Discalced Carmelites

Wolverhampton

 

 

Baseline Audit Report

October 2026

 

 

Contents

1. Introduction..................................................................................................................... 3
2. Methodology................................................................................................................... 4
3. Audit grading.................................................................................................................. 5
4. Audit findings against each standard............................................................................. 6
5. Summary of overall findings......................................................................................... 20
6. Recommendations........................................................................................................ 21
7. Arrangements for follow-up.......................................................................................... 22
8. Appendix....................................................................................................................... 23

1. Introduction

1. This is a baseline audit report of the safeguarding arrangements for the Discalced Carmelites of Wolverhampton (referred to hereafter as the Carmelites). This audit has been undertaken as part of the CSSA programme of baseline audits for Religious Life Groups (RLGs) in England and
2. The Carmelites’ primary mission is prayer and intercession for the The Sisters structure their lives around regular prayer, including going to choir seven times a day. In the past, they supported themselves through work such as making vestments and cards. However, the community is now smaller, despite receiving Sisters from other Carmelite monasteries when they have closed. Out of ten Sisters living in Wolverhampton, three of these have care and support needs, which are provided for by a self-employed carer. The community could be considered increasingly fragile due to the age profile of Sisters, the level of dependency among some Sisters, and the additional responsibilities placed upon those who remain able to undertake community duties.
3. Within the community is an Extern Sister 1, who welcomes visitors to the monastery and maintains relationships with clergy from the Archdiocese of Birmingham who celebrate Mass at the monastery each She also provides practical, spiritual and pastoral support to members of the wider community.
4. This audit seeks to assess the effectiveness of current safeguarding arrangements, by considering practice over the last twelve The CSSA has categorised RLGs on a scale from Level 1 (a small community with minimal outreach and no known safeguarding concerns), Level 2 (a medium sized community with some outreach with vulnerable populations and/or providing some diocesan activities, such as a Parish Priest), to Level 3 (a large community and/or one with significant outreach with vulnerable populations and/or a disproportionately high number of open safeguarding cases). The Carmelites have been assigned to a Level 1 enclosed audit.
5. The CSSA recognises the rich diversity of the Religious and acknowledges that the Religious Life Groups within any category may vary significantly in terms of size, ministry, and safeguarding practice. Consequently, CSSA analysts may use professional judgement to ensure that Religious Life Groups are graded against the national standards in such a way that reflects their uniqueness.

1 Extern Sisters are members of the monastic community who take Perpetual Simple Vows, whereas enclosed Sisters take Solemn Vows.

 

2. Methodology

1. The Prioress was contacted by a CSSA analyst on 3 March 2026 to advise of their intention to conduct a safeguarding audit during the week of 15 A request was made by the Prioress for the date to be changed due to a conflict with a visitation from their Superior. An agreement was subsequently made to conduct the audit the week of 3 August.
2. A meeting was held, via Zoom, between the analyst, the Prioress and Safeguarding Lead on 13 May to discuss the practical arrangements for the audit, including the interviews to be conducted.
3. The Carmelites were requested to complete a Level 1 audit self-assessment tool providing information on their adherence to the eight National Safeguarding Standards and progress in the overall implementation of the The revised date given for the submission of the self-assessment was 6 July 2026. The self-assessment was returned on 5 July, along with supporting evidence, as listed in the Appendix section of this report. Additional evidence was provided thereafter, with the final submission received on 15 July. Information from the self-assessment and supporting evidence provided by the Carmelites was reviewed by the CSSA analyst and was assessed against the Level 1 Enclosed Maturity Matrix to arrive at ratings for each standard and a combined overall grade.
4. Audit interviews were undertaken in person on 5 August at the Carmelite Monastery in Wolverhampton. All ten members of the community were spoken to through a series of separate meetings with:

• The Prioress
• The Safeguarding Lead
• All other Sisters in the community
• The Extern Sister, who is the only member of the community currently involved in outward facing ministry

5. Liaison has taken place between the analyst and the Religious Life Safeguarding Service (RLSS) 2, regarding the engagement between them and how this meets their expectations for safeguarding.

 

2 The Religious Life Safeguarding Service (RLSS) is an independent team of safeguarding professionals offering safeguarding services to the Religious of the Catholic Church in England and Wales.

