Following the safeguarding audit that took place earlier this year, an Executive Summary has now been published on the Catholic Safeguarding Standards Agency’s website.
A news article about the audit was posted on the Catholic Safeguarding Standards Agency’s website on the 7th October:
“The Catholic Diocese of Plymouth, in the first audit of their safeguarding practice today, has been judged by the Catholic Safeguarding Standards Agency (CSSA) to be graded as ‘Results Being Achieved.’ The regulatory agency for England and Wales report that the Diocese demonstrate clear evidence of working towards the eight national safeguarding standards. The Diocese was able to satisfy independent auditors from within the CSSA about how it keeps people safe.
Plymouth was strongest in the area relating to the engagement with, and care of, those who report being harmed. The Diocese was seen to have invested particularly in this, receiving the higher grade of ‘Comprehensive Assurance’. Significantly, three survivors provided feedback for this audit, each of whom praised the Diocese for their willingness to engage. Plymouth received the strong grade of ‘Results being achieved’ in each of the other standards.
Auditors identified a culture of safeguarding being ‘everyone’s responsibility’. Safeguarding communications was seen to be effective. National guidance is followed in the management of concerns and allegations. Case management is overseen effectively. Safeguarding training expectations of clergy, staff and volunteers are clear.
The CSSA auditors identified further scope for development around Case Audit Group reviews to ensure standards are consistently met. The Diocese could also formalise ways of learning from concerns, allegations and complaints. Plymouth should determine how often parish audits are completed, to offer ongoing confidence.
The CSSA’s recommendations for Plymouth include: to ratify, and publish, a complaints policy. The Diocese should engage further with clergy of their training needs. Longer term, their safeguarding implementation plan should be reviewed to ensure that it fully addresses all eight safeguarding standards, and there should be repeat training in receiving a disclosure.
Steve Ashley, Chief Executive Officer, CSSA says: “These results show that Plymouth is achieving the standards expected, and they should be satisfied with their progress in helping keep people safe in their churches and communities across the Catholic diocese. Plymouth has been without a Bishop since June 2022, which will undoubtedly have impacted their efforts. Nevertheless, their safeguarding leadership has remained strong under the Diocesan Administrator until the next Bishop is installed. They must keep improving. Only this way can they assure a wider public that everything possible is being done to help prevent harm.
Having exceeded potential lower gradings (in a scale ranging from ‘below basic,’ ‘basic’ ‘early progress’ and ‘firm progress’) Plymouth have further work to do to achieve either of the two higher gradings possible (namely ‘Comprehensive Assurance’ and ‘Exemplary’). The overall grading of ‘Results Being Achieved’ represents a combination of the Diocese’s scoring across eight areas of work relating to safeguarding standards.”
To view a copy of the Executive Summary please click HERE