The Catholic Safeguarding Standards Agency (CSSA) has recently launched a Thematic Audit on Survivor Engagement and Support, with a particular focus on how dioceses and Religious Life Groups (RLGs) respond to those who have suffered abuse.

The purpose of this public survey is to invite survivors to contribute their experiences of contact with an RLG or diocese following abuse. The experiences may be new or ongoing, as well as those connected to non-recent abuse. The primary focus will be on communications that have taken place between survivors and RLGs since July 2024.

The CSSA intend to use this information to gain a better understanding of survivors’ experiences with church bodies, to share best practice and to develop ways to improve this experience for both survivors and church leaders. The survey is an important step in ensuring that survivor voices are heard, valued, and used to shape future safeguarding practice.

At Ampleforth Abbey Trust, our safeguarding team is fully committed to the crucial work of supporting survivors of abuse through a caring and sensitive approach. The Abbot acknowledges and apologises for the pain and trauma that have resulted from past failures and his stated Commitment to Survivors can be seen here: Commitment to Survivors | Ampleforth Abbey. We recognise that speaking out about abuse, whether recent or historic, can be very difficult and distressing. We have an established partnership with Survive York to support survivors, and we work closely with statutory agencies. In addition, we have an established organisational structure which ensures that Safeguarding remains at the core of all of our work. Our Survivor Working Group includes individuals who have extensive external experience of working with survivors, and who help to shape and influence our practice.

If you would like to make contact with the safeguarding team, or to discuss any aspects of potential support in relation to abuse, please contact Tom Kelly, Director of Safeguarding and Wellbeing, tk@ampleforthabbey.org.uk Tel. 01439 766066 .

The CSSA is asking dioceses and RLGs to help share this important public call. At Ampleforth, we are keen to encourage survivors and victims to contribute to this survey so that their experiences can help to make a meaningful and positive difference to the support that Churches and RLGs can offer.

Click on the links below to learn more about this initiative and take the survey: