Chris Lewis – Safeguarding Officer

I am the District Safeguarding Officer for Chester and Stoke-on-Trent.

The District Safeguarding Officer takes a lead for the Methodist Church in the Chester and Stoke-on-Trent District on issues relating to the safeguarding and protection of children and vulnerable adults and is required to:

• Have oversight of church, circuit and district compliance with the Methodist Safeguarding Procedures.
• Provide policy advice and other guidance to Churches and Circuits.
• Serve on the District Safeguarding Group and attend other meetings as required.
• Keep up to date with relevant national and Methodist legislation.
• Ensure that the Circuit Safeguarding Trainers, Superintendent Ministers and Circuit Representatives are kept updated on any relevant matters.
• Promote good communication and effective information sharing, including a proper understanding of the bounds of confidentiality.
• Co-ordinate the provision of opportunities for safeguarding learning/training across the District.
• Work with the Discipleship and Ministries Learning Network in the delivery of designated safeguarding training.
• Be available to offer advice on individual cases and individual undertaking risk assessments, have oversight of safeguarding contracts and represent the Church in meetings with external organisations as necessary.
• Undertake safeguarding risk assessments for the Connexional Safeguarding Committee.
• Be committed to personal continuing professional development, undertake any training necessary and participate in the organisation’s supervision and appraisal system.