AN AUDIT of the diocese of York has identified a “cultural shift” in safeguarding, now, it says, recognised as a “fundamental aspect of Christian life”.
The INEQE safeguarding group’s 99-page report was published on Thursday. York is the 14th diocese audited as part of a process during which, over the course of several years, reports are being published on all the C of E’s dioceses and cathedrals.
INEQE analysed more than 585 documents and received 585 responses to a survey, conducting focus groups and interviews across the diocese.
Responses were “predominately positive”, the report says, but a “notable minority expressed negative views linked to past accountability and complaint handling.”
Some views were influenced by events beyond the diocese, INEQE said. This “has the potential to erode growing local confidence if not transparently addressed”.
The Archbishop of York faced calls to resign last year, over his involvement when Bishop of Chemsford in the case of a priest in the diocese (News, 16 December 2024).
In “detailed discussions” with INEQE, it was “clear that he has learnt lessons from previous safeguarding matters”, the report says, and he “appeared personally reflective regarding recent criticism linked to nationally prominent issues, stating clearly his determination that both he and the wider Church learn from these experiences”.
A diocese led by an Archbishop with extensive responsibilities beyond the diocese poses “unique leadership challenges”, the report says. “This inherent complexity can impact local diocesan leadership and is further compounded by broader national Church issues, particularly past failings and concerns regarding the Church’s future direction.”
Owing to the resignation of Archbishop Welby, Archbishop Cottrell has taken on additional national and international responsibilities. Since last November, the Suffragan Bishop of Selby, Dr Flora Winfield, has had a designated position as “Lead Suffragan”, based in Bishopthorpe, the report reveals, to help to manage the workload.
Archbishop Cottrell took the view, however, that safeguarding was an area that he could not delegate, and was “adamant that he retains absolute oversight, responsibility, and accountability”, the report says.
The diocesan safeguarding team (DST) comprises five people: the Diocesan Safeguarding Officer (DSO), Dr Rob Marshall; an assistant DSO; a trainer; an administrator; and a training administrator.
Dr Marshall was “reflective, considered, fundamentally focused on approachability and demonstrated strong engagement with the frontline of safeguarding in parishes”, the report says; but it recommends more structured information-sharing with the archdeacons.
The report also recommends that archdeacons should be given further training so that they can chair safeguarding core groups, which are set up to deal with specific cases.
In line with previous reports, INEQE recommends the appointment of a Director of Safeguarding, who would be formally part of the dioceses’ senior leadership team. In the mean time, the DSO should attend all leadership meetings, the report says, noting that Dr Marshall currently does not attend every meeting, owing to capacity issues.
Capacity issues also exist because of the size of the DST, the audit says, judging its present size “insufficient to effectively manage its workload”, unforeseen circumstances, or staff absences.
But, the report says, safeguarding concerns are being “appropriately assessed, triaged and prioritised” by the DST, and, across the diocese, “most respondents” are aware of how to report a safeguarding concern.
A section on victims and survivors acknowledges an “enduring legacy of trauma and pain” due to past safeguarding failures. It recommends that the DST collaborate with York Minster in holding “diocese-wide listening events” to hear from survivors.
INEQE also audited York Minster, and found that less than half of the survey respondents “felt comfortable reporting issues”, although this did not extend to staff at the Minster, who were “confident in raising concerns without fear of reprisal”.
Concerns about a “cliquey, defensive, and outdated” culture at the Minster were expressed by a “small number of individuals”, with reports of “dismissive behaviour and a perception, for some, that the Dean can appear distant”.
The Dean, the Very Revd Dominic Barrington, acknowledged these concerns, and has taken steps, the report says, “to reduce hierarchical barriers and increase approachability through informal interactions, symbolic gestures like giving up his office, and consciously calibrating his communication style”.
York Minster was the first cathedral to employ a designated safeguarding adviser, the report says. The holder of the position, renamed Cathedral Safeguarding Officer, Dee Cooley, has been “pivotal to the development of safeguarding arrangements across the Minster and via their wider influence at a national level”.
Ms Cooley is due to retire soon. The audit recommends steps to ensure continuity and increased capacity in safeguarding at the Minster.
The auditors recommend the establishment of a formal safeguarding management committee as a subcommittee of the Chapter, chaired by an independent lay person.
On Thursday, Archbishop Cottrell said that it was “heartening” that the report had found a “sound safeguarding culture” in York. He thanked volunteers in the diocese “who give so freely of their time and of themselves to serve their communities”, and staff in the diocesan safeguarding team.
Dean Barrington also welcomed the report on behalf of the Chapter. “We are pleased that it acknowledges the high-quality work being carried out at York Minster. I’d like to add my personal thanks to the team of staff and volunteers who contribute towards creating a safer place for all.
“We also welcome the report’s recommendations, which will help us build on our existing progress and further strengthen our commitment to best practice in safeguarding.”