CSSA Review of Hexham and Newcastle Safeguarding 2024

12 June 2024

One year after the Catholic Safeguarding Standards Agency’s (CSSA) unscheduled review of safeguarding in the Diocese of Hexham and Newcastle, the independent regulator confirms it is conducting a staged re-audit. So far, the agency has found significant progress in safeguarding in the Diocese and seen a demonstrable positive impact of strong new safeguarding leadership.

In a report to be published shortly, the CSSA will acknowledge that a much stronger culture of safeguarding is now evident in the Diocese, a culture which is being modelled from the top by Bishop Stephen Wright. The regulator will comment on the renewed professionalisation of the safeguarding function under Bishop Wright, in which staff and volunteers are encouraged to speak up about any concerns or ideas to help improve their safeguarding service.

The report will also evidence the impact of a strengthened delivery on the Victims’ Charter and how the Diocese is putting in place better structures to ensure that the voice of survivors is heard.

The independent regulator’s report will comment on the Diocese’s progress and action plan against the twelve recommendations it made a year ago today (12 June 2023).

Said Steve Ashley, Chief Executive Officer, CSSA: “There are promising indications in Hexham and Newcastle that stronger foundations are being built. It won’t happen overnight, and there is much work to be done. But we are reassured that significant progress has been made in the last 12 months. I look forward to publishing our interim report and full audit soon.”

Nazir Afzal, OBE, Chair of the CSSA added: “A year ago we found that in Hexham and Newcastle the action of a few individuals had undermined the work of many. Our early indications show that a strong leader is now putting in place stronger safeguarding.

“There is, however, no room for complacency. There will be many people today in the Diocese who are still hurting from what our report revealed last year. For some, trust may never be restored. There is no quick fix to this. Our job at the CSSA is to drive up safeguarding standards by auditing and reviewing. We’re satisfied that change is happening, and we will continue to monitor progress in Hexham and Newcastle to help ensure no one is left at risk.”

ENDS

For information about the CSSA’s forthcoming audit and report into Hexham and Newcastle, or for an interview with the CSSA, please contact Sarah Gleadall sarah.gleadall@catholicsafeguarding.org.uk

You can read the CSSA’s report into Hexham and Newcastle from June 2023 HERE