Westminster: Safeguarding audit report published

Source: Archbishops House

Cardinal Vincent Nichols and the Directors of the Trustee of the Diocese of Westminster have thanked the CSSA for their work on the baseline audit report into safeguarding arrangements in the diocese.

The overall grading for the baseline audit was 'Firm Progress'.

The audit noted the following areas of strength:

- The 'good work [that] has been completed to embed a culture of safeguarding within the Diocese' and the promotion of safeguarding as being everyone's responsibility;
- The 'longstanding commitment to quality assurance, and continuous improvement';
- The 'compassionate response and range of support referrals' offered to victim-survivors.
- The work of the PSR (Parish Safeguarding Representative) Support team, delivering training, support and communications to parishes;
- 'High-quality' safeguarding communications that 'are led and supported by the leadership'.

As well as recommending the further development and strengthening of some diocesan processes, the audit presented some key points for learning and improvement:

- Clearer terms of reference for the Safeguarding Service;
- Clearer structures for oversight and accountability;
- Improvement in DBS processes;
- Improved software for case recording and review;
- Protocol for support of clergy respondents.

The Cardinal said: "In line with our commitment to continuous improvement, we welcome the feedback in the report. We are not looking for praise, but rather we seek meaningful feedback to help us learn as we continue to strengthen safeguarding in the diocese.

"The audit was conducted during a time of transition for the Safeguarding team, which is reflected in the feedback received.

'The Trustees had already identified some learnings and taken steps to address them. Since the audit, key staff have been appointed, including the Head of Safeguarding, and volunteers with relevant professional experience have been recruited to serve on the Safeguarding Committee.

"We are already well on the way to implementing some recommendations from the audit, and will continue to implement others over the coming months, as part of our continued commitment to a Church that is safe and welcoming to all and responsive to those who come forward with information, concerns or allegations."

"I thank everyone in the diocese who contributes to the necessary and important work of safeguarding in our parishes, schools, chaplaincies, agencies, and in the Curia."

Download and read the Executive Summary.