INEQE’s independent safeguarding audit for the Southwell & Nottingham Diocesan Board of Finance and Southwell Minster now available

In January 2026, INEQE carried out an independent safeguarding audit of the Southwell & Nottingham Diocesan Board of Finance and the Cathedral, Southwell Minster, which was commissioned by the national Church of England as part of a national programme to audit all dioceses. INEQE has now published its findings from the audit in a report, which you can download and read with the button below.

As part of the audit, INEQE received and analysed 1,015 anonymous survey responses and engaged in live sessions with 103 people, which means that their findings have been informed and shaped by the real experiences of hundreds of people across our diocese, as well as a substantial body of 830 existing documents. The audit also took into account findings from previous audits: Past Cases Review 2 (2021) and the Social Care Institute of Excellence audit (2016).

SNDBF’s full action plan in response to the recommendations made will be published within six months.

The report highlights “considerable progress since 2016 and 2021” for SNDBF and “genuine strengths across the breadth of the Cathedral’s safeguarding arrangements” for Southwell Minster, as well as a strong working relationship between the two.

Response from Bishop Paul

Bishop Paul has responded to the report, saying, “We welcome the publication of INEQE’s Independent Safeguarding Audit. The report highlights the positive progress the diocese has made in its safeguarding journey. The audit also makes clear and important recommendations for ongoing development, improvements and increased capacity in safeguarding, further reinforcing the strong safeguarding foundations INEQE recognised.

“I would like to express my gratitude to all those in parishes, the cathedral, and many others who contributed to the review, also for the dedication and hard work of our Parish Safeguarding Officers and Diocesan Safeguarding Team, as well as the Independent Diocesan Safeguarding Advisory Panel (DSAP) for their ongoing support and scrutiny. I want to thank in particular those with lived experience of trauma through church abuse who courageously came forward to contribute to the audit and help us ensure we learn from their painful experience and its long-term effects. Alongside the recommendations in this report and the strategy that follows, their experiences will continue to challenge and shape our safeguarding practice, culture and leadership.

“In response to the report, I am pleased we are also creating a Safeguarding Directorate, including a Director of Safeguarding as our independent DSO, to provide professional line management and direct accountability for safeguarding strategy, ensuring a consistency in survivor responses across the diocese, cathedral and parishes, reporting to the Diocesan Board of Finance (Bishop’s Council) and Cathedral Chapter, as trustees. 

“As a diocese we remain vigilant, open and committed to continual learning in the journey ahead and in response to all the INEQE recommendations, and we look forward to reporting publicly on our progress in the coming months.”

Response from Diocesan Safeguarding Advisory Panel

The Diocesan Safeguarding Advisory Panel provides independent scrutiny to our safeguarding activities, ensuring keeping the diocesan and Cathedral teams accountable for the highest standard of practice. 

DSAP’s independent chair, Sally Hodges, said, “Firstly, as DSAP chair I want to thank all those who supported the diocese, parishes and the Cathedral through the INEQE process. We entered into it with open minds and hearts willing to hear what the audit would tell us so that we could genuinely use it to help us improve our services and safeguarding into the future. 

“It was a rigorous, highly worthwhile process that has shown us areas where we need to improve, but as importantly it has also highlighted many excellent ways in which safeguarding services are delivered, and where good practice is very evident.

“DSAP will use the wealth of input it gives us to enhance our action plan for the future, to promote and continue the strong services already provided and to ensure that Southwell continues in its very positive direction of travel.”

Ella is another of DSAP’s members, providing the panel with representation of people with lived experience of trauma. She commented, “As someone with lived experience of abuse, the need for this report, and for continued reflection on our safeguarding practice and learning, is clear to me. I am encouraged by the positive work highlighted in the report by the Safeguarding Team, the wider diocese, and those involved in day-to-day ministry.

“There is still growth needed, both culturally and particularly in the area of supporting survivors and amplifying their voices. The commitment to these recommendations and to ongoing improvement from the diocese is clear. I am excited and hopeful about the influence of this report in improving safeguarding, support, justice, and righteousness for those in our churches, both now and in the future.”

Response from Southwell Minster

Responding to the findings for Southwell Minster, Dean Stephen Evans said, “The Cathedral Chapter welcomes the INEQE report and its findings, which reference some areas of challenge while recognising the significant progress which has already been made in improving the safeguarding culture of the cathedral.”

He went on to say, “Chapter continues to build the transparent culture and systems needed to be able to listen to the voices of all whom we seek to serve and safeguard. I am particularly encouraged that the report recognises the positive impact made by the Cathedral Safeguarding Officer and the strong partnership that has been developed with the Diocesan Safeguarding Team. The report also acknowledges the robust safeguarding arrangements and high standard of pastoral care provided to our choristers, reflecting the ongoing commitment of staff and volunteers across the Cathedral community to build a culture in which everyone can flourish safely.”

Read Dean Stephen’s full comment on Southwell Minster’s website

Further support & information

The Diocese of Southwell and Nottingham and Southwell Minster are engaged in an ongoing process of learning and improving. If you would like to discuss anything relating to safeguarding concerns in this diocese, or share a story that may not have been heard in this audit, you can do this by contacting the safeguarding team on 01636 817200, emailing them, or submitting a form on the website. If you wish to speak to someone outside of the diocese you can find the contact details of a number of external organisations on the diocesan website or you can contact Safe Spaces 0808 1629 111.