Safeguarding Policy

Statement of safeguarding principles

Every person has a value and dignity, which comes directly from the creation of humans in God's own

image and likeness. Christians see this potential as fulfilled by God's re-creation of us in Christ.

Among other things this implies a duty to value all people as bearing the image of God and therefore

to protect them from harm.

Principles

We are committed to:

* the care and nurture of, and respectful pastoral ministry with, all children, young people

and adults safeguarding and protecting all children, young people and adults when they are vulnerable

* establishing safe, caring communities, which provide a loving environment where there is

informed vigilance as to the dangers of abuse.

We will carefully select and train all those with any responsibility within the Church, in line with safer recruitment principles, including the use of criminal records disclosures and registration with1 the relevant vetting and barring schemes.

We will respond without delay to every safeguarding concern, which suggests that a child, young

person or adult may have been harmed, working in partnership with the police and local authority in any investigation.

We will seek to work with anyone who has suffered abuse, developing with them an appropriate

ministry of informed pastoral care.

We will seek to challenge any abuse of power, especially by anyone in a position of trust.

Working with the District Safeguarding Officer, we will support risk assessment of those who present a safeguarding risk within a church environment. We will ensure appropriate pastoral care is offered and measures are taken to address identified risks including referral to statutory agencies, suspension and the use of safeguarding contracts. We will recognise and apply the restrictions to appointment laid down in Standing Order 010 of the Constitutional Practice and Discipline of the Methodist Church.

In all these principles, we will follow legislation, guidance and recognised good practice.

Or membership of (PVG scheme Scotland).

Model Church Safeguarding Policy July 2020

a) A model church policy Safeguarding Children, Young People and Vulnerable Adults Policy

For Trinity Church

This policy was adopted at Trustee's meeting held on the 7th of December 2021 and to be

formally adopted pending the AGM on the 16th of May 2022.

The Methodist Church, along with the whole Christian community, believes each person has a value

and dignity which comes directly from God's creation in God's own image and likeness. Christians see this as fulfilled by God's re-creation of us in Christ. Among other things, this implies a duty to

value all people as bearing the image of God and therefore to protect them from harm.

Trinity Church is committed to the safeguarding and protection of all children, young people

and adults and affirms that the needs of children or of people when they are vulnerable and at risk are paramount.

Trinity Church recognises that it has a particular care for all who are vulnerable whether as a result of disabilities or reduction in capacities or by their situation. It is recognised that this increased vulnerability may be temporary or permanent and may be visible or invisible, but that it does not diminish our humanity and our wish to affirm the gifts and graces of all God's people.

This policy addresses the safeguarding of children, young people and vulnerable adults. It is

intended to be a dynamic policy. It is intended to support the Church in being a safe supportive and caring community for children, young people, vulnerable adults, for survivors of abuse, for communities and for those affected by abuse.

Trinity Church fully agrees with the 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.

Trinity Church recognises the serious issue of the abuse of children and vulnerable adults and

recognises that this may take the form of physical, emotional, sexual, financial, spiritual, discriminatory, domestic or institutional abuse or neglect, abuse using social media, child sexual exploitation or human trafficking (slavery). It acknowledges the effects these may have on people and their development, including spiritual and religious development. It accepts its responsibility for.

Model Church Safeguarding Policy July 2020

ensuring that all people are safe in its care and that their dignity and right to be heard is maintained. It accepts its responsibility to support, listen to and work for healing with survivors, offenders, communities and those who care about them. It takes seriously the promotion of welfare so that each of us can reach our full potential in God's grace.

Trinity Church commits itself to:

1. RESPOND without delay to any allegation or cause for concern that a child or vulnerable

adult may have been harmed or may suffer harm, whether in the church or in another

context. It commits itself to challenge the abuse of power of anyone in a position of trust.

2. IMPLEMENT the Methodist Church Safeguarding Policy, Procedures and Guidance;

government legislation and guidance and safe practice in the circuit and in the churches.

3. PROVIDE support, advice and training for lay and ordained people to ensure that people

are clear and confident about their roles and responsibilities in safeguarding and promoting

the welfare of children and adults who may be vulnerable.

4. AFFIRM and give thanks for those who work with children and vulnerable adults and also

acknowledge the shared responsibility of all of us for safeguarding children and vulnerable

adults who are on our premises.

