Safeguarding records
Preface
This joint practice guidance is intended to support the work of Safeguarding Advisers and those working with children and adults experiencing, or at risk of abuse or neglect, where record keeping is required. It complements both churches’ approach to record keeping and addresses those special issues that relate to safeguarding. It is in response to requests by a number of Districts and Dioceses and has been developed through the Joint Safeguarding Working Group comprising Methodist and Church of England Safeguarding Advisers.
This joint practice guidance has been approved by the Methodist Church and the House of Bishops, and as such it is recommended that you follow this guidance. Failure to do so could invalidate your insurance cover.
We hope you find this useful in your practice.
Yours in Christ's fellowship,
+Paul
Bishop Paul Butler
Bishop of Durham
Liz
Revd Dr Liz Smith
Chair Leeds District
Joint chairs of the joint safeguarding group
Joint working
The Church of England and the Methodist Church of Great Britain entered into a covenant commitment in November 2003 after conversations lasting several years [*] . One of the expressions of this covenant is to develop joint safeguarding arrangements.
Methodist Church and Church of England Practice Advice Papers are approved by the Joint Safeguarding Working Group of the Methodist Church and the Church of England to assist in the development of local safeguarding arrangements. This is jointly chaired by the Bishop of Durham for the Church of England and Dr Elizabeth Smith for the Methodist Church.
Statement of safeguarding principles
The Church of England and the Methodist Church work in partnership with other Christian
Churches and other agencies in delivering safeguarding. The following statement of principles
appears at the head of each safeguarding policy:
We are committed to:
adults; The safeguarding and protection of all children, young people and all adults; The establishing of safe, caring communities which provide a loving environment where
victims of abuse can report or disclose abuse and where they can find support and best
practice that contributes to the prevention of abuse
To this end:
in line with the principles of Safer Recruitment. We will respond without delay to every complaint made, that any adult, child or young
person may have been harmed, cooperating with the police and local authority in any
investigation. We will seek to offer informed pastoral care and support to anyone who has suffered
abuse, developing with them an appropriate ministry that recognises the importance of
understanding the needs of those who have been abused, including their feelings of
alienation and/or isolation. We will seek to protect survivors of abuse from the possibility of further harm and abuse. We will seek to challenge any abuse of power, especially by anyone in a position of respect
and responsibility, where they are trusted by others. We will seek to offer pastoral care and support, including supervision, and referral to the
appropriate authorities, to any member of our church community known to have offended
against a child, young person or adult who is vulnerable.
In all these principles we will follow legislation, guidance and recognised good practice.