Exeter Coast and Country Methodist Circuit – Safeguarding Overview
Our Commitment to Safeguarding
At the Exeter Coast and Country Methodist Circuit, we believe every person is precious, created in the image of God and deserving of dignity, respect and care.
Safeguarding is an expression of our calling to be communities of welcome, hospitality and grace—places where all can experience life in its fullness.
We are committed to creating safe, caring spaces where the love of God is embodied in the way we treat one another, especially those who may be vulnerable.
What Safeguarding Means for Us
Safeguarding is the action we take to promote a safer culture. As a Circuit, we work to:
Promote the welfare of children, young people and adults
Prevent abuse from occurring
Protect and respond well to anyone who has been harmed
Build safe, caring communities with informed vigilance
Challenge the misuse of power and uphold good practice at all times
We follow legislation, government guidance and the Methodist Church’s Safeguarding Policy, Procedures and Guidance (2023).
Our Principles
We commit ourselves to:
Caring for and nurturing all children, young people and adults
Protecting those who are vulnerable or at risk
Selecting, training and supporting all who serve in the life of the Church
Responding promptly to concerns or allegations
Working in partnership with social services, the police and safeguarding specialists
Offering pastoral support to survivors of abuse
Managing and assessing risk compassionately and responsibly
Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. We all share in creating a safe environment where people can grow, flourish and encounter God’s love.
Our Circuit Safeguarding Responsibilities
The Exeter Coast and Country Methodist Circuit:
Implements the Methodist Church Safeguarding Policy
Oversees safeguarding across all Circuit churches
Ensures that local policies are up to date and reviewed annually
Provides training, advice and support to ministers, office holders and volunteers
Ensures safer recruitment, DBS checks and training requirements are met
Supports and supervises individuals who may present a safeguarding risk
Works collaboratively with the District Safeguarding Officer (DSO)
The Circuit has appointed Revd Paul Collings as the Circuit Safeguarding Officer for both adults and children.
Creating Safer Churches
We aim to ensure that:
Our churches and activities are safe for everyone
Communities trust that children and vulnerable adults are protected
Unsafe practices can be recognised and challenged
Office holders understand their roles and responsibilities
People who have experienced abuse are listened to, respected and supported
Those who harm are held accountable, with risk managed appropriately
Circuit Events
For any Circuit-run event involving children, young people or vulnerable adults, we ensure:
A clear risk assessment
Appropriate staffing, safeguarding oversight and first aid provision
Good practice in transport and supervision
DSO involvement prior to the event being confirmed
Definitions (Simplified)
Child: Anyone under 18
Vulnerable Adult: An adult who may not be able to protect themselves due to disability, illness, age or circumstance
Safeguarding: Promoting welfare and preventing harm
Protection: Responding when someone is at risk of significant harm
Abuse: Actions or lack of actions that cause harm—physical, emotional, sexual, financial, spiritual, discriminatory, domestic, institutional or online
Full Circuit Safeguarding Policy
The simplified information above reflects the core of our safeguarding commitment.
The full Safeguarding Children, Young People and Vulnerable Adults Policy for the Exeter Coast and Country Methodist Circuit is available for download here:
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