The Methodist Church Woodford Congregation in the Forest Circuit of the LondonDistrict(35/33)
Safeguarding Children, Young People and Vulnerable Adults Policy for Woodford Methodist Church.
Agreed by the Church Council on Monday, 6th October 2022 and to be reviewed October 2023.
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.
Woodford Methodist 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.
Woodford Methodist 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
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.
Woodford Methodist 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 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.
Woodford Methodist 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, 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.
The Methodist Church
Woodford Congregation in the
Forest Circuit of the London District
(35/33)
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.
Purpose
The purpose of this safeguarding policy is to check that procedures are in place and provide clarity about
roles and responsibilities of those trusted with promoting the church as a safe space for all its users. This
policy is reviewed annually by the Church Council. The complete document Safeguarding Policy,
Procedures and Guidance for the Methodist Church can be accessed via the Methodist Church website at
methodistchurch.org.uk If you hover over safeguarding at the top. There is a link headed Policies,
Procedure and Information – click and follow ‘Policies and guidance’.
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 and those who
use the premises.
Key concepts and definitions
i) A child is anyone who has not yet reached their eighteenth birthday.
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.
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.
Original signed by Revd. Oseias da Silva Chair of Church Council
Dated 6th October 2022
Updated by the Methodist Church Safeguarding Team February 2022