If you want to report a safeguarding concern, contact the District Safeguarding Officer, Rosie Clements, on 07434 284633 or by email: clementsr@methodistchurch.org.uk. You can download the safeguarding concern referral form from the download section below.
Safeguarding Training Dates 2025-2026
If you have any questions or have particular needs that you would like to discuss with us so that we can help you to access the training, contact Rosie padistrictsafeguarding@methodist-nd.org.uk
T4T (TRAINING FOR TRAINERS) FOR THE FOUNDATION MODULE: Trainers have now been trained and are able to offer the Foundation Module online and face to face in circuits. If you are interested in becoming a trainer, please contact Rosie Clements via the contacts tab.
ADVANCED MODULE SAFEGUARDING TRAINING DATES 2025-2026
ONLINE SESSIONS
Bookings will close 2 weeks before the event to allow time for people to complete the Theology X elements prior to the gathered session. Once the bookings have closed, if not before, you will receive an email from Theology X, asking you to set up an account. When you have set up the account, you will be able to complete the e.learning units at your own pace. These are an essential part of the training (3-5 hours) and will need to be completed at least 2 days before the gathered session, so that we have time to confirm that you have completed the online units. A minimum number of 12/15 people will need to register for us to run each of the sessions.
FACE TO FACE SESSIONS
Bookings will close 2 days before the event. The events are being held across the District, and there are no restrictions on which of the sessions you can attend. There is some prior reading to do in preparation for the training (1-2 hours) which will be sent to you via email.
We would encourage you to book early by clicking on the “Book” link, to avoid disappointment.
Safeguarding Downloads
Hosting Zoom Conference Meetings – Best Practices and Guidance
129.77 KB
Last Modified: 7 September 2023
Consent Form for Parents & Carers: Photography and Video
33.53 KB
Last Modified: 7 September 2023
Consent Form for Young People (12 and Over): Photography and Video
27.40 KB
Last Modified: 7 September 2023
Photography Notice for Church Events (including Photographer Guidelines)
21.85 KB
Last Modified: 7 September 2023
Checklist: Safeguarding Policy of External User Groups
20.39 KB
Last Modified: 7 September 2023
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Safeguarding Bulletins
Information for Survivors of Sexual Abuse
If you are or know of anyone who is a survivor of sexual abuse, you may find the following resources on the Connexional website helpful.
To access the resources, click here.
Local resources can be found by following the relevant link.
Spotlight On (Video Series)
Episode 1
This is the first in a series of ‘Spotlight On…’ sessions led by out District Safeguarding Officer, Rosie Clements, which is particularly aimed at church and circuit safeguarding officers as a resource to support you with the completion and review of the annual church safeguarding audits. Watch out for future sessions, which will be advertised via District social media channels and circuit communications.3
Episode 2
District Safeguarding Policy
Last Updated: April 2025
Policy Statement
The Nottingham and Derby District is committed to safeguarding as an integral part of its life and ministry. Safeguarding is about the action the District takes to promote a safer culture. We affirm that safeguarding is a shared responsibility and everyone has a role to play.
This means we will:
- Promote the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults;
- Work to prevent abuse from occurring;
- Seek to protect and respond well to those that have been abused;
- Take care to identify where a person may pose a risk to others and offer support to them whilst taking steps to mitigate such risk through a risk assessment process.
We will therefore:
- Do all in our power to improve our systems to protect children, young people and adults from abuse within the life of the Church and on Church premises, and to review them diligently on a regular basis;
- Promote a safer environment and culture;
- Safely recruit, train and support all those with any responsibility related to children and vulnerable adults within the Church;
- Respond promptly to every safeguarding concern or allegation and work with the statutory authorities as necessary
- Care pastorally for victims/survivors of abuse and other affected persons;
- Respond to those who may pose a safeguarding risk to other people and support the risk assessment procedures of the Methodist Church. We will apply the restrictions to appointment laid down in Standing Order 010; and offer pastoral care to those who are subject to concerns or allegations.
