A TEI has a relationship with any diocese that sends students to train in that TEI and additionally with any diocese whose churches are used for placements. However, the Roles and Responsibilities document simply requires TEIs to report to “the bishop”. For the avoidance of doubt, this should be taken to mean a diocesan bishop. However, as discussed above, it is strongly recommended that the report is also sent to the DSAP to ensure external scrutiny of the TEI in relation to safeguarding.
As previously noted, TEIs are in varying and sometimes complex situations with regards to dioceses and bishops. In some TEIs, it will be obvious which diocese, bishop and DSAP the TEI should relate to, whilst in others there are multiple options. The fundamental principle must be to report to the bishop and DSAP best placed to offer constructive scrutiny. In most cases, the diocesan bishop and DSAP in which the TEI is physically located will be the obvious choice, but it is understood that there might be circumstances where a different bishop and DSAP are appropriate. The decision on whom to report to should be made by the governing body (in consultation with relevant bishop and diocesan safeguarding teams), with the discussion and rationale recorded in the minutes. If the local bishop and DSAP are not chosen, then the TEI should be prepared to offer a rationale to the MDT.
If the relevant bishop is also a member of the governing body, then the report should be sent to another diocesan bishop, if it is not being scrutinised by a DSAP. Other bishops/DSAPs may be copied into the report, for information, if it is clear that they have a significant interest in, or particular relationship with, that TEI. If a TEI is physically located in a diocese then that diocesan bishop must receive a copy of the report. In sending these reports, it should be made clear to which diocesan bishop the report is actually addressed, and which DSAP will be offering its critique.
It is recognised that some dioceses have up to four TEIs physically present in their area, therefore consultation with the bishop and diocesan safeguarding team as outlined above is crucial.