 

3. Audit grading

1. Practice was assessed against the eight national safeguarding standards adopted by the Catholic Church in England and Wales 3 and graded in accordance with the CSSA Maturity Matrix for Level 1 Enclosed
2. Potential audit ratings against each standard, and the final overall ratings are: Not Met, Met with Recommendations and Met.

Overall grading	Met with Recommendations
Standard 1 - Safeguarding is embedded in the Church body's leadership, governance, ministry and culture	Met with Recommendations

Standard 2 - Communicating the Church’s safeguarding message	Met with Recommendations
Standard 3 - Engaging with and caring for those who report having been harmed	Met with Recommendations
Standard 4 - Effective management of allegations and concerns	Met with Recommendations
Standard 5 - Management and support of subjects of allegations and concerns (respondents)	Met
Standard 6 - Robust human resource management	Met with Recommendations
Standard 7 - Training and support for safeguarding	Met with Recommendations
Standard 8 - Quality assurance and continuous improvement	Met

 

3 Full details of the eight standards and underpinning substandards are available here: The Eight National Safeguarding Standards (www.catholicsafeguarding.org.uk).

 

4. Audit findings against each standard

4.1 Standard 1 Safeguarding is embedded in the Church body’s leadership, governance, ministry and culture

1. The Carmelites have a ‘Safeguarding Policy’ page, accessible via the Safeguarding section of their website 4. The Policy Overview acknowledges that, as an enclosed, contemplative community, “it does not normally have direct contact with children or with adults outside the community, however, in line with the One Church Approach, they are committed to safeguarding all children and adults with whom they have contact, as well as the members of the community.” This statement follows a commitment to implementing the safeguarding recommendations of the CSSA and RLSS, and further explains the community’s relationship with the local parish in which it is situated, the role of its chaplain, and the use of the chapel. Furthermore, the policy states that the community will “do all they can to ensure the safety of those who come into the chapel, extern quarters or any part of the property.” This demonstrates that the community recognises safeguarding responsibilities as extending to all visitors and those accessing its premises, despite its limited routine interaction with the wider public. In addition, the safeguarding section of the website provides links to relevant support services and other Catholic organisations, enabling visitors to the site to access further information, guidance, and sources of support. This reflects good practice as it promotes transparency, accessibility, and signposting to independent sources of advice and support.
2. The Carmelites’ Safeguarding Policy was created in June 2026, using the RLSS policy It is subject to an annual review, or sooner where required, with the next scheduled review due in June 2027. The policy sets out the Carmelites’ safeguarding arrangements, including its scope, training requirements, roles and responsibilities, practice guidance and procedures, whistleblowing arrangements, the recording and storage of safeguarding concerns and case files, and safer recruitment practice guidance. The policy is available in the newly created ‘Safeguarding Folder’, which is kept in the library next to the Choir, an area that Sisters pray many times a day. During the analyst’s visit, it was apparent that not all Sisters could recall the folder’s location. Following the audit, however, the Safeguarding Lead advised that all Sisters have been provided their own copies of both the Safeguarding Policy and the Community Code of Conduct.
3. The Safeguarding Lead is a Sister within the community and has held the role since September 2025, although she only became involved in reviewing the community’s safeguarding processes shortly before the She also holds the role of Accounts Officer. The Safeguarding Lead has completed role-specific training with RLSS and maintains her knowledge of safeguarding practice through attendance at the RLSS annual conference and safeguarding leads forum. As she is relatively new to this role and has recognised the need to further develop her confidence, she may benefit from more regular opportunities to engage with other Safeguarding Leads, particularly those with greater experience, to share learning, draw on their experiences and access support in a manner that is compatible with her religious vows.
4. The Carmelites are not registered as a charity. The Prioress and four other Sisters form the Elected Council, which has general safeguarding oversight and governance responsibilities, although the Council does not hold regular The Prioress described her role as balancing leadership with sharing responsibilities amongst the Sisters, where decisions are generally made collectively. Where a matter requires consideration by the Elected Council, the Prioress stated that this would be discussed collectively, to provide a level of shared oversight. In relation to policy development, the Safeguarding Lead is responsible for drafting and reviewing the safeguarding policy. During the drafting stage, proposed changes are discussed with the Prioress, who has a broader awareness of potential issues and considerations affecting the community. The safeguarding policy is then reviewed and formally approved by the Elected Council as part of its safeguarding oversight and governance responsibilities. Following the audit, arrangements should be made for the periodic review of progress against its recommendations. This could be undertaken by the Elected Council or a smaller group, proportionate to the size of the community, with appropriate input from the Safeguarding Lead.
5. The Prioress recognises the importance of maintaining a safe environment for those who live at the monastery and those who visit. In response to concerns about criminal activity within the monastery’s extensive grounds, CCTV has been installed and notices displayed to alert visitors to its use and act as a deterrent, also providing a practical means of monitoring access. In response to the increasing care and support needs of several Sisters, a carer has been appointed. This will be considered further under Standard The analyst observed that the community is fragile due to the age profile of Sisters and the growing care and support needs within the monastery. Consequently, greater responsibility for practical and community duties is being carried by the reducing number of Sisters who remain able to undertake them. The changing needs and capacity of the community have implications for the longer-term sustainability of key roles and responsibilities including safeguarding oversight and reinforce the importance of maintaining appropriate external support arrangements. Where a Sister’s care needs can no longer be managed within the community, external nursing support is sought. Some Sisters have subsequently moved from the community to access more appropriate levels of care, either through Carmelite care provision in Scotland or at a nearby nursing facility operated by another religious community.
6. Evidence was seen of safeguarding discussions taking place during Chapter meetings and during recreation, often following events attended or relevant material reviewed by the Prioress and/or the Safeguarding Lead. The records of these meetings are brief and therefore do not reflect the depth of such discussions that took place. The Prioress may wish to consider the level of detail recorded including any decisions or agreed actions, as safeguarding matters discussed may need to be revisited at a later date.
7. A Safeguarding Implementation Plan (SIP) was developed shortly before this audit and therefore is a newly established document. It outlines the actions required to achieve compliance with five of the eight national safeguarding standards, identifying the person/people responsible, target completion dates, progress updates, and RAG ratings for each action. No actions have been identified for Standards 3, 4, and 5, as the Carmelites have not yet had experience in these areas. The Safeguarding Lead advised that any recommendations arising from this audit, including those relating to Standards 3, 4 and 5, where applicable, will be incorporated into the SIP to support ongoing continuous improvement.
8. The Carmelites have signed contracts with both RLSS and Evidence was seen of proactive contact being made with RLSS for a range of purposes, including seeking advice and guidance in relation to the newly developed SIP and its associated RAG ratings, as well as training and policy oversight. This demonstrates that appropriate external support is in place and is being actively utilised to inform policy, practice, improve compliance and support continuous improvement.
9. It was reported that the Integrity in Ministry 5 standards informed the development of the newly created Community Code of Conduct. While not all Sisters were able to recall the standards as a standalone document during the audit, the Safeguarding Lead subsequently advised that the document has been read aloud to the Sisters in the refectory and that there are plans for this to take place on a regular basis. A copy is also available to Sisters in the ‘Safeguarding Folder’, as described in 1.2. These arrangements provide Sisters with opportunities to hear and access the standards without the need for each Sister to hold their own copy. The community should continue to promote awareness of the Integrity in Ministry standards and ensure that Sisters are periodically reminded of them and where the document can be accessed.

