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 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.”
How you can help
Survey – 29 November to 31 January
People holding different roles across the diocese, including, clergy, church volunteers, church staff, parish safeguarding officers and diocesan staff are invited to complete a safeguarding survey. You can find out more about the survey and complete it on the INEQE Bath and Wells page.
This is an anonymous and confidential survey. Responses will be received directly by INEQE and not by the Diocese of Bath and Wells or the Church of England.
Follow the link appropriate to you to complete the survey - and do encourage others to complete the survey appropriate to them. There is a poster you can download the and display in your setting to encourage engagement with the survey and a video message from Bishop Michael you may want to share.
I am...
- A victim/survivor
If you are a survivor of church-related abuse, we value your input and insight into current Church of England safeguarding practices.
- Part of the parish workforce (excluding Wells Cathedral)
Including, for example, clergy, parish staff, volunteers, choristers, bell ringers.
- A member of the parish community (excluding Wells Cathedral)
Including, for example, parishioner, worshipper, or an attendee of another activity at the parish.
- Part of the diocesan workforce
Including, for example, diocesan staff, volunteers or a member of Diocesan Synod.
- Part of Wells Cathedral working community
Including, for example, the Chapter, clergy, staff, volunteers, choristers, or bell ringers.
- Part of the Wells Cathedral worshipping community
Including those who visit, attend services or worship at the Cathedral.
- A child or young person
If you are under 18, tell us about your experiences and what you want to change. If you are under the age of 13 then please do so with the help of a parent/guardian.
Focus groups
Between , 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.
Please note, from the 29 November the Safeguarding team will be undertaking 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/winter.
It will not affect the response to urgent enquiries relating to reporting safeguarding concerns.