Requirements
9.1 The role of the Episcopal Visitor is to:
9.1.1 Check safeguarding policies and arrangements, including any self-assessment as part of each Visitation. This includes having regard to the extent to which such polices may already have been reviewed by an independent body.
9.1.2 Maintain a record of the safeguarding aspects of each Visitation and share the outcome with the appropriate DSO;
9.1.3 Inform the appropriate DSO if they have any safeguarding concerns in relation to the community.
9.1.4 Be available to deal with any appeal subsequent to the Community’s formal complaints procedure.
9.1.5 Develop a sense of whether the community has a safe and healthy culture.
9.2 Where there is a concern relating to the DSP or the Leader of a community, the DSO must inform the Episcopal Visitor.
Guidance
The role of the Episcopal Visitor is set out in the Handbook of the Religious Life, and explains the role as:
“that of episcopal guarantor to the Church at large of the Community's right to the Church's confidence and the Community's guide in maintaining that confidence.”
The Handbook also includes the requirements that safeguarding policies should be reviewed at each Visitation. As such, the Episcopal Visitor is not responsible for dealing directly with any safeguarding matters, in a community this will be dealt with by the Diocesan Safeguarding Officer, and therefore ultimately overseen by the Diocese Bishop. However, the Episcopal Visitor must be informed of serious incidents as they have a duty to ensure that safeguarding policies and processes are in place and are followed. They are also responsible for, and must lead discussions, around how to implement healthy cultures, and must ensure this happens with the Leader and the wider community on a regular (at least annual) basis.