Where
We Started

We were set up by The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales as a response to the recommendations of an independent review of the Catholic Church’s safeguarding, in November 2020 (sometimes called the Elliott Report).

The Elliott Report recommended wide-ranging reforms to safeguarding. The need for change was fueled by respect for those who had suffered, and the desire to prevent future harm.  Vitally, the Review listened and learned from those who had experienced abuse.

We, the Catholic Safeguarding Standards Agency (CSSA) were set up as a new, independent, agency with powers to inspect and review safeguarding standards and to share what we find.

Every church body has committed to a common standards-based approach, and to being transparent and accountable in their  fulfilment of it.