An independent audit has praised a robust and proactive approach to safeguarding across the Diocese of Durham, within Durham Cathedral and at parish level.
The intensive audit, conducted by the INEQE Safeguarding Group, highlighted a “growing sense that safeguarding is becoming deeply embedded in practice.”
In a newly-published report, the auditors acknowledged the strong and compassionate leadership of the Acting Bishop of Durham and the Dean of Durham, while recognising the key role of all safeguarding officers and other key players.
The full report can be viewed here.
Commissioned by the Archbishops’ Council and overseen by the Church of England’s National Safeguarding Team (NST), the audit assesses safeguarding arrangements against National Safeguarding Standards and is being carried out in every diocese and cathedral. In Durham, it considered:
- More than 400 documents collated and analysed prior to the Audit’s fieldwork
- A range of interviews with church officers (staff and volunteers), external partners, victims and survivors and other stakeholders
- 931 anonymous surveys
- Four focus groups
- A confidential contact form made available on a dedicated webpage
- 42 separate engagement sessions carried out in the diocese
The auditors concluded that people in the Diocese feel confident in raising safeguarding concerns without fear or reprisal. The dedication of Parish Safeguarding Officers, who serve on the frontline of church safeguarding, was praised, with the level of training and support they receive described as good. They commented on the ‘optimism’ of PSOs for the future with strengths across several key areas, including in safer recruitment, the use of the Parish Dashboard and the active promotion of awareness-raising activities.
The report recognised the financial constraints upon the Diocese and Cathedral, but 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.
Durham Cathedral was praised for its strong collaborative partnership within the diocese, and the auditors recognised its commitment to victims and survivors and associated initiatives.
The Audit report stated that the Cathedral has a robust safeguarding framework underpinned by strong leadership and a palpable commitment from all levels of staff and says “this 'safeguarding first' philosophy is deeply ingrained, emanating from the Dean and his senior team, and permeating the entire workforce.”
It also highlights how safeguarding awareness is widely promoted through diverse channels and the cathedral’s “proactive approach to risk management, supported by clear policies, procedures, and a detailed safeguarding risk register.”
The Right Reverend Sarah Clark, Acting Bishop of Durham, said: “It is vital that our churches and parishes are safe and welcoming places for everyone. It is reassuring that the Audit Team has given this vote of confidence in our existing safeguarding practices and also in the support we provide for victims and survivors. While this is an important step on our journey of continuous growth in our safeguarding culture and practise we are absolutely committed to further improvement, welcoming the recommendations of the Audit report which we accept in full. I will work with the Diocesan Board of Finance trustees to implement the recommendations without delay. I thank the Audit Team for their attentive, robust and fair engagement throughout the process.”
Diocesan Safeguarding Officer Beth Miller said: "The findings of the independent audit are testimony to the commitment our parishes have to safeguarding and the importance they place on embedding a healthy safeguarding culture in the local context. This is in no small part due to the work and dedication of our amazing Parish Safeguarding Officers. I personally wish to extend my thanks to them and everyone across the Diocese for their engagement in the audit process.”
The Very Reverend Dr Philip Plyming, Dean of Durham, said: “At Durham Cathedral safeguarding is not just a policy - it is a deeply held commitment that shapes our culture and our care for all who come through our doors. I am grateful to the INEQE team for their thorough audit and for recognising the dedication of our staff and volunteers. We will work to improve further the strength of our safeguarding framework through engaging with the recommendations given, so that our missional priorities of encountering God, pilgrimage, prayer and proclamation are underpinned by a culture of safety and care for everyone.”
ENDS