The Bishop of Salisbury has been referred to the Church of England's National Safeguarding Team (NST), three months after stepping back from ministry while a financial audit was carried out.

Rt Revd Stephen Lake voluntarily stepped back from his diocesan duties in April while a "financial audit of two funds" was completed, a spokesperson for the Diocese of Salisbury told Premier Christian News at the time.

The Church Times has now reported that concerns about Bishop Stephen's conduct have been raised with the NST.

A Church of England spokesperson told the outlet: "Concerns relating to Bishop Stephen Lake’s conduct have been raised with the National Safeguarding Team.

"These are being taken very seriously and responded to according to the House of Bishops’ Code of Practice. Support is being offered to all those involved."

According to the Church Times, Lambeth Palace confirmed last week that the financial audit is nearing completion.

"Following the conclusion of the audit, careful consideration will be given to any necessary next steps," a spokesperson said, according to the outlet.

"Bishop Stephen remains stepped back from ministry, with Bishop Karen continuing as acting diocesan bishop during this time."

Speaking to the Salisbury diocesan synod last month, the acting Bishop of Salisbury, the Rt Revd Karen Gorham, acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding the situation.

"It has been an unsettling time," she said.

"There has been much uncertainty, diary events to manage, and the investigation highlighted in our communication with you and in the press has gone on much longer than anyone at first thought.

"Bishop Stephen and Carole have been cared for throughout by Bishop Tim and others, whilst those charged with caring for the diocese have concentrated our efforts on doing just that."

Bishop Stephen was appointed Bishop of Salisbury in January 2022. The diocese covers Wiltshire, Dorset and the Channel Islands.