The results of the independent review into safeguarding in the Diocese of Bath and Wells and Wells Cathedral have been published today (16 July 2025). INEQE, who are in the process of evaluating the quality of safeguarding practice in all Church of England dioceses across the country, undertook the audit of Bath and Wells in March 2025.
The audit report is split into two sections, the first looking at the safeguarding provision of the Diocese of Bath and Wells, with the second focused on Safeguarding in Wells Cathedral.
The report states:
“Bath and Wells has developed a strong and positive safeguarding culture driven by committed leadership, engaged safeguarding personnel and effective strategies that personalise safeguarding and empower local communities.”
In reporting on safeguarding at Wells Cathedral, it says,
“The Cathedral adopts a comprehensive and multi-layered approach to promote safeguarding effectively across all audiences within its community. This is achieved through a range of methods designed to raise awareness, develop understanding, and embed safeguarding in the DNA of Cathedral life.”
Bishop Michael responds to the results of the survey
Responding to the report, Michael Beasley, Bishop of Bath and Wells, says “I have been deeply heartened to see the positive feedback from the auditors across all the areas they reviewed, which recognises the extensive work that has taken place over many years to make our churches safer for all.
“As good as it is to read the positive comments in the report, it is the recommendations that we will be paying closer attention to as we know that there is no place for complacency when it comes to safeguarding. Survivors' response to the audit is also something we will be reviewing carefully. It is vital that we continue to listen to them as we look to improve. We are highly conscious that our good practice now and our aspirations for the future come out of a history which has often seen victims of abuse let down in the past.
“Some of the recommendations have already been taken on board and implemented following initial feedback from the auditors, others will require more careful consideration and time. We are committed to doing this so we can continue to improve our practices to give all our communities the confidence that when they enter one of our churches, for whatever reason, they will not only be warmly welcomed, but also know that they are entering a safe space.
“I was particularly struck that the report took into account the role our churches play in our wider communities. As such, some of the recommendations reflect issues facing us all - mental health, County Lines drug trafficking and domestic violence. Our churches are viewed as places of safety, sanctuary and support for many facing these challenges. We need to be in a position to offer appropriate support safely, considering both the needs of those we want to help but also those of our clergy, staff and volunteers.
“This report is a positive step on our safeguarding journey, one which has been achieved through the hard work of the dedicated safeguarding professionals in our diocesan safeguarding team and of course our committed and caring volunteer safeguarding officers in our churches, as well as our clergy. I would like to thank everyone for all for all that they have done and continue to do to.”
Dean Toby shares his response to the report
Commenting on the Cathedral audit results, Toby Wright, the Dean of Wells says, ““We warmly welcome the audit findings and recommendations. I am clear that the improvements to our safeguarding culture acknowledged in this report are the shared achievements of the whole team of volunteers, staff and clergy at Wells Cathedral, who work tirelessly towards upholding the highest standards of care. I am grateful for their commitment and for all they do.
“The audit concluded that safeguarding is becoming a core principle across all areas of our work and affirms the deep commitment of our Cathedral community to ensuring that safeguarding is essential to who we are. It is not just a responsibility, but a reflection of our values and faith in action. This is a meaningful step forward in our ongoing journey to make Wells a welcoming Cathedral for all and where everyone, and especially the most vulnerable feels safe, valued and heard.
“This is a moment to pause and celebrate all that has been achieved so far, but also to ensure that we continue to focus and improve on our safeguarding culture as we move forward together. Safeguarding is a journey, not a destination and we are committed to continuing to weave it into all we do, embedding it into every aspect of our life, and fostering a welcoming, caring and respectful environment for all and a place of joy.”
About the audit
In compiling the report, the auditors took into account the Social Care Institute for Excellence (SCIE) audits, Past Cases Review 2 (PCR2) outcomes, as well as evidence from surveys, focus groups, direct correspondence and interviews, which involved:
Over 370 documents being collated and analysed prior to the audit visit.
Interviews with Church officers (staff and volunteers), external partners, victims, survivors and other stakeholders.
670 anonymous survey responses, from victims and survivors, children and young people, as well as those worshipping or working within the Diocesan Board of Finance, Cathedral and parishes.
Six focus groups.
A confidential contact form being made available via a dedicated webpage.
42 separate engagement sessions, with 103 people.
The audit considered: culture, leadership and capacity; prevention; recognising, assessing and managing risk; victims and survivors and learning, supervision and support in making its conclusions.
Ben Goodhind, Safeguarding Manager reflects on the findings of the report
Ben Goodhind, Safeguarding Manager for the Diocese of Bath and Wells says, “This report reflects the commitment to safeguarding I see every day in my team, in my colleagues, and from the clergy and the volunteer Parish Safeguarding Officers, which every church has. I would like to thank them for all that they do. The report shows that we have a sound base to further improve safeguarding in today’s Church. I know we are all passionate about achieving this.”
Read the report in full, download our response booklet and summary document and resources to share the results where you are.