Source: Church of England published on this website Friday 14 February 2025 by Jill Powell
The INEQE Safeguarding Group has today published its first annual report into the independent audit work looking at safeguarding arrangements within Church of England dioceses and cathedrals.
Sarah McKimm, Independent Chair of the Audit's Quality Assurance group and independent chair of the London DSAP (Diocesan Safeguarding Advisory Panel) said:
"There has never been a more important time for safeguarding arrangements within the church to be the focus of independent rigorous scrutiny. As a national leader of safeguarding with extensive experience across a wide range of settings, INEQE reports objectively and dispassionately, without fear or favour, acknowledging good practice and progress while also highlighting areas for improvement. This first annual report will help dioceses to drive further improvement."
The Church of England’s lead safeguarding bishop, Joanne Grenfell, said:
“I welcome the initial overview report of independent audits from INEQE published today, audits originally commissioned as one of the Church of England recommendations in the IICSA (Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse) report. Independent audit and scrutiny of our safeguarding work is vital, as in any institution, so we can continue to improve and learn. INEQE highlight a range of themes – both challenging and reassuring - coming out of their initial work. We look forward to their further scrutiny and recommendations as this audit plan continues across the Church and we thank all our cathedral and diocesan safeguarding officers for their continued professional commitment and hard work in making the Church a safer place”
