An independent audit has commended the on-going improvements and commitment to safeguarding practices across the Diocese of St Edmundsbury and Ipswich, St Edmundsbury Cathedral and at parish level.
The intensive audit, conducted by the INEQE Safeguarding Group, was part of the ongoing independent audit programme, commissioned by the Archbishops’ Council, to look at safeguarding in all Church of England dioceses and cathedrals.
In a newly-published report, the auditors acknowledged the leadership across the diocese and recognised strong collaboration with the Cathedral. The report also recognised the key role of all safeguarding officers and other key players.
The full report can be viewed here.
The report acknowledged the capacity constraints upon both the Diocese and the Cathedral and indicated that increasing professional capacity within safeguarding support was a key area for improvement, which if addressed, would build upon the considerable progress made so far.
The report’s detailed recommendations will become the basis of the action plans to further grow, build, and embed a solid safeguarding culture across the diocese.
As the acting Bishop of St Edmundsbury and Ipswich during the time of the Audit, the Right Revd Bishop Graeme Knowles said,: “I would like to thank the independent audit by INEQE for their attentive, robust and fair engagement throughout the process, and I am truly grateful to everyone throughout who engaged so openly and constructively with the audit”.
The Right Revd Dr Joanne Woolway Grenfell, Bishop of St Edmundsbury and Ipswich, who joined the diocese in January said, “I welcome the audit's findings and am encouraged by the progress that has been made in our safeguarding work, particularly in providing support for victims and survivors. Ensuring that those who have been harmed are heard, respected and supported must remain a priority.
The independent audit found our diocesan and parish culture to be ‘welcoming, supportive and inclusive’. This is a significant affirmation of the commitment shown by clergy, staff, volunteers and worshipping communities across the diocese to fostering a positive safeguarding culture.
I recognise the dedication and hard work that have contributed to this, and I want to thank everyone who has played a part in this ongoing journey of improvement. Safeguarding is a shared responsibility, and I am committed to working closely with the Diocesan Board of Finance Trustees and colleagues across the Diocese to implement the report’s recommendations and continue strengthening our safeguarding culture and practice. I would particularly like to thank both our volunteer parish safeguarding officers, PSOs and our professional safeguarding advisers working across the diocese and in our cathedral. Their hard work is reflected in the report.
We must continue to build on this work as the detailed recommendations form part of our ongoing action plan, exploring new ways to enhance the support we offer, strengthening the systems, processes and record-keeping that underpin effective safeguarding practice, and ensuring that safeguarding remains at the heart of our mission and ministry.”
The Very Revd Joe Hawes, the Dean of St Edmundsbury Cathedral said: “I welcome the independent audit by INEQE and I am pleased that it recognises the strong foundations for safeguarding within our Cathedral community. The findings acknowledge the commitment and dedication of the Cathedral leadership, Chapter, governance bodies and Safeguarding Team, who have worked hard to create an environment that is ‘welcoming, inclusive and secure’.
We are committed to building on this positive foundation and will continue to work together to implement the report’s recommendations, further strengthening our safeguarding culture and practice.”
Karen Galloway, Diocesan Safeguarding Officer said. “The findings of the independent audit are a testament to the commitment and dedication of everyone across the Diocese, and I am delighted to see the report recognise the highly positive, resilient and inclusive safeguarding culture we have built together. My sincere thanks go to our Safeguarding Officers for their vital work at parish level. As a Diocese, we must now build on this strong foundation and continue to strengthen our safeguarding culture and practice as we implement the report’s recommendations."
If you have been affected by this report and would like confidential, independent support, please contact Safe Spaces on 0300 303 1056 or SafeSpaces@firstlight.org.uk. Safe Spaces is a free and independent support service providing a confidential, personal and safe space for anyone who has been abused through their relationship with the Church of England, Catholic Church of England and Wales or the church in Wales.
Further information about Safeguarding can be found here or please email: safeguarding@cofesuffolk.org