COPCA

COPCA's remit extends throughout England and Wales, and in a nutshell, its purpose is to assist the Catholic Church in Dioceses and Religious Congregations to become an example of best practice in Child Protection, and to develop a "culture of vigilance". It consists of a Director, Eileen Shearer (appointed in January 2002), supported by 2 or 3 professionals, entitled National Child Protection Officers. The PA to the Director, and the Business Manager provide vitally important administrative support to the Team.

COPCA is based in Birmingham, and since September 2002 has occupied its present address.

The Catholic Bishops' Conference of England & Wales, through the Catholic Trust for England & Wales, formally employs all COPCA staff. They are located in London at 39 Eccleston Square, near Victoria Station.

However, to preserve COPCA's independent status, the Director is formally accountable to the COPCA Management Board, which is chaired by the Archbishop of Birmingham, the Most Reverend Vincent Nichols.

The Board consists of some members of the Nolan Review Committee, and is a mixture of Catholics and non-Catholics. The Deputy Chair, Terry Bamford, provides professional supervision to the Director. Both Dioceses and Religious Congregations are represented, as is the National Conference of Priests.

COPCA has strong links with Dioceses and Religious Congregations throughout England & Wales through the duty system and through regular meetings with the Child Protection Co-ordinators and Child Protection Officers who are appointed by Dioceses and Religious Congregations.

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