A vital part of the independent audit is for as many people as possible in our communities to complete a survey.
What is the independent safeguarding audit?
In August 2023, INEQE Safeguarding Group was appointed by the Archbishops’ Council to carry out the next round of independent audits of Church of England dioceses and cathedrals. The aim is to make sure dioceses and cathedrals are doing all they can to create environments where everyone feels safe, valued and respected.
The independent audit programme will run until 2028, with audits carried out in the diocese and cathedral at the same time (previously this was done separately).
Who are INEQE Safeguarding Group?
INEQE Safeguarding Group is a safeguarding organisation – the largest independent company of its kind in the UK and Ireland. ‘INEQE’ is a blend of the words ‘Innovative’ and ‘Unique’.
Are all dioceses being audited?
Yes, all dioceses and cathedrals in the Church of England are being audited, as is the National Safeguarding Team. The Diocese of London will be the eighteenth diocese to be audited.
Why is it important for all churches to respond to the survey?
Surveys enable the auditors to hear from as many people as possible from our diverse range of communities and groups. It’s a vital part of the audit process.
It’s an opportunity for those not directly engaged with the auditors to express their perspectives on safeguarding. The auditors place a significant importance on the surveys and are extremely keen for us to promote the surveys as widely as possible.
Who should respond to the surveys?
The short answer is everyone. The auditors have developed seven surveys, tailored to different areas of the diocese:
- Diocesan and Bishops’ Office Workforce – including staff, volunteers and Diocesan Synod.
- Parish Community – for example, parishioners, worshippers, or attendees of other activity within our parishes.
- Parish Workforce – such as clergy, church officers, parish staff, volunteers, choristers, bell ringers and worshippers.
- Victims/survivors of church-related abuse
- Children and/or Young People
- Cathedral Workforce – Chapter, clergy, staff, volunteers, choristers, or bell ringers.
- Cathedral Worshipping Community – Including those who have visited, attended services or worshipped at St Paul’s Cathedral.
Everyone is invited to complete a survey for each group that you feel applies to you.
They will close on 8 July 2025 at 11:30pm.
What will happen with the results of the audit?
The reports and action plans from individual diocesan and cathedral audits can be read on the Church of England website. The London audit results will be shared there and on the Diocese of London website when they are published at the end of the year.
The recommendations of the audit will inform our ongoing practice improvement in the same way as previous audits and reviews have.