The purpose of this Safeguarding Policy is to ensure that procedures are in place and people are clear about roles and responsibilities for children and vulnerable adults in our care and using our premises. It is to be read in conjunction with the Safeguarding Policies, Procedures and Guidance for the Methodist Church (July 2023) and the Nottingham and Derby District Local Church Safeguarding Policy (Recommended).
The District Executive
Has the following responsibilities;
- To audit the implementation of the policy and practice by speaking with the DSO, the DSG and the Chair of District and a sample of Circuits annually and will report to the March meeting of the District Executive;
- To make recommendations about the District Safeguarding policy based on the audit;
- To audit the implementation of the Connexional Standards & Criteria for DSGs. https://www.methodist.org.uk/media/24748/feb-2022-safeguarding_policy_procedures_and-_guidance_for_the_methodist_church_oct_2021.pdf Appendix XI, p. 195
- Ensure that regular user groups of the Rivergreen Methodist Hub have appropriate safeguarding policies and procedures in place.
Roles and Responsibilities
The District Safeguarding Officer (DSO)
The Nottingham and Derby District of the Methodist Church has appointed Rosie Clements as the District Safeguarding Officer. Contact: by email clementsr@methodistchurch.org.uk or tel: 07434 284633
In order to support all office holders and the work of the churches, Circuits and District, the DSO will:
- Provide a first point of contact for safeguarding issues – all safeguarding concerns, queries and incidents. Safeguarding concerns MUST BE REPORTED to the DSO;
- Seek advice as appropriate and respond to every issue reported according to good practice guidance, working with statutory authorities as necessary;
- Undertake safeguarding risk assessments
- Work alongside the Chair of District and the District Safeguarding Group to support the implementation of the Nottingham and Derby District Safeguarding Policy, the Connexional Standards and Criteria for DSGs and other relevant policies;
- Ensure the Chair, Superintendents and District Executive are updated on changes to safeguarding policy, procedures and guidance;
- Report annually to the District Executive. This report will include details of the statistical audit submitted to the Connexional Safeguarding Team;
- Work collaboratively with safeguarding professionals and regional and ecumenical safeguarding partners to ensure a safer church;
- Advise churches and Circuits on pastoral care for victims and survivors of abuse;
- Support churches and Circuits on implementing procedures for those who may pose a safeguarding risk of harm;
- Check appropriate pastoral care is in place for those subject to concerns or allegations.
District Safeguarding Group (DSG)
Alongside the DSO, the DSG will:
- Annually review its work as through use of the Connexional Standards and Criteria for DSGs
- Respond to requests for help, advice, information and training;
- Provide support and guidance to the DSO, including confidential advice and discussion on complex cases
- Ensure good practice is followed and that any incidents/concerns/allegations are followed up as appropriate;
- Support and oversee the implementation of Safeguarding Policy in the churches, Circuits and District;
- Promote a regular programme of Creating Safer Space Advanced Module Training and initiate programmes of awareness and good practice as the need arises;
- Ensure that the Chair, District Executive and Superintendents are updated on any changes to safeguarding policy, practice and guidance
- Organise at least one meeting annually with circuit safeguarding officers
- Organise a District Safeguarding Conference annually
District Chair
In consultation with the DSO and DSG, the District Chair will:
- Appoint an independent chair for the DSG;
- Support Ministers in their implementation of safeguarding policy;
- Ensure Superintendent Ministers are aware of their responsibilities in safeguarding through appropriate training, and the inclusion of the DSO in Superintendents’ meetings as appropriate and at least annually;
- Ensure arrangements are in place for the provision of a prompt response to all safeguarding concerns/incidents/allegations in accordance with good practice;
- Work in consultation with the DSO, the DSG and the Connexional Safeguarding Team when responding to any safeguarding concerns/incidents/allegations;
- Ensure the District Safeguarding Policy is implemented at District Meetings and events and that safeguarding is an item on the agenda of the District Executive at least three times a year;
- Ensure the Safer Recruitment Policy is followed for all District appointments;
- Ensure that the District website and social media comply with safeguarding guidance about electronic communication and the use of photographs and videos.
