Developing a Sexual Misconduct Risk and Needs Framework for the Catholic Safeguarding Standards Agency

In December 2023, the Catholic Safeguarding Standards Agency (CSSA) commissioned LimeCulture to design and deliver a comprehensive initiative to strengthen the management of risk in cases involving sexual misconduct within Church Bodies across the Catholic Church of England and Wales.

At the outset, it was recognised that existing approaches to risk assessment varied significantly across Church Bodies. LimeCulture was appointed due to our extensive experience in improving organisational responses to sexual misconduct through consultancy, research, and training initiatives. Our cross-sector expertise provides a robust understanding of best practice in victim care, safeguarding structures, and risk management.

Across the 22 Dioceses/Archdioceses and Religious Orders, LimeCulture found considerable inconsistency in how risks and needs were assessed for both victims (‘reporting’ parties) and subjects (‘reported’ parties). Approaches to ongoing risk management, oversight, and escalation were also varied, creating challenges in ensuring safe, accountable decision-making.

To address these gaps, LimeCulture was tasked by the CSSA with developing new tools and frameworks that would bring consistency, clarity, and improved practice across all Church Bodies.

LimeCulture implemented a comprehensive governance approach to ensure strong oversight throughout the project. This included developing a detailed project plan and framework, agreeing on scope, milestones, and reporting processes with the CSSA, and creating a risk register with a mitigation plan. A stakeholder communication strategy was established, and a series of briefings to Church stakeholders were delivered to make sure that everyone was kept informed of the project and the overall aims.  We established an Expert Reference Group for specialist guidance, advice and oversight and provided regular updates throughout the project’s lifecycle. Crucially, we engaged survivors through their already formed Survivor Reference Panel, and this helped us to understand their views and experiences and make sure they were central to the project. This structured approach ensured our work was evidence-based, survivor-informed, and aligned with Church safeguarding expectations.

LimeCulture engaged with Safeguarding Coordinators, trustees, committee members, and survivor representatives to review existing tools, examine best practice, and identify gaps in current oversight. Insights from this work informed the creation of two bespoke tools:

• Sexual Misconduct Risk and Needs Assessment Tool designed to support Safeguarding Coordinators and Religious Life Safeguarding Service (RLSS) staff. It provides a structured way to assess the risks and needs of individuals involved in sexual misconduct cases and considers individual, organisational, and evidential factors.
• Sexual Misconduct Risk Management and Escalation Framework complementary framework was created to guide Church Bodies—particularly Safeguarding Sub-Committees and Trustees—in maintaining oversight, managing ongoing risk, and making consistent decisions following disclosures or concerns.

 
To support implementation, LimeCulture developed and delivered a comprehensive training programme delivered to around 100 safeguarding staff, trustees, and auditors, focusing on practical application and consistent decision-making. Post-training support included an FAQ document, additional case studies, and recorded sessions for ongoing use.

This project represents a significant advancement in the Church’s safeguarding capabilities. Through research, consultation, tool development, and comprehensive training, LimeCulture has supported the CSSA in embedding a more consistent, evidence-informed, and survivor-centred approach to managing sexual misconduct concerns across all Church Bodies.