Salford Diocese inspection report published

21 May 2026

The Catholic Diocese of Salford, in the latest independent inspection of its safeguarding practice today, has been judged by the Catholic Safeguarding Standards Agency (CSSA) as ‘Exceeding Expectations.’ This is the third out of seven possible grades, one being the highest.

The Independent Inspectorate for England and Wales reports that the Diocese demonstrates evidence of working towards the eight national safeguarding standards. The Diocese clearly demonstrated to independent analysts from within the CSSA about how it keeps people safe.

Salford was consistently strong across five standards including safeguarding leadership and survivor engagement. The standard relating to continuous improvement requires attention.

The CSSA’s recommendations for Salford include:

• Within three months: formally review the risk register
• Within six months: ensure that senior leaders receive training in being trauma informed
• With 12 months: formally assess the quality, consistency and impact of safeguarding responses

Steve Ashley, CEO, CSSA said: “These results show that Salford is exceeding the standards expected. We were pleased to see results across many safeguarding standards. 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 Salford’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