10 February 2025 - Ahead of this week's General Synod, the INEQE Safeguarding Group has published its first Annual Report on the Independent Safeguarding Audits of the Church of England (CofE) carried out during 2024. you can read the report on the INEQE website.
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.
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 to engage with the audit when they have the opportunity to do so in order that we can share an accurate picture of safeguarding in Bath and Wells with the audit team.”
How you can help
Safeguarding survey – now closed
People holding different roles across the diocese, including, clergy, church volunteers, church staff, parish safeguarding officers and diocesan staff were invited to complete a safeguarding survey, sharing their views about safeguarding in Bath and Wells. While the survey is now closed, should you still wish to share your views, you can do so using the form on the INEQE Bath and Wells page.
Responses will be received directly by INEQE and not by the Diocese of Bath and Wells or the Church of England.
Focus groups
A number of focus groups will be established to reflect a range of perspectives. If you are invited to attend one of these groups please do make every effort to attend so your voice can be heard.
One-to-one discussions – 31 March 2025
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.
Listening to staff and volunteers who work for the diocese is a fundamental part of the audit. These discussions are informal, but structured and anyone who takes part will receive a full briefing beforehand, so they know what to expect.
Downloads
Safeguarding Audit poster - December 2025
Who to contact
Should you have any questions regarding the safeguarding audit, please contact the safeguarding team.