Graded: Met with Recommendations

 

4 Safeguarding

5 Integrity in Ministry is a code of conduct for Religious engaged in ministry in the Catholic Church in England and Wales. It has been written for the guidance of those in ministry and for the information of those people with and among whom Religious exercise their ministry.

 

4.2 Standard 2 Communicating the Church’s safeguarding message

1. As previously described in paragraph 1.6, safeguarding information and messages are communicated to Sisters. The Prioress shares relevant information received from RLSS and CSSA, including through community meetings, where materials such as presentations are used to support discussion and learning. Relevant safeguarding information and resources are also made available in communal areas, including the library where the Safeguarding Folder is kept and can be accessed by Sisters. In addition, duplicate RLSS safeguarding leaflets are available in other communal areas. During the audit visit, the analyst also observed RLSS posters displayed across the monastery, which included contact details through which Sisters could access further information and support.
2. The safeguarding section of the Carmelites’ website includes a link to the Safeguarding Policy, along with a dedicated safeguarding email address that visitors can use to report or raise any safeguarding concerns. To date, no safeguarding concerns or related communications have been received via this email address. The site also provides information about Safe Spaces 6 including who the service is for, how it can be accessed, and the forms of support available. In addition, it includes links to some external safeguarding bodies and resources, including the Archdiocese of Birmingham, RLSS, the CSSA and the Bishops’ Conference. This enables anyone who wishes to access safeguarding information independently through the website to learn about the support available and how to access it.
3. While safeguarding messages are being communicated, there is no formal communication plan in place. A communication plan could be incorporated into the Safeguarding Policy or Safeguarding Implementation Plan and should outline the existing communication arrangements, including how safeguarding information is shared internally and externally. It should also set out how the effectiveness of these arrangements will be monitored and This should include reference to the outward facing ministry of the Extern Sister, ensuring that appropriate safeguarding communication and oversight are maintained in relation to her role.                                

