In July 2017 the Diocese of Rochester’s safeguarding arrangements were independently audited by The Social Care Institute for Excellence (SCIE), as part of the National Church’s quality assurance programme.
On this page you will find information about:
The Purpose of the Audit
The Diocese of Rochester Independent Safeguarding Audit
Response to the report
Action plan
Purpose of the Audit
The Social Care Institute for Excellence (SCIE) was commissioned to undertake an audit of the safeguarding arrangements of each diocese of the Church of England.
The aim of these audits was to work together to understand how safeguarding is working in each diocese, and to support the continuing improvements being made.
Following pilot audits of four dioceses in 2015, an agreed audit model is being applied nationally during 2016 and 2017. The audit of the Diocese of Rochester was carried out by Hugh Constant (the lead auditor for this diocese) and Lucy Erber from 11 – 13 July 2017.
The audit process involved an examination of case files and other documents, along with conversations with key individuals and focus groups of parish representatives in the diocese. Details of the process are provided in the appendix. This report was written by Hugh Constant with support from Lucy Erber. Quality assurance was provided by Edi Carmi, the senior auditing lead.
The Diocese of Rochester Independent Safeguarding Audit
The final report was sent to the Diocese in November 2017. It is available to download below:
Response to the Audit
In response to the report the then Bishop of Rochester, the Rt Rev James Langstaff said:
I am extremely grateful to SCIE for carrying out such a thorough and helpful review of our safeguarding procedures. We take the matter of safeguarding the children, young people and vulnerable adults who attend or visit our churches extremely seriously. Any guidance that helps ensure we carry out this important responsibility more effectively and diligently is therefore very welcome.
It is encouraging that the auditors recognise the many positive and proactive steps that have already been taken to increase our resourcing of this vital area, but we recognise that there are still improvements to be made. We therefore fully accept the findings of the report.
Through our Safeguarding Executive Committee, and with advice and oversight from the Bishop’ Safeguarding Advisory Panel, we are working to implement the recommendations made in relation to administration and staffing – indeed changes have already come about.
We are determined that our safeguarding provision should meet the highest standards. I would, therefore, like to thank all those in our parishes, chaplaincies and in diocesan roles who work tirelessly to ensure that our churches remain safe and welcoming places for all.
Action plan
The recommendations from the audit are being actioned. View a copy of our action plan below: