Support for Church & Circuit Safeguarding Officers

Church Safeguarding Officer's Handbook

New for 2022/23 – The Church Safeguarding Officers Handbook *still in production*

In the last Connexional year, I wrote a series of letters to Church Safeguarding Officers, explaining in detail their different tasks, as outlined in the Model Church Safeguarding Policy. The content of the letters has now been combined into one handbook.

Throughout the handbook, I refer to other policies, procedures, forms etc. These can all be found below, under the chapter headings for easy reference.

If you would like a printed copy of any of these document, please contact the District Office (admin@sheffieldmethodist.org / 0114 270 9990)

Chapter 2: Recording and Reporting Concerns

• Church Recording Policy, Procedures and Guidelines
• Church Safeguarding Concerns Form
• Case Notes template
• Responding Well Flow Chart
• Connexional Flow Chart – response to concerns about a child & Adult makes a disclosure of abuse

Chapter 3: Providing Support (Health & Safety)

• Pastoral Visitors Guidance
• Safeguarding & Pastoral Care
• Safeguarding Health & Safety Assessment Form
• Providing Church organised Transport form
• Code of Safe Working Practise with Children & Young People
• Risk Assessment for Church led Activities.

Chapter 4: Providing Support (Safer Recruitment)

• Church Safer Recruitment Policy
• Church Safeguarding Officers Guide to the Church Safer Recruitment Policy
• Volunteer Role Outline
• Lone Worker Policy for Volunteers (District created)
• Safer recruitment Spreadsheet – Word format
• Safer Recruitment Spreadsheet – Excel format

Chapter 6: Safeguarding Practise on Church Premises

• External Users of Premises Policy Checklist

Chapter 7: Promoting Safeguarding

• Model Church Safeguarding Policy
• Safeguarding Commitments & Contact Posters – English language version for Methodist Churches
• Safeguarding Commitments & Contact Posters – English language version for LEPs
• Safeguarding Publicity Links

Chapter 8: Issues with Compliance

• PART A – Annual Safeguarding Audit – for reference only
• PART B – Annual Safeguarding Audit – for reference only

If you have any questions, comments or concerns please contact me on safeuarding@sheffieldmethodist.org.uk or call 07483 362 735

Many thanks
Alison Hill
District Safeguarding Officer