About OSAM

What OSAM does

For most Quakers, the local meeting is their worshipping community. Local meetings are grouped into area meetings. The role of the area meeting is to develop and maintain a geographical community of Friends. Area meetings work in slightly different ways from place to place, according to their needs and resources. General responsibilities include:

  • overseeing and supporting local meetings, ensuring each has access to opportunities for fellowship, spiritual development, and spiritual and pastoral care
  • appointing people to positions of responsibility
  • conducting Quaker marriages, recording deaths, employing staff, owning property and managing finances
  • providing the Safeguarding Policy and Procedures for the area, and supporting its implementation by local meetings
  • appointing a Children and Young People’s Work Advocate, who helps meetings to develop their work with children and young people, and to include them in the life of the meeting.

All area meetings are charities as well as worshipping communities.

OSAM meetings

OSAM normally meets on alternate (odd-numbered) months on the Saturday following the first Sunday of the month. Member meetings take it in turns to act as host. The morning is taken up with area business, and the afternoon is for spiritual nurture: for example, an invited talk or activity session.

Safeguarding

We are committed to our Peace Testimony and to living it out by keeping everyone safe. Everyone has a right to participate in our Quaker communities free from harm. However, we recognise our culture of welcome and trust may open our meetings to the risk of abusive behaviour.

The Oxford and Swindon Area Meeting Safeguarding Policy and Procedures covers all meetings and activities under the care of Oxford and Swindon Area Quaker Meeting and its constituent Local Meetings. The document has been written in line with legislation, policy, and statutory guidance that seeks to protect children, young people, and adults at risk, in England and Wales. It is predominantly based on Britain Yearly Meeting Safeguarding Policy and Procedures, and in turn the Safe and Secure safeguarding standards published by Thirtyone:eight, a specialist safeguarding organisation.

Area Meeting has appointed Safeguarding Co-ordinators to respond to any safeguarding concerns that may arise. You can get in touch with the Co-ordinator using the form on the Contact Us page.