Church's safeguarding is in a ‘positive place’ says report

Safeguarding in the Church in Wales is in a very positive place in three priority areas, external auditors have found.

In the first of a series of reports by Thirtyone:eight, the leading safeguarding organisation within the faith sector, the Church is praised for progress made in its safeguarding governance, policy and work with those who may pose a risk.

The report found people were committed to safeguarding with no sense that it was just a “tick-box” exercise.

The audit was commissioned following a significant period of change in the Church’s safeguarding management, policies and procedures over the past two years. This included the appointment of the Safeguarding Director, an independent chair of the Safeguarding Panel and the set up of the Safeguarding Committee.

Auditors reviewed key documents and interviewed a wide spectrum of people involved in safeguarding.

They found the safeguarding areas to be in a “very positive place” with many interviewees acknowledging the “great deal of work” that had been done in revising policies and procedures and investing in staff.

They also highlighted the commitment of the Archbishop of Wales, who is the lead bishop on safeguarding. “It is clear that the Archbishop has a genuine understanding of safeguarding and a desire to embed it in the church,” they said.

The report acknowledged a “real desire for continued improvement”, particularly in communicating the vision wider with local churches. It called for more promotion of safeguarding in the six dioceses, through their websites and newsletters.

Interviewees recognised there were still areas to be addressed and more work to be done in relation to supporting survivors and safer recruitment.

Welcoming the Thirtyone:eight report Archbishop Andrew John said, “It is a pleasure to read the audit summary, endorsing our commitment to continual development in every aspect of safeguarding in the Church in Wales. The report notes the progress made in recent years and highlights areas in which we need to focus our attentions. As lead Bishop for Safeguarding, I am confident that safeguarding is developing well in the Church in Wales and will work in partnership with safeguarding colleagues to progress the actions identified.”