The District Chair (or their deputy) will attend all meetings of the DSG.
Superintendent Ministers
In order to support the implementation of safeguarding policy in the Circuits and churches, and in accordance with the District Safeguarding Policy, Superintendent Ministers in the Nottingham and Derby District will;
- Ensure that the Circuit has a Safeguarding Policy;
- Ensure DBS checks and training requirements for ministers in the circuit are up to date;
- Support colleagues, the Circuit Meeting, the Circuit Safeguarding Officer, and all office holders in good safeguarding practice including safer recruitment in the churches and Circuits, and consult with the DSO as necessary;
- Ensure safeguarding is a regular part of the conversation at Circuit staff meetings;
- Ensure all safeguarding allegations/concerns/incidents, which come to their attention, are reported to the DSO and advice from the DSO is followed;
- Work with the DSO and colleagues to care pastorally for victims and survivors of abuse;
- Support the Circuit Safeguarding Officer by conducting an annual review confirming safeguarding policies in the Circuit and churches are implemented and reviewed annually;
- Ensure Circuit projects, events and activities are planned according to safeguarding best practice.
Ministers and those in pastoral charge
To implement safeguarding policy in the churches, and in accordance with the District Safeguarding Policy, ministers and those in pastoral charge in the Nottingham and Derby District will:
- Support the Church Safeguarding Officer, office holders and Church Council in good safeguarding practice in the churches and consult with the DSO as necessary;
- Along with the Superintendent, ensure that all safeguarding allegations/concerns/incidents, which come to their notice, are reported to the DSO and that advice from the DSO is followed;
- In consultation with the DSO, care pastorally for victims and survivors of abuse;
- Ensure safeguarding policies and their effective implementation are reviewed annually;
- Ensure all work carried out in the name of the church implements safeguarding best policy and practice, including safer recruitment.
Responsibilities of the Charity Trustees for the Nottingham and Derby District
The responsibility for implementation of safeguarding policy lies with the District Trustees. It is the relevant trustee body and the Chair of District, who are responsible for ensuring:
- All workers with children, young people and adults for District events and projects are safely recruited, appointed by the District Trustees and supported in and trained for their roles;
- Allegations are responded to immediately and according to the procedures of the Methodist Church including referral to the statutory authorities where necessary;
- Standing Orders and the Methodist Church Safer Recruitment Policy and Procedures (Oct 2022) are implemented, including completing the required DBS checks;
- Standing Orders and the Methodist Safeguarding Policies, Procedures and Guidance (March 2023) are implemented when somebody is being considered for an appointment to a role or responsibility (or is already holding such a position) to which Standing Order 010(2) applies. This includes where the person has a conviction or caution for an offence under the Sexual Offences Act (2003) or an offence mentioned in Schedule 15 of the Criminal Justice Act (2003) or the person has been subject to risk assessment under Standing Order 237 and as a result, the Safeguarding Committee deem that they present a significant risk of serious harm to children or vulnerable adults;
- Good practice is followed and pastoral care provided in all instances of child or adult abuse and trauma. This includes pastoral provision for the needs of survivors of abuse and careful ministry to those who pose a risk to children.
- A Serious Incident Report is made to the Charity Commission (in England and Wales) if serious safeguarding concerns arise as part of the District’s work (this should always occur in those cases involving possible reputational or financial risks)
- The relevant insurance company is notified in respect of serious safeguarding concerns;
- The Conference Officer for Legal and Constitutional Practice is notified where a report has been made to the Charity Commission or the relevant insurance company.
Trustees should seek the advice of the District Safeguarding Officer for all safeguarding concerns
Dated: April 2025
Date for review: April 2026
Chair of District: Rev Andy Fyall