Safeguarding is of vital importance to the life and mission of the Catholic Church in England and Wales. In this section we offer information on reporting abuse, a safeguarding statement, links to local safeguarding coordinators, information on Safe Spaces and the independent auditor the Catholic Safeguarding Standards Agency (CSSA).
If you are concerned about the welfare of a child or adult at risk, do not delay in contacting the police, using 999 if a child or adult is believed to be in immediate danger.
It is the policy of the Catholic Church in England and Wales to report all allegations of abuse to statutory authorities, regardless of whether the abuse occurred recently or in the past, or whether the accused person is living or deceased.
If you are in any role within the Catholic Church in England and Wales, you must refer allegations directly to the safeguarding office for your diocese or religious congregation, or directly to the Police.
If you are a member of the public, please refer allegations directly to the police and also to the safeguarding office in your diocese. The relevant Diocesan safeguarding office can be located using the map on the CSSA website. You can also contact CSSA by telephoning 020 7901 1920 or by email to: admin@catholicsafeguarding.org.uk
The Catholic Church in England and Wales takes a unified and collaborative approach to safeguarding. Religious Life Groups, sometimes called religious communities or religious orders, work in partnership with Catholic Bishops and dioceses to respond in the most effective and robust way possible. Bishop Paul Mason, the Lead Bishop for Safeguarding for the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales, alongside Sister Una Coogan CJ, the Lead Religious for Safeguarding for the Conference of Religious, explain how vitally important this work is to protect all who come into contact with the Church. Read more.
Safe Spaces is a joint Anglican and Catholic Church in England and Wales project to provide a vital support service for survivors of church-related abuse. Details and more here.
The Catholic Safeguarding Standards Agency (CSSA) is an independent body established to develop the highest calibre regime of safeguarding within the Catholic Church in England and Wales. The CSSA audits, reviews and monitors safeguarding in church bodies. It then publishing the results of audits and safeguarding reviews, whatever the results. The CSSA empowers local safeguarding experts and drives improvement in safeguarding. Visit the CSSA website.
There are 21 Catholic dioceses in England and Wales. Although dioceses are independent of each other, they remain in communion with the worldwide Catholic Church and under the supreme authority of the Pope. However, the Pope does not manage dioceses day-to-day; this responsibility lies with the diocesan bishop.
In UK civil law, dioceses are typically registered as charitable trusts or charitable incorporated organisations (CIOs). Each diocese has its own trustees, governance structure, finances, policies, and accountabilities. No diocese is legally responsible for or subsidiary to another. This means each diocese is independently accountable for safeguarding. Each Diocese has its own Safeguarding office. Contact details here.
In October 2019, the Bishops commissioned an independent review of the Catholic Church’s Safeguarding Structures and Arrangements in England and Wales. Ian Elliott was the Independent Chair of the Review. Published on 20 November 2020, the final report and recommendations, therefore, are sometimes referred to as the ‘Elliott Report’. Mr Elliott is an experienced safeguarding professional who has worked across the world in this area. Read the report and its recommendations. Newsletters from the 2021 implementation phase.
The Catholic Church in England and Wales welcomed the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA) that ran from 2015 to 2022. Its reports will now inform the ongoing reform and improvement of safeguarding in all aspects of the Church’s life. For all the reports and responses from the Church to the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA) visit our dedicated section.
If you're concerned about the welfare of a child or vulnerable adult, this page provides the steps you can take to report the matter to the relevant authorities.
Safe Spaces is a joint project of the Church of England and Catholic Church in England and Wales to provide a vital support service for survivors of church-related abuse.
Bishop Paul Mason and Sister Una Coogan CJ explain how robust safeguarding is vitally important to protect all who come into contact with the Church.
Contact details for the local safeguarding representatives for the Catholic dioceses of England and Wales.
The Catholic Safeguarding Standards Agency ‘CSSA’ has been established to develop the highest calibre regime of safeguarding within the Catholic Church in England and Wales.
'Listening with Love' is a resource inviting people to reflect on the impact of abuse on individuals and the Church.
In October 2019, the Bishops commissioned Ian Elliott to conduct an independent review of the Catholic Church's safeguarding structures and arrangements in England and Wales.
The Catholic Church in England and Wales welcomed the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA). Its reports will now inform the ongoing reform and improvement of safeguarding in all aspects of the Church’s life.
