CSSA announce new Non-Executive Director

7 June 2023

The Catholic Safeguarding Standards Agency (CSSA) confirmed today (7 June 2023) that Sir David Behan has joined their Board as Non-Executive Director.

Sir David was Chief Executive Officer of the Care Quality Commission where he led a fundamental reform of the way health and social care services were regulated. Before that, he was the first Chief Inspector of the Commission for Social Care Inspection, and the first Director General for Social Care in the Department of Health in England, advising ministers of both the Labour and Coalition Governments.

More recently he has held several Non-Executive Director and Advisor roles with public and private organisations across the health and social care system. He is a Non-Executive Director of NHS England chairing the Workforce, Training and Education Committee.

Said Sir David: “The CSSA was set up to address the shortcomings in the way the Catholic Church had historically managed allegations of abuse. The role the CSSA , as an independent regulatory body, in assuring that the highest standards of safeguarding are delivered, is vital today. I am pleased to join the CSSA Board and contribute to delivering their vision of a safe Catholic Church for all. As a Board member I intend to both challenge and support the CSSA as they move into a new phase of development.”

A survivor of Church-related abuse who was part of the interview panel said: “Sir David’s appointment feels like a significant step forward for safeguarding in the Catholic Church. His integrity and experience will be an essential component in challenging and changing a culture within the Church which has ignored the voices of victims and survivors.”

Nazir Afzal OBE, Chair, CSSA added: “Sir David’s reputation hardly needs explanation. He brings the professional experience and the personal character to make a real impact on our Board. We’re very open to what he brings, and we’re proud that he will walk with us in our drive to help improve safeguarding standards and to assure the public about preventing harm in the Catholic Church.”