Wrexham Diocese inspection report published

23 March 2026

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

The independent 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.

Wrexham was equally strong across seven standards, with particular note of engaged leadership and effective governance arrangements. The Diocese also demonstrated a willingness to learn and improve safeguarding practice, particularly following independent reviews.

There is more work needed particularly around the effective management of allegations and concerns.

The CSSA’s recommendations for Wrexham include:

• Within three months: Retrospectively complete risk assessments on case work.
• Within six months: Formalise the process for assessing blemished DBS returns.
• With 12 months: Analyse the data from the victim survivor survey and elicit clear conclusions.

Steve Ashley, CEO, CSSA said: “These results show that Wrexham is exceeding the standards expected. This shows good progress from their first safeguarding (baseline) audit, and the Diocese should be pleased. They must keep improving; only this way can they assure a wider public that everything possible is being done to help prevent harm.

He added: “We are aware that not all survivors will recognise their individual experiences captured in this report. However, the fact that Wrexham has improved their safeguarding to the standard that we see today is in no small part down to their courage. We thank them for their role in preventing harm.”

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

You can find Wrexham’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

Wrexham’s results have been published under the CSSA’s revised grades system which places greater emphasis on the quality of safeguarding practice, leadership, and continuous improvement. For more information, please contact qualityassurance@catholicsafeguarding.org.uk