The CSSA judges Leeds as ‘Results Being Achieved’ in safeguarding people
11 December 2024
The Catholic Diocese of Leeds, 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.
Significantly Leeds was particularly strong in the area relating to leadership and governance, this area receiving the higher grading of ‘Comprehensive Assurance’.
Auditors identified a culture of safeguarding underpinned by a strong leadership ethos that ‘safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility’. Safeguarding was found to be a key consideration across all Diocesan activity.
Communications was found to be a strength in the Diocese. There was seen to be engagement with victims and survivors, and there is a recognition that consultation could be strengthened. There has been an increased focus on safer recruitment.
The CSSA auditors identified that development was primarily about building on existing work. Areas for improvement include developing a safeguarding specific complaints policy. Safer recruitment should be strengthened by regular oversight from the Safeguarding Subcommittee. This body should also consider thematic audits of their own work. The training needs analysis needs further development.
The recommendations for Leeds include: to ensure safeguarding training compliance across the Clergy; to develop formal processes for capturing learning from allegations, concerns and complaints; and further develop case work oversight.
Steve Ashley, Chief Executive Officer, CSSA says: “These results show that Leeds is achieving the standards expected and exceeding in some areas. 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’) Leeds 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 Leeds’ 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