The CSSA judges Lancaster as ‘Results Being Achieved’ in safeguarding people
17 December 2024
The Catholic Diocese of Lancaster, 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.
Lancaster was strongest in areas to do with: engaging and caring for those who report being harmed, management of allegations and concerns, and safeguarding training and support (evidencing a 100 per cent compliance from the leadership team and active clergy).
Auditors identified an emerging culture of safeguarding that is championed by the Bishop and leaders. There is a safeguarding communications plan, and messages are routinely disseminated through existing communications channels. Safeguarding policies and procedures are in place, and support is available to those who report having been harmed. Casework demonstrates that the Diocese is clearly hearing the voice of individual survivors. The safeguarding implementation plan is in place.
The CSSA auditors identified the need for further development in embedding the safeguarding culture across the Diocese. The communications plan should be finalised and published and feedback from stakeholders should be sought. The Diocese should proactively seek the views of survivors to inform their overall safeguarding practice.
The recommendations for Lancaster include promotion of the Bishop’s willingness to meet survivors; make publicly available the safeguarding complaints policy and whistleblowing policy; and to consider and implement internal and external casework audits.
Steve Ashley, Chief Executive Officer, CSSA says: “These results show that Lancaster is achieving the standards expected. 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’) Lancaster 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 Lancaster’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