Truro Diocese Safeguarding Audit Praises Strong Leadership and Commitment

Impressive Safeguarding Review for Truro Diocese and Cathedral

An independent safeguarding audit has commended the Diocese of Truro and Truro Cathedral for their robust and effective leadership, highlighting a clear focus on safeguarding across the entire diocese. Conducted by INEQE Safeguarding Group and commissioned by the Archbishop’s Council, the audit praises the significant strides made in ensuring safety and inclusivity within the church community.

Strong Leadership and Effective Safeguarding

The audit, conducted between late 2023 and early 2024, applauded the leadership of the Bishop of St Germans, Hugh Nelson, and the Dean of Truro, Simon Robinson. Their dedication has fostered a culture where safeguarding is paramount. The Diocesan Safeguarding Team (DST) received high praise, being described as ‘an asset’ with ‘high levels of confidence in their competence.’

Hugh Nelson, Acting Bishop of Truro, expressed his satisfaction with the audit results, stating, “Safeguarding is at the heart of everything we do. I am delighted both that such a thorough audit has taken place and that it tells us we can be confident in the work we are all doing, and in the people doing it. There is more to do now, and we are already working to implement the report recommendations.”

Commendable Practices and Community Feedback

The audit reviewed 382 documents, conducted 30 interviews, and collected 497 anonymous survey responses. The engagement included victims, survivors, children, and parish members. The responses from the worshipping community were overwhelmingly positive, with many describing their parishes as ‘inclusive’, ‘happy’, and ‘nurturing.’

Simon Robinson, Dean of Truro, emphasised the spiritual significance of safeguarding, saying, “Safeguarding is about the very heart of God who wants everyone to flourish and grow. Public scrutiny of this type will support us in our work and our ambition to ensure that everyone feels as safe as possible in our cathedrals and churches.”

Justine Hosking, Independent Chair of the Truro Diocesan Safeguarding Advisory Panel, echoed these sentiments, noting, “This great result shows what a dedicated safeguarding team can achieve when they listen and work together with their church community.”

Areas for Improvement and Future Commitment

While the audit was predominantly positive, it did acknowledge some challenges that need to be addressed. It stated, “..there are areas that could be strengthened, and some stubborn challenges remain. Critically, the most senior leaders recognise this and are committed to pushing ahead with the improvement journey they now lead.”

Bishop Hugh acknowledged these areas for improvement, reaffirming the diocese’s commitment to continuous enhancement. “While the report speaks positively about much that is happening in the diocese; we know there is a long way to go and that there is no place for complacency with safeguarding. We will work hard to implement the audit recommendations.”

Conclusion

The audit’s comprehensive review has shed light on the Diocese of Truro’s commendable efforts in safeguarding, highlighting the importance of strong leadership, community involvement, and continuous improvement. With the ongoing commitment from all levels of the diocese, the future looks promising for maintaining and enhancing a safe and inclusive environment for all.

For more detailed insights, the full report is available to the public, reflecting the diocese’s transparency and dedication to safeguarding – view report.