CSSA judges Hexham and Newcastle as ‘Results Being Achieved’ in safeguarding people
26 February 2025
The Catholic Diocese of Hexham and Newcastle, in its latest re-audit of their safeguarding practice today, has been judged by the Catholic Safeguarding Standards Agency (CSSA) to be graded as ‘Results Being Achieved.’
The Inspectorate for England and Wales report that the Diocese demonstrates clear evidence of working towards the eight national safeguarding standards. The Diocese was able to satisfy independent analysts from within the CSSA about how it keeps people safe today.
Hexham and Newcastle demonstrated significant strengths in areas to do with safeguarding leadership and engaging with those who report having been harmed. Good progress was evidenced across six of the other safeguarding standards.
CSSA analysts were satisfied that safeguarding governance is now effective and the recommendations from previous CSSA audits and reviews in this respect have been actioned. The Bishop continues to meet with survivors since his appointment. There was evidence that a Victim and Survivor Commitment document was having impact on the Diocese’s casework management. An improved culture of safeguarding was evidenced, with safeguarding considerations being prominent in examples ranging from the daily practice of lay volunteers to decisions of the finance team.
The CSSA analysts identified need for further development in capturing the views and feedback of survivors. The Diocese should also engage more widely to develop and communicate safeguarding messages. The Diocese should expand how they capture and share learning and consider information sharing agreements with statutory agencies. There should be national guidance on whistleblowing procedures for clergy, and the Diocese should consider their current practice in the issuing of celebrets who are subject to safeguarding plans, allegations and concerns.
Steve Ashley, Chief Executive Officer, CSSA says: “These results show that Hexham and Newcastle is progressing with its required improvements in safeguarding, since our previous reports and reviews. The Diocese is achieving the standards expected. It should be satisfied with its progress in helping keep people safe in its churches and communities across the Catholic Diocese. There are still significant improvements to be made in the Diocese and there is no room for complacency. It must keep improving. Only this way can it 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’) Hexham and Newcastle has 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 publishes the executive summaries and reports of safeguarding audits, inspections and reviews from every Catholic Church body in England and Wales.
You can find the review report of Hexham and Newcastle’s re-audit HERE
ENDS
More information about the CSSA’s audit and inspection process can be found here
Journalists: to speak with Steve Ashley, CEO, please initially contact Sarah Gleadall: sarah.gleadall@catholicsafeguarding.org.uk