Policy paper

Independent inquiry into child sexual abuse: criteria for panel

Published 13 February 2015

The panel must have the appropriate skills and expertise, and must pass set due diligence checks.

1. Skills

  • Respect: can command, with sensitivity, the respect, confidence and trust of survivors and fellow panel members
  • Authority: someone who can command the respect of those in organisations and institutions
  • Objectivity: someone who can consider complex information and give an impartial view
  • Professionalism: someone who will work collectively as part of the panel and acts with integrity at all times
  • Resilience: someone who has the capacity to manage stressful situations and is able to operate in challenging circumstances

2. Expertise

  • Knowledge: understands child sexual abuse and safeguarding and/or the institutions and organisations involved. Also appreciates the long-term impacts on adults who have experienced sexual abuse in childhood
  • Experience: has worked with vulnerable people, on sensitive issues, and/or on investigations and complex lines of enquiry that involve the collection of evidence

3. Due diligence

  • No personal links to those who have been convicted, or are subject to police investigation, of child sexual abuse
  • No direct links to key institutions or individuals reasonably likely to be covered by the Inquiry
  • DBS enhanced check