Launch Press Release - 11 July 2006

Cumberlege Commission Completes Evidence Gathering:
Findings Expected by Autumn 2007

The body charged with reviewing the way the Catholic Church protects children and vulnerable adults from abuse – the Cumberlege Commission - has completed the task of receiving submissions and hearing oral evidence. It is expected to publish its findings by the autumn of 2007.

The Commission, chaired by Baroness Cumberlege, follows on from Lord Nolan’s independent review of child protection in the Catholic Church and his 2001 report, A Programme for Action. The Cumberlege Commission is reviewing the implementation of Lord Nolan’s report. Its terms of reference are to:

Since the Cumberlege Commission was set up in July 2006 a total of 290 organisations and individuals have submitted evidence via the review body’s website (www.cumberlegecommission.org.uk) or sent in written submissions.
There have been 23 oral evidence sessions and the Commission has also heard from or visited each of the 22 diocesan and four religious congregation child protection commissions.

Commenting, Baroness Cumberlege says:
“All members of the Commission are grateful to everyone who has given oral or written evidence or received us on our many visits. This has greatly helped us to review just how far the systems and processes introduced over the past five years have helped to develop a culture of watchfulness aimed at protecting children and vulnerable adults in the Catholic Church.

“Now that we have completed our evidence-gathering we are turning our attention to writing our report and recommendations, which we expect to publish by the autumn of 2007.”

Press contact (for press only): Alan Ali, press officer, on 0781 0281 240
Notes to editors: