Letter to Members: CoR Safeguarding Forum 26 May 2026

Dear Members,

We understand that some of you may have queries or questions in relation to recent changes to associated organisations such as the RLSS, CSSA, SCCS etc.  As you may know, Sr Una Coogan CJ is the safeguarding lead for CoR but is also on the CSSA Board as Lead Religious for Safeguarding, so we have asked if she could facilitate an online safeguarding forum to enable Members to ask any questions they may have regarding the provision from RLSS, CSSA, SCCS etc. 

We hope by providing this forum people will feel able to speak openly and ask any questions they have to gain clarity around the changes introduced, including the shift from CSSA being a training body to a regulatory body, but also to get a clear outline of what each organisation is offering it’s paying members.

We are therefore delighted to let you know that our Safeguarding Lead, Sr Una Coogan CJ, will be hosting an hour-long online Safeguarding Forum at 11am on Tuesday 26th May 2026 and Sr Coogan will also remind Members about this online forum following her Safeguarding Report at CoR’s AGM on 6th & 7th May, which we hope as many of you as possible will be attending.

Please feel free to send in any questions in advance to admin@corew.org.  Thank you.

If you wish to join the Safeguarding Forum, please register on the below link and you will then receive the Zoom link for the forum:

Zoom registration link - https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/1fcESVVSR4GhtKcI8DLjsg

Best wishes,

Susan Thomas
General Secretary

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Safeguarding Update: Important Information on CSSA Audits and Support from RLSS

Following advice from Sr Una Coogan IBVM, CoR’s safeguarding lead, we wanted to share this information about the CSSA Audit with Members

The CSSA (Catholic Safeguarding Standards Agency) now exclusively provides auditing services and no longer offers training for dioceses or defence advice in the event of an allegation for all church organisations.

However, as always support is still available. The RLSS (Religious Life Safeguarding Service) offers advice, training, and guidance for RLGs (Religious Life Groups). Many have shared positive feedback about the RLSS’s helpfulness in preparing for safeguarding responsibilities.

We understand this is a significant change, especially for smaller congregations, and it may feel challenging or even inappropriate in some contexts to join the CSSA. However, this shift is part of the Church’s “one church” policy, which aims to create a more consistent and unified safeguarding framework across all congregations.

Bishops are now renewing or asking RLGs in their dioceses to sign a contract with the diocese. Often this agreement will require alignment with both the RLSS and CSSA. This step is in line with canon law, which gives bishops the authority to determine who may minister within their dioceses. The alignment with the CSSA and RLSS may also affect your insurance rates, remembering the each RLG is responsible for all activities that occur in their owned properties.

While this may not feel like the easiest path forward, it is the direction of travel for all congregations. We strongly encourage you to contact the RLSS and CSSA as early as possible to discuss your specific situation. They are well-placed to offer tailored advice and support.