Church Council

It is the responsibility of each Church Council (Trustees) to appoint a Church Safeguarding

Officer(s) and there should be no gaps in this crucial provision. The safeguarding officer(s)

should be members of the Church Council (Trustees) or have the right to attend at least

annually to report on implementation of the safeguarding policy. Where an individual covers

the role in more than one location, they must be able to cover the activities identified in the

relevant role outline and be facilitated to attend meetings to report on safeguarding in each

location.

It is not appropriate for the minister in pastoral charge to hold the church safeguarding officer

role because of the potential conflict with their own responsibilities. It is acknowledged that to

avoid any disruption in safeguarding provision, it may be necessary for the minister in

pastoral charge to take responsibility for some or all of the activities temporarily while other

arrangements are made. However, this should only be for a very short period to enable the

sharing of the role with another church or the identification of an alternative person to take on

the role.

Model Church Safeguarding Policy July 2020

The role will usually be undertaken on a voluntary basis although expenses should be met.

Ultimate responsibility for safeguarding within the church lies with the Church Council (Trustees).

Trinity Church appoints Elizabeth Pike and Carole Coupe as church Safeguarding Officers for Adults and also as church Safeguarding Officers for Children and support them in their role, which is to:

*Provide support and advice to the minister and the stewards in fulfilling their roles with regard to

safeguarding.

*Ensure that a suitable, signed church safeguarding policy is displayed at all times in the

church on a safeguarding noticeboard, along with names of current safeguarding officers,

national helplines and other suitable information. This must be renewed annually.

record all safeguarding issues that are reported to the church safeguarding officers,

according to Methodist policy and procedure.

*Promote appropriate routes for reporting of concerns identify and inform those who are required to attend safeguarding training and maintain records of attendance. Work with the circuit safeguarding officer and DSO to arrange training.

*Attend training and meetings relating to the role

*Work in partnership with the lettings officer, stewards and user groups to promote good

safeguarding practice on church premises. This will include gaining written confirmation that

hirers of church premises are aware of the church safeguarding policy or are using an

appropriate policy of their (Not applicable as Trinity does not own the premises)

check that safeguarding is included as an agenda item at all Church Council meetings and

report to the Church Council annually.

*Inform all those with responsibility for recruitment, whether paid or voluntary, of their

obligation to follow safer recruitment procedures.

*Advise the circuit safeguarding officer and/or DSO of any issues with compliance with safeguarding training, policy or safer recruitment requirements and respond promptly to any request from them about audit of safeguarding activities.

a) Purpose

The purpose of the church safeguarding policy is to check that procedures are in place and

provide clarity about the roles and responsibilities of those trusted with promoting the church as a

safe space for all its users. It is to be read in conjunction with the Methodist Church Safeguarding

Policy, Procedures and Guidance (2020).

Model Church Safeguarding Policy July 2020

b) Good practice

We believe that good practice means:

i) All people are treated with respect and dignity.

ii) Those who act on behalf of the Church should not meet or work alone with a child or

vulnerable adult where the activity cannot be seen unless this is necessary for pastoral

reasons, in which case a written record will be made and kept noting date, time and place of

visit.

iii) The church premises will be assessed by the church safeguarding officer with the property

steward and/or their representatives at least annually for safety for children and vulnerable

adults and a written risk assessment report will be given annually to the Church Council

(Trustees) This will include fire safety procedures. The Church Council, (Trustees) will

consider the extent to which the premises and equipment are suitable or should be made

more suitable.

iv) Any church-organised transport of children or vulnerable adults will be checked to ensure

that the vehicle is suitable and insured and that the driver and escort (where required) are

appropriate. (See 6.10.7.1 of the Safeguarding Policies, Procedures and Guidance for the

Methodist Church). A record to be kept in the church file for each driver/car.

v) Activity risk assessments will be undertaken before any activity takes place to minimise the

risk of harm to those involved. Approval will be obtained from the event leader/minister. A

written record of the assessment will be retained securely.

vi) Promotion of safeguarding is recognised to include undertaking those tasks which enable all

God's people to reach their full potential. The Church Council (Trustees) will actively

consider the extent to which it is succeeding in this area.