Graded: Met with Recommendations

 

6 Safe Spaces is a free and independent support service, for anyone over 18 who has been abused by someone in the Church or as a result of their relationship with the Church in England and Wales.

 

4.3 Standard 3 Engaging with and caring for those who report having been harmed

1. The Extern Sister has experience of engaging with and caring for individuals who report having been She described the procedures she has previously followed to ensure that individuals are appropriately safeguarded and supported, including working collaboratively with relevant agencies and services, though much of the experience described related to contexts outside the scope of this audit. Evidence was seen of safeguarding training completed by Sisters, however, there is currently no differentiation between the training provided to members of the community and that undertaken by the Extern Sister. Given the outward facing nature of her role, and the range of situations she may encounter during her ministry, consideration should be given to providing enhanced and role-specific safeguarding training and ongoing development opportunities. This would further support her practice, strengthen her confidence in responding to safeguarding concerns and ensure that her knowledge and skills remain appropriate to the responsibilities and demands of her role.
2. The Safeguarding Policy applies to all who live or work at Wolverhampton Carmel regardless of their role or the activities they undertake and sets out the steps to be taken in the event of a safeguarding issue being raised. This would include informing the individual/survivor of liaison with RLSS (whose responsibility would be to ensure that they are informed of the next steps and indicative timescales), contact with any relevant bodies, completion of all safeguarding paperwork to ensure appropriate records are maintained and updating all relevant people and offering support as needed.
3. Sisters interviewed described the procedures that they would follow in the event of receiving a These included reporting the matter to either the Prioress or the Safeguarding Lead, or seeking support from another religious group where they have established links, although the latter is not identified within the Safeguarding Policy as part of the formal reporting procedure. One Sister also acknowledged the importance of remaining calm, not panicking, and following the 5Rs 7. One Sister shared a non-recent example of supporting an individual who had experienced domestic abuse, where the community had provided temporary accommodation within the external quarters. During the focus group, there was reflection on how a similar situation would be managed if it were to arise again, with the Sisters recognising the importance of contacting the police.
4. While it is acknowledged that the Extern Sister has previous experience of engaging with and providing support to those who have reported being harmed, this experience is not shared by all Sisters who may undertake reception duties. As any Sister on reception duty could potentially be the first point of contact for someone wishing to disclose harm or seek support, it is important that Sisters have an appropriate understanding of the procedures to be followed and how to provide an appropriate, trauma-informed response. This includes knowing how to respond and when and how to seek further safeguarding advice and support. Opportunities should, therefore, be taken to develop Sisters’ understanding of trauma-informed responses, drawing on the learning from the lived experience of those who have reported harm. Where direct feedback is not appropriate or practicable, learning could be drawn from the experiences of others, eg through RLSS, the Archdiocese, training or safeguarding Such learning should be proportionate to the circumstances of the community and support Sisters to respond appropriately and consistently should they receive a disclosure or be approached by someone seeking support.
5. While the Safeguarding Lead has not had any direct experience of engaging with individuals who have reported harm, she demonstrated an understanding of the importance of seeking and listening to their feedback, to understand their experience and to identify learning. She described how her approach would be responsive to the individual’s needs and choices, with a focus on ensuring that they felt comfortable and able to speak frankly about their experiences. She stated that, where an individual’s experiences had not met their expectations, she would acknowledge this, apologise, and would consider how learning from their experiences could be used to inform and strengthen future safeguarding practice across the community.                                

