The Rt Revd Stephen Conway, Bishop of Lincoln, and the Very Revd Dr Simon Jones, Dean of Lincoln, have welcomed the publication of an Independent Safeguarding Audit carried out by the INEQE Safeguarding Group.
These audits of all Dioceses and Cathedral across England were commissioned by the Archbishop’s Council. Their purpose is to ensure they are doing all they can to create environments where everyone feels safe, valued and respected. The audit of the Diocese of Lincoln and Lincoln Cathedral took place in late 2024 and involved reviews of documents, focus groups, an anonymous online survey, and interviews with staff, volunteers and a range of other stakeholders.
You can read the full report here
Bishop Stephen said that he was encouraged to know that so many people from across Greater Lincolnshire took part in the process by contributing their thoughts and experiences, noting:
“I am deeply grateful to everyone in our diocesan family who engaged in so many ways with this important work. On behalf of us all, I want to extend a particular thank you to victims and survivors of abuse in church contexts who courageously shared their experiences and voices as part of this process.”
The comprehensive report comments that the Diocese of Lincoln has a positive safeguarding culture. It attributes its improved safeguarding position to the dedication of parish volunteers – in particular Parish Safeguarding Officers, the Diocesan Safeguarding Team and the leadership exhibited by the Bishop of Lincoln.
The Bishop of Lincoln has welcomed the report and renewed his commitment to putting safeguarding at the very core of his leadership of the Diocese, “I am very glad that we have been among the dioceses to receive this independent audit from INEQE in this early phase of their work.
“I found the audit to be both robust and extremely helpful. There is good news to be commended and new learning for us all.
“With the publication of this report, we have been given fresh energy to address the good work necessary to go forward, so that we can go on growing safer with INEQE’s encouragement.”
The audit also found that Lincoln Cathedral is experiencing a wave of positive change with signs of a growing confidence in the Cathedral’s culture and practice.
The Very Revd Dr Simon Jones, Dean of Lincoln, said that he was pleased that the report described a positive cultural trajectory at the Cathedral, “We are determined to continue to drive forward this positive change and make sure that Lincoln Cathedral has an open and collaborative culture where everyone can be assured of a safe space to worship, work or visit.
“But there is no room for complacency. We understand and acknowledge the life-changing impact that previous safeguarding failings have had on all those affected.
“We will continue to review and refine our victim-centred approach to safeguarding and are committed to creating an environment based on the values of inclusivity, honesty and respect.”
The report highlights existing good practice and offers recommendations for further development. These recommendations, along with those from INEQE’s annual report, are welcomed by the Diocese and Cathedral, who are committed to working together to deliver them.
For more information about the audit you can visit INEQE’s website
Read the full report on The Diocese of Lincoln and Lincoln Cathedral here
Anyone who has concerns about safeguarding, past or present, is encouraged to contact the Diocesan Safeguarding Team by emailing safeguarding@anglican.lincoln.org or calling 01522 504070. You can also contact Safe Spaces, an independent service supporting survivors of church-related abuse run by the charity Victim Support. You can reach them on their website – www.safespacesenglandandwales.org.uk, by calling 0300 303 1056, or by emailing safespaces@victimsupport.org.uk.
