This policy was agreed at the Hull (East) Methodist Circuit Meeting held on  March 2011
It will be reviewed annually

The Methodist Church, along with the whole Christian community, is charged to love and care for all people everywhere and in particular for the most vulnerable members of society.  Whilst not denying the needs of others, this policy addressed the safeguarding of children and young people.  It is intended to be a dynamic policy.  Children and young people have particular needs that can be met by the Church if its members respond to the call to be Christ’s people, loving in his way.  This means living in today’s world amongst its problems and challenges recognising that some of these will be challenges for the Church itself.  This policy is designed to support the Church in being a safe, supportive and caring community for children and young people, for survivors of abuse, for communities and for those affected by abuse

The Hull (East) Methodist Circuit fully agrees with the Connexional Statement reiterated in ‘Creating safer Space’ (2007)

‘As the people of the Methodist Church we are concerned with the wholeness of each individual within God’s purpose for everyone.  We seek to safeguard all members of the church community of all ages.  It is the responsibility of each one of us to prevent the physical sexual or emotional abuse and neglect of children and young people’

The Hull (East) Methodist Circuit recognises the serious issue of child abuse in its various forms and the effects over long periods of time that this may have on people and on their development including their spiritual and religious development.  Moving forward from this may be a lengthy process for survivors, offenders and communities.  It accepts its responsibility for ensuring that all children and young people in its care are safe and that their welfare is promoted.  It accepts its responsibility to support, listen to and work for healing with survivors, offenders , communities and for those who care about them

The Hull (East) Methodist Circuit commits itself to respond without delay to any allegation, disclosure or cause for concern that a child or young person has been or may be harmed, whether within the Church or in any other context

The Hull (East) Methodist Circuit commits itself to the provision of support, advice and training for lay and ordained people that will ensure people are clear and confident about their roles and responsibilities in safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.


Roles and responsibilities
Superintendent

1. Ensure all churches have appropriate and up to date safeguarding policies in place

2. Support those in pastoral charge in exercising responsibility for the implementation of Safeguarding policy and practice
3. Ensure the provision of pastoral support for those involved in issues of abuse and in management of sex offenders Continued