Safeguarding

Westergate Methodist Church takes very seriously the care of children and vulnerable adults. It intends that church activities and the church premisses shall be places of safety for all involved. It seeks to follow the guidelines and training provided by the Methodist in this regard and adheres to the following principles:

Preamble

Every person has a value and dignity which comes directly from creation of male and

female in God’s own image and likeness. Christians see this as fulfilled by God’s recreation

of us in Christ. Among other things this implies a duty to value all people as

filled with the Holy Spirit 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

∞ the safeguarding and protection of children, young people and all adults who may be

vulnerable

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/membership of vetting and barring schemes.

We will respond without delay to every complaint made, that an 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 to anyone who has suffered abuse,

developing with them an appropriate ministry.

We will challenge any abuse of power by anyone in a position of trust.

We will care for and supervise any member of our church community known to have

offended against a child, young person or adult.