The Catholic Safeguarding Standards Agency ‘CSSA’ is the independent national auditor for driving improvements in safeguarding practice within the Catholic Church in England and Wales.
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 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.
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’ has been established to develop the highest calibre regime of safeguarding within the Catholic Church in England and Wales. More.
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.
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.
Contact details for the local safeguarding representatives for the dioceses of England and Wales.
In October 2019, the Bishops commissioned an independent review of the Catholic Church's Safeguarding Structures and Arrangements in England and Wales.
The Catholic Safeguarding Project has been established to ensure the delivery of wide-ranging reforms to safeguarding structures and processes in the Church 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.
The Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse has published its final report. The Catholic Council welcomes this report, thanks the Inquiry for its work and will carefully study its contents and recommendations.
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.
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.
'Listening with Love' is a resource inviting people to reflect on the impact of abuse on individuals and the Church.
