The guidelines - Safeguarding - set out the current policy and practice of the Methodist Church as it seeks to protect the children and young people in its care. They bring together advice formally published as "Safeguarding children and young people" and "Safeguarding - good practice for the church".
In addition they set out the action that needs to be taken by all churches, Circuits and Districts following the decision of the 1998 Methodist Conference that no person who has been convicted of or has received a formal caution from the police concerning a sexual offence against children may be a local preacher or hold office.
Copies of the booklet have already been sent to all active Methodist ministers and deacons, to District Training & Development Officers and to the named person in each District with special responsibility for child protection.
For further information, contact: The Churches Agency for Safeguarding, The Methodist Church, Methodist Church House, 25 Marylebone Road, London NW1 5JR. Tel: 020 7486 5502 Safeguarding at a glance
A brief summary of the Safeguarding guidelines is available on the main Methodist Church website
Download a volunteer safeguarding form here.