Safeguarding Update for Diocesan Synod March 2025 by Hilary Higton

Safeguarding Update For Diocesan Synod March 2025 Hilary Higton Diocesan Safeguarding Officer and Director of Safeguarding for Diocese of Worcester and Worcester Cathedral

QUOTES FROM INEQE SAFEGUARDING AUDIT 2024- DIOCESE OF WORCESTER Culture, Leadership and Capacity (Page 9) The Audit saw and heard credible evidence that a safeguarding culture is becoming embedded within the DBF and across the diocese s parishes. An analysis of interviews, focus groups and feedback from surveys, found the most frequently used terminology to describe culture within the diocese was largely positive. People used phrases such as welcoming , supportive and respectful . It was clear from survey responses that the overwhelming majority of the DBF s workforce and those working and worshipping within parishes, felt safe in their respective environments. Nearly all knew who their safeguarding leads were and across the diocese, there was almost unanimous agreement with the statement that, it is everyone s responsibility to report safeguarding concerns.

QUOTES FROM INEQE SAFEGUARDING AUDIT 2024- DIOCESE OF WORCESTER Conclusion (Page 75) The DBF has laid a solid foundation for a safeguarding culture that prioritises the wellbeing of individuals and fosters a safer environment for everyone involved in the diocese. They have proactively developed safeguarding policies and improved practice, collaborate well with internal and external stakeholders and have led on a number of innovative safeguarding projects. Critically, they seek out opportunities to listen to their workforce and volunteers and have developed a safeguarding strategy and action plan that sets out a commitment to continuously improve. Indeed, good practice is highlighted throughout the report, not least in the trauma informed support offered to victims and survivors

RECOMMENDATIONS REGARDING RESOURCING AND THE DIRECTORATE D7: Leaders in the DBF and Cathedral should scope the opportunity to consolidate safeguarding resources within a single Safeguarding Directorate for the diocese. This would involve the creation of a Director of Safeguarding role. This role would provide strategic oversight, advice and safeguarding support across the DBF, parish support and the Cathedral. They would be a member of the senior leadership team and assume the authority vested in a DSO. D8: The present safeguarding resource should also be reinforced with the appointment of an additional Assistant Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor (ADSA) with a portfolio for training, and a Cathedral Safeguarding Advisor (CSA). The CSA, whilst located in and line managed on a day-to- day basis within the Cathedral, should be professionally supervised by the Director of Safeguarding (or the DSO if Recommendation D7 is not accepted).

Ineqe Independent Safeguarding Audits- CofE Annual Report 2024 The CofE s decentralised structure, with its various self-governing bodies (e.g., Bishop s Office, DBFs, PCCs, and cathedrals), presents challenges for consistent safeguarding practice and strategic advice. The current fragmented approach to deploying safeguarding resources can create perceptions of undue influence and a lack of independence. To address these challenges, an independent Safeguarding Directorate should be established, led by a Director of Safeguarding. In each diocese, this Directorate would consolidate all safeguarding resources and provide comprehensive support to the DBF, parishes, and cathedral. The Director would have the authority to provide expert advice and oversight, challenge senior clergy and church bodies, and escalate concerns to higher authorities, including the NST. The Directorate s remit, defined by a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), would encompass the entire diocese and all its constituent bodies

Canon 42 (Safeguarding) Amending Canon No. 42 amends Canon C 30 by replacing the requirement for the bishop of each diocese to appoint a Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser (DSA) with a requirement for the bishop to appoint a Diocesan Safeguarding Officer (DSO) with responsibility in the diocese, independent of the bishop, for professional leadership on and management of safeguarding matters. The Canon also provides for the professional supervision of DSOs and for the quality assurance of their work by the National Safeguarding Team. The changes will come into force diocese by diocese upon certification by the Archbishops Council.

Jim Gamble- CEO Ineqe personal view to Synod .. It is almost as if there is an inevitability that, whether right or wrong, something needs to be seento be done to the Church. I get that, but from someone who has seen what has been and is being done, and for what it s worth, here is my opinion: don t tamper too much with what is actually working now, based on what didn t work before

QUOTES FROM INEQE SAFEGUARDING AUDIT 2024- DIOCESE OF WORCESTER Victims and Survivors (Page 36) There is evidence of a relational and person-centred approach by the DST when engaging with victims and survivors. Practice in this respect was described by one victim / survivor as trauma-informed , with others commenting on the support, compassion, and sensitive manner in which they were engaged by the DST. I felt listened to, safe and supported - I was given the fullest possible support. I was never made to feel this was not their [DST s] responsibility" [The DSA] came across as professional and deeply caring I got the impression she was independent [from the Church].

Contacting the Diocesan Safeguarding Team New landline number which will direct your call to the appropriate safeguarding adviser s mobile 01905 732 800 Or email safeguardingadvice@ cofe-worcester.org.uk If you have concerns about the immediate safety of someone please don t delay in ringing the Police on 999 or Children or Adult Services Website address https://www.cofe-worcester.org.uk/safeguarding