Safeguarding
COPCA's remit extends throughout England and Wales, and in a nutshell, its purpose is to assist the Catholic Church in Dioceses and Religious Congregations to become an example of best practice in Child Protection, and to develop a "culture of vigilance". It consists of a Director, supported by two or three professionals, entitled National Child Protection Officers. The PA to the Director, and the Business Manager provide vitally important administrative support to the team.
COPCA is based in Birmingham, and since September 2002 has occupied its present address. The Catholic Bishops' Conference of England & Wales, through the Catholic Trust for England & Wales, formally employs all COPCA staff.
The Cumberlege Commission
Chaired by Baroness Cumberlege, the aim of the independent Cumberlege Commission was to review the way the Catholic Church in England and Wales responded to Lord Nolan's report: 'A programme for Action' (2001). It looked specifically at how the Church implemented the 83 recommendations made to improve the arrangements for safeguarding children and vulnerable adults.
Click here to visit the the Cumberlege Commission website.
Click here for the 2007 bishops' statement on Safeguarding with Confidence