Brief notes of discussions at this drop-in session are:
Part 1 – specific questions and queries
1. INEQE audit takes place 9th to 12th September 2025. This is part of a national programme of independent audits of all Dioceses in the Church of England. There have been nine reports published to date and these can be read here. The audits are based around the Safeguarding Standards and there are various resources for parishes:
- ‘Our Parish’ Poster for noticeboards
- ‘Our Parish’ Booklet for Parish Safeguarding Officers
- ‘Our Parish’ Leaflet for Parish Safeguarding Officers
More information will be circulated when details are known but there will certainly be a survey circulated in June that everyone will be asked to complete. This will go directly to the auditors and not seen by the Diocesan Safeguarding Team.
2. Confidential Data Sheet – further to the email last week, it is no longer necessary to complete this form.
3. There was conversation about what a serious incident was and how to report them.
A safeguarding Serious Incident is an adverse event, whether actual or alleged, which results in or risks significant harm to the charity’s beneficiaries, employees, office holders, volunteers or to others who come into contact with the charity through its work. This includes where there are allegations or incidents of abuse of or risks to beneficiaries or others connected with the charity’s activities. What is considered to be “significant” is a matter for the trustees to determine, as it will depend on the context of the charity, taking into account its operations, staff, finances and reputation.
There is information for PCCs on the Church of England website.
Part 2 – general reflection and conversation on the PSO role
4. Some present were concerned about the impact of the recommendations from Synod have as they valued the support they received from the DST. It is too early to know how the recommendations will be taken forward, or in what time scale, but there should be confidence that keeping churches as safe as they can be and supporting those who work in parishes on the ground would be the priority. In the mean time PSOs should continue to follow the House of Bishops Safeguarding Handbook and Recognise, Respond, Report, Record, and Refer to the Diocesan Safeguarding Team if unsure.
