Independent safeguarding Inspectorate calls for public information about engagement with survivors of abuse in the Catholic Church
15 September 2025
The independent Inspectorate for safeguarding in the Catholic Church today is asking again for information from the public about their experiences of the Church’s engagement with survivors of abuse. Information will help inform the CSSA’s first thematic inspection. The full report, with recommendations, will be published early in 2026. Anyone wishing to submit information is asked to do so by 20 October 2025.
Michael*, a survivor of church-related abuse advising the CSSA, said: “I choose to work alongside the CSSA in the hope that their work helps prevent any person again being traumatised in the way I was. If you have information you think the CSSA team need to know, please just get in touch.”
Steve Ashley, Chief Executive, CSSA added: “This piece of work is a step forward in independent judgement of safeguarding in the Catholic Church, and there’s still a long way to go. For our first thematic report, it is right that we prioritise the subject of how the church connects with survivors. That engagement today tells us much about their approach – their safeguarding culture and leadership. So, all information matters.”
Said Hayley Brooks from the CSSA team working on the inspection: “We know that coming forward with information is seldom easy. Whatever you would like to tell us, we value your input, and we will be clear about how it may be used. You can remain anonymous if you wish. Thank you for helping us in this independent assessment of survivor engagement in the Catholic Church.”
Rebecca*, a survivor of church-related abuse, advising the CSSA added: “I am reaching out on behalf of the CSSA to ask for anyone who has been affected by their contact with the Catholic Church to come forward. This CSSA inspection is about change, addressing problems in the hope of moving forward.”
(survivors’ names are real, and their words have not been changed)
How members of the public can offer information to the CSSA for their inspection of survivor engagement:
Click HERE please to complete a form with information which comes directly to the CSSA team, by 20 October 2025. A member of the team will respond to you should you wish.
ENDS
Notes to Editors
Journalists: To interview Mike Cunningham, Chair of the CSSA, Steve Ashley, Chief Executive, or for more information, please contact:
Sarah Gleadall on 07950 726731 or sarah.gleadall@catholicsafeguarding.org.uk
Further information:
Click HERE to read more details about what CSSA do with information from the public.
If you have experienced Catholic church-related abuse, you can click HERE to access emotional support from Safe Spaces the free, independent support service.
The CSSA continues to inspect every diocese, eparchy and religious life group to a planned programme: Click HERE to read CSSA’s audit reports of religious life groups and eparchies. Click HERE for safeguarding audits and inspections of dioceses.