The independent audit into safeguarding in the Diocese of Peterborough, by the INEQE safeguarding group has been published today.
The audit is part of a national programme, commissioned by the Archbishop’s Council in response to the recommendations of the IICSA Enquiry, to conduct an independent and comprehensive audit of all Church of England dioceses and cathedrals.
The report acknowledges significant challenges in ensuring safeguarding is fully fit for purpose but also notes that the Diocese is ‘resolutely on a path of improvement’. INEQE found ‘an emerging culture of care and professionalism’ across the Diocese, marked by an overwhelming majority of the worshipping community reporting improvements in safeguarding arrangements and a growing confidence in raising concerns.
Bishop Debbie said ‘We have been aware for some time that our safeguarding processes and culture were not where they need to be. We regret the impact of these failings, especially where this has had an impact on victims and survivors, and we wish to reaffirm our commitment to continue to develop our safeguarding practice. We are grateful to the INEQE team for this thorough audit and their recommendations which help to lay out a roadmap for our journey of improvement.’
‘Some of the recommendations have already been put into place, others will need time and reflection to make sure they are implemented well. Along with my colleagues, I am committed to our ongoing journey of safeguarding improvement, making progress with pace, acknowledging where work needs to be done, and listening well to victims and survivors.’
‘I would like to take this opportunity to thank the 788 people who responded to the surveys for this audit. The conclusion that these members of our communities reported ‘‘improvements in the overall safeguarding arrangements and a growing confidence in raising concerns’’ demonstrates we are making progress, but we acknowledge this is the beginning of our journey.’
‘My thanks also go to our Diocesan Safeguarding Team and dedicated volunteer Parish Safeguarding Officers for all they have done and continue to do to ensure safe worshipping spaces for all our communities’
INEQE also made a number of recommendations to the Cathedral, which was found to have significant improvements to make, but to have ‘a fundamentally positive and improving safeguarding culture’ which is ‘characterised by a genuine movement toward openness, transparency, and integrity.’
The Dean of Peterborough, Chris Dalliston, said ‘We are grateful for these recommendations which the Cathedral Chapter and I will carefully consider. We acknowledge the need for an independent voice and more robust external scrutiny and are committed to listening to victims and survivors. We are unwavering in our focus on ensuring the Cathedral is a safe, welcoming space for all and we commit to continuing to move towards a best practice approach whilst embedding a culture of safeguarding in everything we do.’
‘I am very conscious of the continued commitment of the Cathedral’s staff and volunteers in maintaining the progress we have made, recognising our shared responsibility for this crucial area of our life and mission.’
The full INEQE report is available here.
If you have been affected by this report and would like confidential, independent, support, please contact the Safe Spaces helpline. Safe Spaces is a free and independent support service providing a confidential, personal and safe space for anyone who has been abused through their relationship with the Church of England, Catholic Church of England and Wales or the church in Wales.
The Diocesan Safeguarding team are committed to responding to safeguarding concerns, providing advice if you are not sure what to do, and supporting victims / survivors in an efficient and effective way. They can be contacted at: safeguarding@peterborough-diocese.org.uk