In August 2023, INEQE Safeguarding Group was appointed by the Archbishops’ Council to carry out independent external audits of Church of England dioceses and cathedrals. The aim of these audits is to ensure dioceses, cathedrals and other church institutions are doing all they can to create environments where everyone feels safe, valued and respected.
A key part of the audit process for INEQE is to give employees, clergy, parishioners, worshippers, volunteers and supporters an opportunity to have their voices heard. INEQE really value your opinion and everyone is welcome to share their views and experiences through the survey. What you tell them will inform the Diocese-specific recommendations of the audit, all of which aim to improve and develop safeguarding practices across the Diocese.
How do I get my voice heard?
INEQE is gathering the voices of people across the Diocese through a series of online surveys. There are several surveys available, which invite individuals to comment on any safeguarding matters within the audit’s focus. Individuals are invited to complete any of the surveys that are relevant to their role and/or lived experiences. The surveys are anonymous and confidential – you won’t be asked who you are, so that you can be open and honest in your responses.
You can access the online surveys at: ineqe.com/churchofengland/durham or via the individual survey links below.
The surveys are now open and will continue to remain open until 11.30pm on 6 March 2025.
Just a reminder that you are invited to complete all the surveys you determine to be relevant to your role and/or lived experience. Thank you.
- 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 Durham Cathedral)
Including, for example, clergy, parish staff, volunteers, choristers, bell ringers.
- A member of the parish community (excluding Durham Cathedral)
Including, for example, parishioner, worshipper, or an attendee of another activity in the parish.
- Part of the diocesan workforce
Including, for example, diocesan staff, volunteers or a member of Diocesan Synod.
- Part of Durham Cathedral working community
Including, for example, the Chapter, clergy, staff, volunteers, choristers, or bell ringers.
- Part of the Durham 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.
What happens to the answers you give?
The responses you give will be received directly by the Safeguarding Audit Team at INEQE Safeguarding Group, the independent organisation conducting the audit on behalf of the Church of England. The individual answers will not be shared with the Diocese, but will influence and form the basis of Diocese-specific recommendations made by the audit in its final report
How you can help
To ensure widespread participation we kindly ask that you share the information about the audit and these surveys within your parishes using your normal communication channels.
On behalf of the DBF and the diocesan safeguarding team, thank you for taking part in this piece of work to help the Diocese and wider Church in its journey to becoming a safer place for all. INEQE looks forward to hearing from you.
Privacy Policy
The privacy notice aims to give you information on how INEQE Group Limited, trading as INEQE Safeguarding Group collects, shares and processes your personal data, including any data you may provide as part of the independent safeguarding audits of Church of England church bodies.
Have a safeguarding concern?
If you wish to speak to a member of the safeguarding team in Durham, please contact a member of the team.