The results of the independent review into safeguarding in the Diocese of Bath and Wells and Wells Cathedral have been published today. INEQE, who are in the process of evaluating the quality of safeguarding practice in all Church of England dioceses across the country, undertook the audit of Bath and Wells in March 2025.
With information about the latest training courses, news of the PSO events in Wells, updates on the Safeguarding audit and more
The latest edition of the Safeguarding Newsletter is available to download now.
Additional safeguarding courses for the summer period
The National Safeguarding Team has updated the training requirements for the Raising Awareness of Domestic Abuse online course accessed online via the Church of England training portal.
An update from Bishop Michael and Ben Goodhind, Safeguarding Manager as the two-week safeguarding audit visit to the diocese by INEQE, the independent auditors appointed to evaluate the quality of safeguarding practice in all Church of England dioceses across the country, comes to an end.
“Our calling as God’s people in these days that we have been given to live in is not to be people of denial or despair but people of hope. Hope is one of the great Christian virtues that we are called to live out,” said Bishop Michael at March's Diocesan Synod
Ben Goodhind, Safeguarding Manager for the Diocese of Bath and Wells has shared his Easter newsletter for Parish Safeguarding Officers and all those who want to keep up to date with the latest news from the safeguarding team.
At its February session, General Synod engaged in extensive debate about the future of safeguarding. Bishop Michael has reported back on the debate
Bishop Michael shares his thoughts on safeguarding in Bath and Wells and the wider church.
In the hustle and bustle of Christmas preparation and anticipation of comfort and joy, some may feel considerable stress
Bishop Michael comments on the Independent Review into Soul Survivor by Fiona Scolding KC.
With details of the Safeguarding Audit, training, and more.
Diocesan Synod took place on Saturday (16 November), with nearly half of the members newly appointed and attending for the first time. Bishop Michael welcomed all the new members in his presidential address, before addressing the recent Makin Report and resignation of Archbishop Justin.
Resources are available for churches to use on Safeguarding Sunday
The Benefice of The Huntspills and Mark were able to benefit from Foundation Safeguarding Training in East Huntspill Church Hall in person thanks to Sabina Brooks, who completed the “Train the Trainer Course”.
Their reflections follow the publication of the independent review by Keith Makin into the Church of England’s handling of allegations of serious abuse by the late John Smyth.
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.
This month's newsletter contains lots of useful updates, details of upcoming courses and news about the parish dashboards
This newsletter is packed with updates, including important training sessions for the Safeguarding Dashboards and upcoming events such as the Parish Safeguarding Officer Forum.