CSSA report finds that the Diocese of Nottingham Safeguarding Audit was “wholly positive”

The Diocese of Nottingham announces today (Wednesday 31^st July) that the Executive summary report, from the Safeguarding Audit undertaken by the national Catholic Safeguarding Standards Agency (CSSA), has been published.

The report’s key findings are “that the Diocese of Nottingham is at the overall grading of Comprehensive Assurance at this time (2^nd highest grade)”, and that the Training and Support for Safeguarding was judged to be Exemplary (highest grade). In addition, the document states that good practice was found across all eight of the national safeguarding standards.

The audit took place in May 2024, and it included interviews, surveys and focus groups as well as examining the evidence provided by the diocese through an assessment and various other requested documents.

After receiving the report, Bishop Patrick McKinney said: “I am very pleased with the assessments of the recent CSSA Safeguarding Audit which highlights the Diocese of Nottingham's commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of all in our community, and to achieving safeguarding best practice in all areas.  

This positive outcome is due to the determined efforts of our Diocesan Safeguarding Team, led by Rachael Campion, our Director of Safeguarding, and the very significant support of our clergy and lay people, particularly the sterling work of our parish Safeguarding Representatives”.

Rachael Campion, Director of Safeguarding, said: “I am happy that the diocese has achieved the Comprehensive Assurance grading, and that the audit has recognised the hard work and commitment that we have made in encouraging good safeguarding practices across the diocese”.

The report highlighted the diocese’s ability to review and develop its policy and practice in response of emerging risks and best practice. The audit says:  

“The diocese has excellent processes for managing its human resources. Safer recruitment processes are robust and have been subject to a comprehensive review and development; processes and policies bring reassurance to the recruitment of the full range of diocesan clergy, employees, and volunteers”.

While very pleased with the report, Bishop Patrick emphasised “the diocese is committed to ongoing improvement, and so the audit’s recommendations will be invaluable in helping us all to build upon our current good practice and to address areas for further development”.