Graded: Met with Recommendations

 

7 The 5 Rs - Recognise, Respond, Report, Record and Refer.

 

4.4 Standard 4 Effective management of allegations and concerns

1. The Sisters have had limited experience in managing allegations and concerns, with the exception of the Extern Sister. At the time of the audit, there were no open safeguarding cases to the Sisters or However, the analyst heard numerous examples of safeguarding situations to which the Extern Sister had responded, many of which involved partnership working with statutory authorities.
2. The Carmelites’ Safeguarding Policy includes a ‘procedure’ section which states that RLSS should be contacted when a concern is raised. The policy sets out the action RLSS will take, including contact with the victim/survivor and relevant bodies, together with the associated timescales. The ‘recording and storage of safeguarding concerns and case files’ section of the policy requires the Carmelites to ensure that any case files are accurate, up to date, and stored securely, with confidentiality maintained. The Safeguarding Lead provided a copy of a newly created ‘Record of Reported Safeguarding Concerns’ form. She advised that safeguarding records will be maintained by her, stored securely, and accessible only to her and the As this pro-forma has only recently been introduced, it should also be shared with the Extern Sister. There are currently no formally agreed procedures for recording her contact with individuals to whom she provides a safeguarding response. Introducing a standardised recording process would ensure that these contacts are appropriately documented and that safeguarding records are maintained consistently and in line with the Safeguarding Policy.
3. In the event of any further allegations or concerns being received, consideration should be given to appropriate leadership oversight of both the concerns and records maintained. Given the small and enclosed nature of the community, oversight should be proportionate to the nature and seriousness of the concerns, while being sufficient to provide assurance that safeguarding procedures are being followed and appropriate actions are being taken. It should also provide an opportunity to identify any learning or improvements required to practice or procedures. This would support effective oversight, accountability and continuous improvement without introducing arrangements that are unnecessarily burdensome.

Graded: Met with Recommendations

 

4.5 Standard 5 Management and support of subjects of allegations and concerns (respondents)

1. The Carmelites have not had any experience of managing or supporting anyone who has been the subject of allegations or concerns. Therefore, the grading for this standard is based on policy and theoretical responses rather than evidence from practice. The ‘Practice Guidance’ section of the Safeguarding Policy outlines the procedures to be followed where there are reasonable grounds to believe that an individual holding any role within the Church has committed, or is about to commit a crime, has caused, or may cause harm, poses a risk, or is otherwise unsuitable to carry out their role. The policy further states that “everyone involved in the life and work of Wolverhampton Carmel has a duty to disclose to the Safeguarding Lead or Prioress, any safeguarding concerns that have been raised with regard to the community, or any concerns raised, for example, by a visitor, about abuse or possible abuse outside the community.” This demonstrates that there are clear expectations for reporting safeguarding concerns, both within the community and in relation to concerns disclosed by visitors.
2. In the event that an allegation is made against a Sister, the nature and circumstances of the allegation and any identified risks would be considered to determine what immediate safeguarding measures may be required. This would include consideration of whether any restrictions or changes to the Sister’s role, duties or living arrangements are required, taking into account any potential risk to others and whether the alleged behaviour could be repeated in another setting. RLSS would be contacted to support the assessment and implementation of any necessary safeguarding measures or restrictions. The Sister who is the subject of the allegation would be provided with appropriate support, including financial assistance and/or alternative accommodation for as long as required. The Prioress recognises the importance of ensuring that appropriate support is provided both to the person who has experienced or reported the alleged harm and to the Sister who is the subject of the allegation.
3. The Prioress advised that, should advice on canon law be required, she would seek guidance from a canon lawyer within another RLG who is known to her.
4. Should an allegation be made against a member of the community, consideration would need to be given to the resilience of the wider community and the potential impact on the remaining Sisters, as well as the effective management of safeguarding practice. In such circumstances, appropriate external support, pastoral or spiritual support should be sought, to provide independent support to those affected, while maintaining clear boundaries with the safeguarding process.

Graded: Met

 

