A Statement from the Dean of Wells, the Very Revd Toby Wright, on behalf of the Cathedral Leadership Team:

We are shocked and saddened by the findings of the Makin Review. The report underscores a deep need for reflection and action within all parts of the Church, and the wider community. We recognize that safeguarding is an essential and non-negotiable part of our mission.

Wells Cathedral is committed to making our church a place where safety and security are paramount for all. Our prayers are particularly with the victims and survivors affected by these events, and we dedicate ourselves to learning from their courage and pain to ensure that such suffering is never repeated.

At Wells Cathedral, safeguarding is more than a policy; we recognise it is essential to who we are and we are committed to working to weave it into the very fabric of all we do and are together. Our Cathedral Safeguarding Advisory Group meets regularly to uphold and strengthen our safeguarding practices, ensuring they remain comprehensive and robust. We are actively cultivating a culture where the welfare and dignity of every individual is our priority. By fostering a welcoming, caring, and respectful environment, we seek to make Wells Cathedral a sanctuary for all who enter.

We encourage anyone with concerns to reach out to us, confident in the knowledge that we take all issues seriously and will address them with compassion and integrity.  Mindful that safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility, this is something for each of us to commit to and to build. Together, we strive to be a church that truly reflects God’s love and protection.