Welcome

The Advanced Module is designed to ensure that you are fully equipped to fulfil your safeguarding responsibilities within the Methodist Church. It will help you understand what to look out for, how to respond and when to ask for help, to ensure that Methodist Churches are safe places for all.

Further details about how to register on MCBX and enrol onto the Advanced Safeguarding Module are available in the email you received with this letter.

Please remember that:

The Advanced Module Online is an interactive course where case studies, film clips, questions and discussions will be used to enhance your learning and will be completed on MCBX, which is the home of online training for the Methodist Church in Britain. By booking onto this training you are committing to complete all sections of the materials.

The Module is in three parts:

1. Advanced Module e-learning - an independent learning experience which you complete at your own pace in advance of the Gathered session. This can take anywhere between 4 and 7 hours depending on your learning preference and can be done in small sections or all at once. Please ensure you have completed it at least 3 full working days before your Gathered session OR the deadline set in your District, as failure to do so may mean you will not be able to attend your chosen Gathered session

2. Advanced Module Gathered Session - a 2-hour facilitated session, for up to 15 participants, which will consolidate and develop your earlier learning. This will be led by one of the District Advanced Module Facilitators and the District Safeguarding Officer; pastoral support will be available. Further details of your chosen session will be sent to you by email from your local administrator.

3. Advanced Module Workbook - to support your learning during the online Module and be a reference point for further study and resources. It is a place for you to note your reflections, learning, any questions you have and any action points and is for your personal use. Although it is not assessed it will be helpful that you have this available for your Gathered session.

Aims

The aims of the Advanced Module are to consolidate and develop your previous safeguarding learning and:

• extend your understanding of responding well to groups within our different Church communities

• further equip you with skills and resources to be confident in promoting good practice in the church and community

• explore what this means in your designated role of responsibility within the Church

Engagement in all three elements of the Advanced Module above will enable you to meet these aims.

Objectives

These will be demonstrated by:

• appreciating the Methodist Church’s theological understanding of safeguarding

• learning from the Methodist Church’s ongoing witness to improved safeguarding practice and lessons from the Past Cases Review, new research and evidence-based practice

• understanding how a positive safeguarding culture may deter abusive and grooming behaviour

• identifying and understanding the reactions of groups and individuals who are impacted by safeguarding incidents or concerns

• having a clear focus on listening well; hearing and responding to those who have been hurt or abused

• understanding effective record keeping

• knowing how to take appropriate action to share relevant information or concerns within the boundaries of your role

• applying the learning to your role and future steps you will take.

For the Gathered session on zoom

Find a quiet space where you can fully engage with the session without distraction.

Be aware that some of the content may not be appropriate for others in your home, so consider either being in a different room or wearing headphones.

Ensure you have access to your Workbook to aid in the discussions

Enter the online room with camera on but sound off initially and with your name displayed.

During the session we will explore further the Grooming in a Church Context and Revd. Alex case studies and discuss how we create safer spaces, in our churches, for all those who have experienced abuse.

It is important that you look after yourself and take time out if needed during Advanced Module Online. If the e-learning raises painful issues for you, please share this with your local minister or someone else you trust. During the Gathered session a chaplain will be available. They will be introduced at the start and can be contacted by phone during and after the session.

Privacy notice

By taking part in Advanced Module (online) your relevant personal information will be held by the district. To find out more about how your information is processed and your Data Protection rights please click here

Thank you for taking part in the Advanced Module Online, we hope that you find the experience helpful.

Advanced Module Online TUESDAY 19TH AUGUST 2025 at 10am-12noon