4.6 Standard 6 Robust human resource management

1. Safer recruitment practice guidance is included within the Safeguarding Policy, which states that “DBS checks are carried out in line with both statutory and Catholic Church requirements. Since most of the sisters are enclosed and do not normally move from one community to another, there is no need for constant updating of DBS certificates for Our Extern Sister has one every three years.” The Extern Sister is the only Sister involved in any outward facing ministry and a copy of her current DBS certificate was made available as evidence. The Carmelites do not employ any staff directly. They do, however, engage a carer whom they describe as self-employed. No vetting checks have been undertaken by the community to assess her suitability for this role. Reliance has been placed on the fact that she has been known to the community for a significant period of time, together with the assumption that any necessary checks and training are already in place. As the carer assists with the personal care of some of the Sisters, her role involves regulated activity and appropriate safeguarding and vetting arrangements should be in place. Following the audit visit, the Prioress and Safeguarding Lead were advised to contact RLSS for assistance in establishing and completing the DBS process.
2. For anyone wishing to explore a vocation, details of the process are available on the Carmelites’ website 8. Candidates go through a staged, long-term formation process and are expected to be known to the community for at least a year before being considered. This is followed by a ‘live-in’ period within the monastery, during which her suitability is The candidate then lives in the community without vows before receiving the habit and entering structured formation and further discernment. Assessments continue throughout, with final vows made only if both she and the community agree that she is suitable to proceed. The Prioress advised that psychological assessments form part of this process, and that any refusal to share relevant information is likely to prevent their admission. For Sisters transferring from Carmels that have closed, the respective Prioresses discuss the individual’s suitability and where she would be best placed. This process, however, does not always take place where the joining Sister is already a Prioress, which has occurred in practice.
3. Whistleblowing procedures are set out in the Safeguarding Policy. The policy states that the Carmelites will encourage and enable anyone with a safeguarding concern to report it without fear of victimisation or disadvantage. Where a concern relates to malpractice, illegal acts, or omissions in relation to safeguarding, it should be referred to RLSS. Any action taken will be proportionate to the nature of the concern, with investigations undertaken where appropriate and followed by suitable action. Individuals who raise concerns can expect to receive written feedback, including the rationale for any decisions and actions taken. In practice, Sisters were aware that they could raise concerns with the Safeguarding Lead, the Prioress or directly with RLSS, particularly if the matter related to the Prioress.
4. The Prioress acknowledges that safeguarding-related complaints may arise, however the associated procedures are not currently covered in the Safeguarding Consideration should therefore be given to incorporating a clear complaints process within the policy to ensure that anyone wishing to raise a safeguarding related complaint understands how to do so and the appropriate process to follow.

Graded: Met with Recommendations

 

8 Discalced Carmelites of Wolverhampton - Formation

 

4.7 Standard 7 Training and support for safeguarding

1. Training records for Sisters are retained by the Safeguarding Lead in the form of a ‘training tracker’. This provides details of the training completed by individual Sisters, including the date of completion, certificates received and a date of renewal At the time of the audit, the ‘date of renewal’ column had only been completed in respect of one course which had been renewed by the Prioress earlier this year. The Safeguarding Lead subsequently clarified that she had understood the column to record the date on which training had been renewed, rather than the date by which the renewal was due. The tracker should be updated to record, where applicable, the dates by which training is due for renewal. This will ensure that it aligns with the Safeguarding Policy which states that training for the Prioress, Safeguarding Lead and Extern Sister should be renewed at least every two years.
2. All ten Sisters have received bespoke, in-person basic safeguarding and boundaries training provided by RLSS, together with training on how to communicate with and support those with dementia, as provided by The training needs of the Extern Sister, however, require further consideration. Although she has experience of responding to a range of safeguarding situations, her formal training remains limited. The Prioress and Safeguarding Lead should therefore ensure that she has opportunities to keep up to date with safeguarding practice and is aware of relevant training opportunities available through RLSS and other providers. This will support her in accessing suitable courses and ongoing professional development relevant to her role. Following the audit visit, the analyst also advised the Prioress to consider establishing more formal arrangements to ensure that the Extern Sister has access to appropriate ongoing pastoral support.
3. In addition to role-specific training, the Safeguarding Lead has undertaken further training in social media and safeguarding, as well as in manipulation and coercive control. The decision to undertake social media training was based on the Carmelites’ having a social media presence (on Facebook, Instagram, X and YouTube). While their use of social media is reasonably limited and posts are not made frequently, questions are received through these channels, to which the Safeguarding Lead responds. She has also attended RLSS conferences in both 2025 and 2026, alongside the Prioress. She recognises the importance of developing and broadening her knowledge through a range of means, for example, by viewing safeguarding-related videos produced by the International Union of Superiors General, alongside more formal training, conference attendance and signing up to a newly formed safeguarding leads forum hosted by RLSS.

