Quality assurance procedures are a systematic method of assessing the extent to which the seven child safeguarding standards are implemented at all levels within the Diocese. This is an important method of ensuring that a process of continuous improvement takes place, and of demonstrating accountability and transparency.

Quality assurance will be undertaken by applying three methods:

  1. Assessing compliance by the Diocese during systematic visits to parishes (3.2);
  2. Annual self-audit scheme (3.3) carried out locally, but coordinated by the safeguarding committee;
  1. Annual report by the DLP to the Bishop on Standards 2, 3 and 4 (3.4).

All of the documents produced are internal to the Diocese and do not need to be sent to the NBSCCCI.

Safeguarding committee

The role of the safeguarding committee across Standards 1, 5, 6 and 7 is outlined in Appendix A. In relation to Standard 7, the safeguarding committee is responsible for:

  • Producing and reviewing the three-year child safeguarding plan of how to maintain standards 1, 5 and 6 across the Church body;
  • Liaising with the parish safeguarding representatives (PSRs) to ensure the compilation of a local safeguarding audit, and to identify areas where guidance and support on policy or practice is needed;
  • Ensuring that an annual safeguarding report on Standards 1, 5 and 6 is made to the Bishop;
  • Ensuring that records in relation to safeguarding matters are produced and stored securely.