Church action on abuse reviewed

Cardinal Cormac Murphy O'Connor commissioned the Nolan report

A former health minister will head a review of progress made by the Catholic Church in England and Wales in tackling child abuse.

Baroness Cumberlege will chair the review looking at the effectiveness of suggestions made by Lord Nolan in 2001.

His report was commissioned by Cardinal Cormac Murphy O'Connor after child abuse scandals in the Catholic Church.

One of Lord Nolan's 83 recommendations to overhaul child protection policies was a five-year review.

Those recommendations led to the creation of the Catholic Office for the Protection of Children and Vulnerable Adults (COPCA).

'Thorough' review

Cardinal Murphy O'Connor, who is the head of the Catholic Church in England and Wales, said: "The Cumberlege Commission's review will be thorough, painstaking and independent.

"Where it finds that progress has been inadequate, it will recommend changes in current policy and mechanisms for implementing those changes."

Baroness Cumberlege said: "Lord Nolan's recommendations were designed to help bring about a culture of vigilance where every single adult member within the Catholic Church would take responsibility for creating a safe environment for children and vulnerable adults."

She added that the commission would review how far the processes and systems had helped achieve this while "at the same time being fair and just to those who serve the Church".

The commission has invited various bodies and organisations to submit their views and its findings are expected to be published next spring.