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 truly values your opinion, and everyone was welcome to share their views and experiences through the surveys. What you have shared will inform the diocese-specific recommendations of the audit, all of which aim to improve and develop safeguarding practices across the Diocese.
INEQE has gathered the voices of people across the Diocese through a series of online surveys. Several surveys were available, inviting individuals to comment on any safeguarding matters within the audit’s focus. Individuals were encouraged to complete any surveys relevant to their role and/or lived experiences. The surveys were anonymous and confidential, allowing respondents to be open and honest in their responses. A total of 951 surveys were completed.
What happens to the answers you gave?
The responses provided were received directly by the Safeguarding Audit Team at INEQE Safeguarding Group, the independent organisation conducting the audit on behalf of the Church of England. Individual answers were not shared with the Diocese but will influence and form the basis of diocese-specific recommendations in the audit’s final report.
The DBF and the diocesan safeguarding team thank you for taking part in this piece of work to help the Diocese and wider Church on its journey to becoming a safer place for all.
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.