From the Bishop of London

To all in the Diocese of London

 

Dear friends,

 

Over a five-year period, from 2023 – 2028, independent safeguarding audits are being carried out in every diocese across the Church of England. 

 

The Diocese of London audit is taking place over the next three months. 

 

Phase one is already underway. We're submitting evidence of how safeguarding is part of our culture - and we need your voice too. An essential part of the audit is a confidential survey run by INEQE, open to everyone in our church communities. 

 

Our goal is simple but vital: to ensure that safeguarding is not just about policies and protocols but is a living thread woven through everything we do - creating churches where everyone feels safe, valued, and respected. 

 

The audit will result in a report and action plan, to help us build on our strengths and improve where needed, bringing us closer to a truly safe Church for all. 

 

You can view the completed reports from other dioceses on the Church of England website. 

 

Your Participation 

An important part of the independent audit is for as many people as possible in our communities to complete a survey. 

 

There are several surveys, each for different groups of people. 

• You are encouraged to complete as many surveys are as relevant to you.

• Please share the survey with your church communities, including any youth groups and parents of children as there is a survey for under 18s. 

You can view and complete the surveys on the INEQE website. 

 

Resources to help you share the surveys

• Download a QR code for your pew sheet and/or church screen

• Download a poster which can be printed

• Download some drafted text you can use in a pew sheet or newsletter 

 

Thank you for your invaluable input, which will help to shape the safeguarding culture for the future. 

 

I also want to extend my heartfelt thanks to each of you for your ministry and your dedication to creating safe and welcoming communities within our churches. Your continued commitment to safeguarding is a powerful witness to the love and care at the heart of the Gospel. 

 

The Rt Revd & Rt Hon Dame Sarah Mullally DBE