Cardiff-Menevia Archdiocese inspection report published

15 April 2026

The Catholic Archdiocese of Cardiff-Menevia, in the latest independent inspection of its safeguarding practice today, has been judged by the Catholic Safeguarding Standards Agency (CSSA) as ‘Meeting Expectations.’ This is the fourth out of seven possible grades, one being the highest.

The Independent Inspectorate for England and Wales reports that the Archdiocese demonstrates evidence of working towards the eight national safeguarding standards. The Archdiocese satisfied independent analysts from within the CSSA about how it keeps people safe; the Agency also identified room for improvement.

Cardiff-Menevia was particularly strong in standards relating to human resource management, and safeguarding training and support. Analysts identified work to develop a safeguarding culture in the context of its recent diocesan merger which required significant organisational, legal and cultural change.

There is more work needed particularly in strengthening assurance, and consistency of case work in relation to record-keeping and analysis.  The Archdiocese should also embed communication and feedback mechanisms for those who report being harmed.

The CSSA’s recommendations for Cardiff-Menevia include:

• Within three months: review case management processes and develop standards for record-keeping.
• Within six months: develop a standardised process and timelines for contacting survivors and all those involved in a safeguarding case.
• With 12 months: formally review and evaluate the safeguarding communication plan.

Steve Ashley, CEO, CSSA said: “These results show that Cardiff-Menevia is meeting the standards expected. This shows progress, particularly in the context of their recent merger. There is work to be done, however. They must keep improving to achieve the three higher possible grades. Only this way can they assure a wider public that everything possible is being done to help prevent harm. We will keep monitoring.

The CSSA publish the full reports of safeguarding inspections from every Catholic Church archdiocese, diocese, eparchy and religious life group in England and Wales.

You can find Cardiff-Menevia’s results  HERE

ENDS

More information about the CSSA’s inspection process can be found  HERE.

Journalists: to speak with Steve Ashley, CEO, please initially contact Sarah Gleadall: sarah.gleadall@catholicsafeguarding.org.uk