leaflet should be reviewed annually.
Policy and guidance for working with victims and survivors- November 2023
The policy outlines the types of support we can offer to victims and survivors and what they should be able to expect from their contact with the Methodist Church
Survivors Policy - A Short guide for victims and survivors - November 2023
A supporting short guide to the document, summarising the full document, written directly for victims and survivors.
Pastoral Care Guidance August 2024
The Pastoral Care Guidance document is for pastoral visitors and covers topics such as good practice, support and keeping yourself safe, confidentiality and record keeping.
Safeguarding and Pastoral Care August 2024
This guidance is for ministers and anyone who has a leadership role in pastoral care within the Methodist Church. It includes safer recruitment and different roles which pastoral visitors may have.