Cathedral safeguarding rules 'need urgent change'

Blackburn Cathedral's approach to safeguarding requires "urgent improvement", an independent review has found.

Independent consultants from the Ineqe Safeguarding Group (ISG) assessed safeguarding practices at each diocese and cathedral in the Church of England (CoE).

A BBC investigation into how the CoE dealt with allegations about Blackburn priest Andrew Hindley exposed serious failings in child protection.

The Bishop of Blackburn, the Right Reverend Philip North, said action was being taken "immediately" to address "critical vulnerabilities that demand urgent and comprehensive attention".

The report highlighted "questionable decision-making, inadequate safeguarding capacity and expertise, poor communication, inconsistencies in practice, and a failure to embed robust governance, oversight and accountability".

It said there was a view that safeguarding was "being driven by the opinion of senior leadership" rather than by professionals.

Some spoken to by ISG pointed out "the behaviour of certain individuals at the cathedral illustrates 'a culture that appears collaborative on the surface but has underlying tensions'."

The audit said Blackburn Cathedral must now "prioritise a properly constructed and independently overseen safeguarding improvement plan".

Experts did, however, acknowledge some positive aspects, particularly in relation to good practice for safeguarding in the choir school and the commitment of some leaders, staff, and volunteers.

Bishop North said: "The report highlights a number of urgent actions required at the cathedral and, whilst there is some good practice, significant work is needed.

"I have met with Cathedral Chapter this week and I am pleased to hear their commitment to immediately taking action on the recommendations found in [ISG's] report."

A second report on the wider Diocese of Blackburn concluded that there was a strong commitment to safeguarding, driven and supported by parish safeguarding officers and the diocesan safeguarding team.

The report said the diocese worked with a "safeguarding-first approach, prioritising the safety of people and not hesitating, when appropriate, to make difficult decisions".

Listen to the best of BBC Radio Lancashire on BBC Sounds and follow BBC Lancashire on Facebook, X and Instagram and watch BBC North West Tonight on BBC iPlayer.