SAFEGUARDING in the diocese of Chichester has made “impressive progress”, an independent audit has concluded. It describes the dioceses’ safeguarding team as “well-led and highly professional”.
The audit was conducted by the INEQE Safeguarding Group, and is the ninth of its kind to be published.
In Chichester, it identified “courageous approaches where the church went beyond expectations, setting an example of how to manage risk, even when statutory partners were unable or unwilling to do so”.
The report, published on Tuesday, commends the Bishop of Chichester, Dr Martin Warner, whose handling of cases examined by the auditors showed “authoritative action, coupled with appropriate compassion”.
Dr Warner had “relentlessly driven” improvements in safeguarding, it says, with a “firm grip, a safeguarding focus and at pace”.
It continues: “However, there are concerns that the Diocesan Bishop’s leadership style may inhibit people’s willingness to speak up and challenge him.” Dr Warner had “agreed he needed to do more to ensure people feel they can engage with and, when appropriate, challenge him”, the report says.
The report suggests that this was a concern expressed by a minority of those with whom they engaged, and says that the diocesan safeguarding officer (DSO), Colin Perkins, reported a “very good working relationship” with Dr Warner.
INEQE also praises the Bishop of Horsham, the Rt Revd Ruth Bushyager, who supports Dr Warner in safeguarding, and the Diocesan Secretary, John Preston.
The report recommends that the part played by the archdeacons in the diocese be amended to place responsibility for safeguarding in the foreground, and that membership of the independent Diocesan Safeguarding Advisory Panel be bolstered.
The Diocesan Safeguarding Team is described as “exceptionally well led” by Mr Perkins. “Goodwill and dedication are exemplary” among staff members.
The audit raises concerns about capacity, however, saying that the “current workload is not sustainable”. The team, it says, is “overburdened with a high volume of cases, leaving little bandwidth to manage critical incidents or unexpected extractions” (staff absences).
Concerns about capacity also came up in the audits of other dioceses, including Exeter, Newcastle, Bristol, and Worcester. As in other dioceses, INEQE recommends the creation of a new post of Director of Safeguarding.
Diocesan safeguarding teams are funded locally rather than by the Church Commissioners, although the INEQE audit programme has been paid for by central funds.
The General Synod will vote next month on changes to the structure of safeguarding provision in the Church (News, 20 December). Members will choose between two models, one of which would mean that diocesan safeguarding would be transferred to a new independent body.
Safeguarding in Chichester had a “very low starting point”, the report says: at one point, the diocese was “synonymous with clergy offending and breaches of trust”.
This history, which includes the abuse perpetrated by a former Bishop of Lewes, Peter Ball, was referred to in a joint statement issued by Dr Warner and the Dean of Chichester, the Very Revd Dr Edward Dowler, on Tuesday.
“We are aware that for many survivors of abuse, the reality of these failings is ever present. That reality stands as a constant reminder of the vital importance of doing all we can to ensure continuous improvement of our safeguarding practice, and we wish to put on record our profound thanks for the huge efforts required across the diocese to produce the changes INEQE identify in their report,” they write.
Dr Warner and Dr Dowler pay particular tribute to the effort made by “clergy and laity in parishes across the diocese, and at the cathedral, who continue to work tirelessly to ensure that children and adults are safe in our churches”.
They write that there is “no place for complacency in our striving to make our churches safe spaces for all”, and pledge that the recommendations made by INEQE will be carefully considered “to ensure that our safeguarding practice and provision continue to reflect the highest possible standards”.
Chichester Cathedral was also audited by INEQE, and Dr Dowler’s “clear vision” on safeguarding is praised. The Chapter, the report says, is “increasingly safeguarding-aware and competent”.
Its chief recommendation for the cathedral again relates to capacity. It recommends the employment of a “suitably qualified Cathedral Safeguarding Adviser”, to support further progress.
The full report is available on the Church of England website.