Independent validation of Catholic audit programme

The Index has not yet recorded a verbatim government response to this recommendation.

No statement on delivery from Catholic Safeguarding Advisory Service has been found in the sources searched. This is separate from the response above.

On 7 May 2021, the Catholic Council for the Inquiry stated that the Catholic Safeguarding Standards Agency (CSSA) Board and an independent advisory panel will identify the mechanisms and scope for the external auditing of the CSSA. It was stated that they will need to determine an appropriate body to undertake this and determine the terms of reference and frequency of this work of external audit. It is intended that the internal audit function will be carried out by the CSSA audit section and any external audit of the CSSA will produce a published report, along with any action plan that may be required for remedial work or enhanced operation. On 30 September 2021, the Catholic Council for the Inquiry stated that the CSSA Board remains committed to the independent verification of its audit processes and, in spring 2022, will be undertaking a formal process of appointment of a suitable external body. The outcome of any review will be published on the CSSA website. The Catholic Council for the Inquiry further stated that safeguarding standards will be formally launched in October 2021 and the CSSA will work with Dioceses and Religious Life Groups to ensure that they are fully aware of what would constitute good practice in relation to each of the standards. It anticipates that baseline audits will commence in the first quarter of 2022. In November 2021, the National Safeguarding Standards had been launched.