- Why is the Diocese being audited?
The Archbishops’ Council has commissioned INEQE Safeguarding Group to carry out independent safeguarding audits across all Church of England dioceses, cathedrals and palaces. The purpose of these audits is to help ensure that our churches and organisations are doing everything they can to create environments where everyone feels safe, valued and respected. The Diocese of Norwich is taking part as part of this national programme and welcomes the opportunity to review and strengthen safeguarding practice. Surveys will open in September with the auditors visiting the diocese in January 2027.
2. How can I get involved?
The easiest and most important way to get involved is by completing the INEQE survey. The survey allows a wide range of people to share their experiences, views and suggestions. Every response helps auditors build a clear picture of safeguarding across the Diocese. We encourage everyone who is eligible to take part and to share information about the survey with others who may wish to contribute. Please note that the survey will only be available for a limited period, so we encourage you to complete it as soon as possible.
3. Can I meet the auditors?
INEQE will identify individuals and groups they would like to meet based on the information gathered through surveys and documentation submitted during the audit. The Diocese may also suggest stakeholders whose perspectives would be valuable to the audit process. If you feel you have important information to share or would like to discuss meeting the auditors, please contact the Project Team at: ineqe@dioceseofnorwich.org
4. Is the survey anonymous?
Yes. Survey responses are collected directly by INEQE and are designed to help gather honest feedback from a wide range of participants. Individual responses will not be shared with the Diocese in a way that identifies respondents.
Diocese of Norwich surveys are currently LIVE for a limited period. Take part by clicking here.
- Who are INEQE?
INEQE Safeguarding Group is an independent safeguarding organisation with experience in reviewing safeguarding arrangements across a range of sectors. They have been commissioned by the Archbishops’ Council to conduct these audits independently. They are members of The Safeguarding Resource and Support Hub (RSH), a UK International Development partnership to provide global access to safeguarding expertise.
- What areas will the audit look at?
The audit will consider a range of safeguarding arrangements, including policies, procedures, culture, leadership, training, support arrangements and how safeguarding is experienced by different groups across the Diocese. The aim is to identify strengths, areas for improvement and examples of good practice.
- What happens after the audit?
Following the audit, INEQE will produce a report outlining its findings and recommendations. The Diocese will use these recommendations to further strengthen safeguarding arrangements and support ongoing improvement.
- Will the audit affect my church or parish?
The audit is intended to support learning and improvement across the Diocese. While individual churches and parishes may be invited to contribute information or take part in discussions, the focus is on understanding safeguarding arrangements and identifying opportunities to strengthen practice.
- What if I have concerns about safeguarding?
If you have an immediate safeguarding concern, please follow the Diocese’s safeguarding reporting procedures and contact the Diocesan Safeguarding Team directly. The audit is not a mechanism for reporting urgent safeguarding concerns. Information about reporting concerns can be found on the Diocese of Norwich website.
- How can I find out more about the audit?
Updates and information about the audit is available through this webpage and is shared through diocesan communications. (see also keeping in touch section of this webpage). If you have any questions about the audit process, please contact the Project Team: ineqe@dioceseofnorwich.org
Thank you for reading this page. Your interest and involvement are important in helping us continue to develop a culture where everyone feels safe, heard and supported. If you have any questions that you feel would help others please raise this with Project Team: ineqe@dioceseofnorwich.org