East Finchley

Safeguarding Policy

1. We have accepted the following wording as our policy statement:
   
   "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 of children and young people."
   
   

2. We will ensure that two or more adults supervise the activities of children and young people at all times.

3. We will display the telephone number of Child Line in suitable areas of the church.

4. We will communicate the church's agreed procedures for the protection of children and young people to all those working with them.

5. Clear roles and responsibilities will be agreed with those working with children and young people in writing.

6. We will take the opportunity of meeting regularly to review and plan the work we do with children and young people.

7. All people working with children and young people will be expected to complete such "Safeguarding" forms as may be required by the Methodist Council.

8. All new applicants who wish to work with children and young people will be required to provide at least one reference demonstrating their suitability for the work.

9. All new applicants who wish to work with children and young people will be asked to enter into an extended conversation concerning their wish to work in this area.

10. Persons offering or being invited to serve as workers with children and young people do so at the discretion of the Church Council.

11. Training in the prevention of abuse and the action to be taken if abuse occurs is available to all that want it.

12. We will seek to ensure all guidance and requirements of The Methodist Church apply to the work with children and young people at all times, and as may change from time to time.

For more details of the policy of The Methodist Church relating to the safeguarding of children and young people, please refer to the Safe Guarding Booklet, a copy of which is kept in the vestry.

We have also adopted the Methodist Church guidelines regarding Safeguarding and the Internet.