In March 2025, it will be the turn of Bath and Wells to be audited by the INEQE Safeguarding Group. The audit is part of a national programme, commissioned by the Archbishop’s Council, to conduct an intensive and comprehensive review of safeguarding at each diocese and cathedral in the Church of England.
The audit process will begin on 29 November when the diocese will be sent questionnaires for people holding different roles across the diocese to complete including, clergy, church volunteers, church staff, parish safeguarding officers and diocesan staff. The audit will also cover Wells Cathedral so questionnaires will be sent to choristers and their parents/carers. On the 29 November we also start a six-week process of evidence gathering for the auditors via what is referred to as a 360-degree survey. The level of work involved in the survey will impact on the speed with which the safeguarding team respond to non-urgent enquiries and the level of safeguarding training on offer during the autumn.
Bishop Michael says, “These audits have been beneficial in other dioceses by providing valuable insights into safeguarding practices and ways to further improve them. I encourage everyone who receives an invitation to complete a questionnaire to engage with it so we can share an accurate picture of safeguarding in Bath and Wells with the audit team.”
The auditors will visit the diocese the week commencing 31 March and meet with diocesan and Cathedral teams, and attend a youth group before sharing their initial feedback prior to the final report being issued in April 2025.