The CSSA judges Brentwood as ‘Results Being Achieved’ in safeguarding people.
14 October 2024
The Catholic Diocese of Brentwood, 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.
Brentwood were particularly strong in the areas relating to: the effective management of allegations and concerns, management and support of respondents, and safeguarding training and support. The Diocese received a higher grade of ‘Comprehensive Assurance’ in these areas.
Auditors identified a culture of safeguarding underpinned by a strong leadership message. Brentwood Diocese has strong links with statutory and specialist agencies. Survivors are able to meet directly with the Bishop who is supported by the safeguarding team in this. Casework is of high quality. The Diocese has good safer recruitment practice and clergy training is a particular strength.
The CSSA auditors identified that development was primarily about building on existing work. They should review their safeguarding resources and further develop their safeguarding communications.
The CSSA’s recommendations for Brentwood include: to review how their safeguarding subcommittee and advisory panel work in terms of process. They should include CSSA recommendations in their safeguarding plan. Leadership safeguarding messages should be further developed. CSSA recommend that the Diocese explore proactive public initiatives to engage survivors and gain input into safeguarding processes.
Steve Ashley, Chief Executive Officer, CSSA says: “These results show that Brentwood is achieving the standards expected and exceeding in some areas. They should be satisfied with their progress in helping keep people safe in their churches and communities across the Catholic Diocese. 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’) Brentwood 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.
The CSSA publish the Executive Summary of safeguarding audits from every Catholic Church body in England and Wales. You can find the Executive Summary of Brentwood’s audit here.
ENDS
More information about the CSSA’s audit process can be found HERE.
Journalists: to speak with Steve Ashley, CEO, please initially contact Sarah Gleadall: sarah.gleadall@catholicsafeguarding.org.uk