Safeguarding
Every person has value and dignity which comes directly from the creation of humans in God’s own image and likeness. Christians see this potential 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.
Principles:
The MCZF UK is committed to safeguarding as an integral part of its life, ministry, and charity work. Safeguarding is about the action the Fellowship takes to promote a safer culture. 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.
The MCZF UK commits itself to:
· RESPOND without delay to any allegation or cause for concern that a child or vulnerable adult may have been harmed, whether in the church or in another context. It commits itself to challenging the abuse of power by anyone in a position of trust.
· IMPLEMENT the Methodist Church Safeguarding Policy, Procedures and Guidance, government legislation and guidance, and safe practice in the circuit and in the churches.
· 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.
· AFFIRM and give thanks to 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.
Our Safeguarding policy statement can be accessed here.