England & Wales National Safeguarding Commission Report 2014
The National Catholic Safeguarding Commission has published its annual report.
According to a spokeswoman for the Commission, the report "charts a year that has seen significant change for the Commission."
"Key priorities are:
- To develop a more sensitive and pastoral response to the victims and survivors of abuse;
- To seek solutions to support the religious implementation of National Safeguarding Policies and Procedures."
"A pilot project in the Diocese of Hallam continues to help shape the national direction to develop a coordinated response to those impacted by abuse and is an example of best practice for others to follow, she continued."
"In 2013 the NCSC commissioned Dr Stephen Bullivant of St Mary’s University to undertake an analysis and evaluation of the past 10 years of data collected and reported."
"Also the NCSC commissioned audits across all 22 Dioceses, which were undertaken over the last three years by the Catholic Safeguarding Advisory Service and completed in 2013. This has provided a further opportunity to guide the understanding and inform future strategy for safeguarding in the Church."
"A third area being monitored throughout 2013 and continuing into 2014 and updated in the annual report is the implementation of proposed improvements submitted to the Congregation of the Doctrine of the Faith in Rome in 2012. This followed the Vatican’s request for all Bishops Conferences to submit guidelines for dealing with cases of abuse of minors perpetrated by clergy. "
"Amongst the changes to the NCSC are to the structure of the organisation, with three new lay members, three new members from the Religious Congregations and two new Bishop members."
"Looking ahead, the Catholic Safeguarding Advisory Service will move location by February 2015 and in moving to Eccleston Square will be at the heart of the work of the Bishops’ Conference," she explained.
To download the document, please click here.