These things are to safeguard those working with children, young people and those adults who may

be vulnerable.

c) Appointment and training of workers in the church

Workers will be appointed after a satisfactory DBS disclosure and following the safer recruitment

procedures of the Methodist Church. Each worker will have an identified supervisor who will meet

at regular intervals with the worker. A record of these meetings will be agreed and signed and the

record kept. Each worker will be expected to undergo Foundation Module (2020 Edition)

safeguarding training, within the first 6 months (agreed by Methodist Conference in 2011 -

Creating Safer Space Report) of appointment. The other training needs of each worker will be

considered (such as food hygiene, first aid and lifting and handling).

d) Pastoral visitors

Model Church Safeguarding Policy July 2020

Pastoral visitors will be supported in their role with the provision of Foundation Module (2020

Edition) safeguarding training upon appointment. If they are undertaking tasks for which a

DBS would be required, this will be undertaken prior to appointment.

e) Guidelines for working with children, young people and vulnerable adults

A leaflet outlining good practice and systems should be given to everyone who works with

children, young people and vulnerable adults. This leaflet will be reviewed annually2.

f) Ecumenical events

Where ecumenical events happen on church premises, safeguarding is the responsibility

of this Church Council.

g) Events with church groups off the premises

Adequate staffing, a risk assessment and notification of the event will be given to the church

safeguarding officer PRIOR to the agreement for any event or offsite activity. Notification of the

event will be given to the church secretary: Mrs J Garraway-Jones.

If the activity is unusual or considered to be high risk the church safeguarding officers will contact the circuit safeguarding officer in order that it can be ratified or any queries raised.

h) Other groups on church premises (Not applicable, see above)

Where the building is hired for outside use, the hirer signing the letting agreement

(www.tmcp.org.uk/property/letting-property-and-third-party-use) will be given a copy of that

agreement [...]. The lettings secretary will consider the various users of the building in making

lettings. All lettings will be notified to the church safeguarding officer who will keep the records and take advice as appropriate from both the DSO and circuit safeguarding officer.

i) Complaints' procedure

There is a formal complaints procedure within the Methodist Church, which allows issues to be

raised about actions or behaviour by a member or officer of the Church. In addition, employed staff will be subject to relevant contractual procedures. All complaints will be responded to with care, diligence and impartiality. The provisions of Part 11 of the Constitutional Practice and Discipline of the Methodist Church will be followed.

The Code of Safer Working Practice can be found at Appendix V of the Methodist Church Safeguarding Policies, Procedures and Guidance.

Model Church Safeguarding Policy July 2020

Revd. Dr Johnathan Pye,johnathan.pye@bristol.ac.uk or Canynge Hall, 39 Whatley Rd, Bristol,

BS8 2PS

Safeguarding officers must be informed of any complaint or issue relating to the potential abuse of children or adults who may be vulnerable. They will support prompt action to respond to the

circumstances of any safeguarding concern, whether or not any party involved wishes to make a

formal complaint through the Methodist Church.

Review

This policy will be reviewed annually by the Church Council( Trustees)

16/5/2022

j) Key concepts and definitions

i) A child is anyone who has not yet reached their eighteenth birthday. The fact that a child

has reached 16 years of age, is living independently or is in further education, a member of

the armed forces, in hospital or in custody in the secure estate, does not change their status

or entitlements to services or protection.

ii) Vulnerable adults: any adult aged 18 or over who, owing to disability, mental function, age or

illness or traumatic circumstances, may not be able to take care or protect themselves.

Next review date.

iii) Safeguarding: protecting children or vulnerable adults from maltreatment; preventing

impairment of their health and ensuring safe and effective care.

iv) Adult/child protection is a part of safeguarding and promoting welfare. This refers to the

activity, which is undertaken to protect children/specific adults who are suffering or are at

risk of suffering significant harm, including neglect.

v) Abuse and neglect may occur in a family, a community or an institution. It may be

perpetrated by a person or persons known to the child or vulnerable adult or by strangers;

by an adult or by a child. It may be an infliction of harm or a failure to prevent harm.

Signed

....XXXX.......

Model Church Safeguarding Policy July 2020

Chair of Church Council /Trustees

Gary Gotham

Dated

16/5/2022