Published on: 27/01/2026
The Diocese of Sheffield is taking part in an Independent Safeguarding Audit being carried out by the INEQE Safeguarding Group on behalf of the Church of England. This audit is a key part of our ongoing work to ensure that everyone who worships, works and participates in church life is safe, valued and respected.
INEQE’s independent audit looks honestly at safeguarding practice, culture, and the lived experiences of people across our Diocese. It is not about “box-ticking” or reputation, but about learning where we are doing well and where we must improve.
This process includes a series of anonymous, confidential online surveys for people in different roles and settings – from parishioners and volunteers to clergy, staff and those with lived experience. The insight you offer through these surveys helps shape the auditors’ assessment and informs the recommendations they make.
Read the full letter from Bishop Pete Wilcox and Bishop Leah Vasey-Saunders.
How to take part
Whether you attend services regularly or are involved in any part of life in our Diocese, your perspective matters. Please take the time to complete the survey(s) that are relevant to you. Survey responses are anonymous and confidential and are supplied directly to INEQE’s audit team, not to the Diocese or Church of England.
Posters and resources to help parishes engage
To help parishes encourage participation, INEQE has produced posters and engagement resources that you can display in your church buildings, community spaces and noticeboards. These are designed to prompt conversation and make it easy for people to scan the QR code or find the survey online.
Download the engagement poster
We encourage church leaders and parish safeguarding officers to make use of this poster: put it up where your community gathers, share on social media and include in parish newsletters. If you would like the central team to print and send some out to you then request them from communications@sheffield.anglican.org
Every voice counts
You might feel that safeguarding is “not your area”, or that others are more experienced but every viewpoint helps build a clearer picture of life across our Diocese. By sharing what you think and what you’ve seen, you help shape a more reflective and effective safeguarding culture for all.
Thank you for taking a few minutes to participate and for encouraging others in your church community to do the same.