Graded: Met with Recommendations

 

4.8 Standard 8 Quality assurance and continuous improvement

1. The Carmelites have demonstrated an understanding of the need to review progress against the national safeguarding standards, as evidenced in the newly developed SIP. To strengthen this document, the Prioress and Safeguarding Lead should review the findings of this audit and incorporate any recommendations arising from it, together with clear timescales for their completion. This will support ongoing continuous improvement.
2. The Carmelites have engaged positively with RLSS for a range of purposes, including policy development, the development of the Community Code of Conduct and preparation for audit. They are described by RLSS as an order that engages well with safeguarding support, and the Safeguarding Lead recognises the value of having access to advice and guidance in relation to safeguarding practice. While many of the safeguarding-related documents submitted for the audit have been newly developed and are therefore not yet fully embedded in practice, they provide a foundation from which the Carmelites can continue to strengthen and develop their safeguarding arrangements.

Graded: Met

 

5. Summary of overall findings

1. The Carmelites demonstrate a commitment to safeguarding, with a newly adopted Safeguarding Policy, a newly appointed Safeguarding Lead, active engagement with RLSS, and a developing SIP. The Prioress recognises the safeguarding implications arising from an ageing and increasingly dependent community and there is evidence that safeguarding is regularly discussed. However, many of the arrangements have only recently been introduced and would benefit from continued oversight to ensure that they become fully embedded in practice.
2. Safeguarding messages are being communicated within the community through meetings, posters and the monastery website, which provides access to relevant safeguarding contacts and support services. Sisters demonstrate an awareness of safeguarding responsibilities and reporting routes. However, communication arrangements are by and large The introduction of a communications plan would help ensure messages are consistently promoted, monitored and evaluated.
3. The community has limited direct experience of managing safeguarding concerns, although the Extern Sister brings practical experience in responding to disclosures and working alongside statutory agencies. Sisters demonstrated an understanding of how they would respond to concerns and seek appropriate support. Further development is needed to ensure safeguarding knowledge and confidence are shared more widely across the community, particularly for those who may receive disclosures, and to strengthen recording and oversight arrangements should safeguarding concerns This should include the Extern Sister discussing safeguarding-related matters arising in her ministry with an appropriate member of the community, to support joint consideration and decision-making, and ensuring that low-level concerns are appropriately recorded.
4. The Carmelites have engaged positively with training, policy development and quality assurance activity, with support from To strengthen practice further, attention should be given to training and role-specific support for the Extern Sister, strengthening safer recruitment and vetting arrangements for those providing care, and ensuring that newly developed safeguarding systems are fully embedded in practice. Addressing the recommendations will support ongoing learning, continuous improvement and the consistent application of safeguarding practice across the community.

6. Recommendations

To support improvement, the following recommendations are made:

 

Within 3 months

• To ensure that appropriate DBS and safer recruitment arrangements are in place for those undertaking regulated activity
• To introduce a formal process for the Extern Sister to record safeguarding concerns, to ensure consistency in recording

Within 6 months

• To incorporate recommendations from this audit into the SIP and establish arrangements for the review and monitoring of progress
• To establish clear leadership oversight of safeguarding matters, including shared consideration of concerns arising in the Extern Sister’s ministry and consistent recording of low-level concerns
• To incorporate a clear safeguarding complaints procedure within the Safeguarding Policy
• To explore role-specific training and support for the Extern Sister
• To review and update the training tracker to include renewal dates

Within 12 months

• To enable the Safeguarding Lead to engage more regularly with safeguarding peers, particularly those with greater experience, to support shared learning and continued development of confidence in the role
• To develop a communication plan that sets out how safeguarding messages will be communicated internally, externally and how effectiveness will be evaluated (or incorporate within the policy or SIP)

7. Arrangements for follow-up

1. In line with the post-audit pathway, having received an overall rating of Met with Recommendations, the minimum period before the next safeguarding audit of the Carmelites of Wolverhampton will be two years, subject to there being no indications of increased risk.

8. Appendix

Certificate of Attendance at RLSS Conference

Community Code of Conduct

Copies of Signatures Confirming Agreement to abide by the Community Code of Conduct

Copies of Signatures Confirming Review of Safeguarding Policy

DBS Certificate for Extern Sister

Email correspondence with RLSS

Evidence of Contact with RLSS

Evidence of Safeguarding Discussions at Chapter Meetings and During Recreation Safeguarding Adults Week promotional materials

Safeguarding Implementation Plan

Safeguarding Policy

Training Certificates for all Sisters

Training Tracker