The Diocese of Carlisle and Carlisle Cathedral are to undergo an independent safeguarding audit as part of a Church of England-wide initiative.

The audit was commissioned by the Archbishop’s Council and will be carried out by the INEQE Safeguarding Group. Over a four-year period, INEQE are visiting 42 dioceses and 42 cathedrals as well as two palaces: Bishopthorpe and Lambeth.

As part of that process, their team will audit the Diocese of Carlisle and Carlisle Cathedral from 6 to 10 January, 2025. The aim is to ensure dioceses - which oversee safeguarding in parish churches - and cathedrals are doing all they can to create environments where everyone feels safe, valued and respected.

INEQE are now looking to engage with as many people as possible who are involved in the life and work of the diocese and the cathedral through an online survey.

The Rt Rev Rob Saner-Haigh, the Acting Bishop of Carlisle, has filmed a special message in which he promotes the survey.

He said: “I want to encourage as many people as possible to engage with this audit by completing a survey. I want people to be open and honest in their responses. The surveys are anonymous and confidential, and all responses will be received by INEQE’s Audit Team, not the Diocese of Carlisle or Carlisle Cathedral.”

Once the audit is complete, INEQE will publish a public report with recommendations for the Diocese and the Cathedral.

INEQE's survey for Carlisle can be found by clicking on this link here.

People are encouraged to share the link as widely as possible so that INEQE can get as accurate a picture as possible, prior to tabling recommendations to help the Diocese and Cathedral to continue to improve our safeguarding practice and provision.

ENDS

Notes to editors

Click here for more information and here to view Bishop Rob’s filmed message.

For further information contact Dave Roberts, Diocesan Head of Communications, on 07469 153658 or at communications@carlislediocese.org.uk.