Feb 2015: Theresa May MP, the Home Secretary announced in the House of Commons that she had appointed Justice Lowell Goddard  DNZM QC to chair the CSA Inquiry.

Justice Goddard, a judge of the High Court of New Zealand, has accepted the post and will appear at a pre-appointment hearing before the Home Affairs Select Committee on 11 February.

The Inquiry will consider whether, and the extent to which, public bodies and other important institutions have taken seriously their duty of care to protect children from sexual abuse.

It will seek to address public concern over failings exposed by appalling cases of organised and persistent child sexual abuse.

A highly respected member of the judiciary, Justice Goddard conducted an inquiry into the police handling of child abuse in New Zealand when she was chairman of the country’s Independent Police Complaints Association.

Home Secretary Theresa May said:

I am pleased to announce I have approached Justice Lowell Goddard to lead the Independent Panel Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse.

She is an outstanding candidate with experience in challenging authority in this field, having led with distinction an inquiry into police handling of child abuse cases in New Zealand.

I am grateful for the input of survivors and their representatives who have been involved in discussions regarding my appointment, as well as the previous Panel for all its work which will not be lost.

We must leave no stone unturned if we are to take this once in a generation opportunity to get to the truth.

Home Office Announcement

BBC: New Zealand judge Lowell Goddard to lead abuse inquiry

Guardian: Lowell Goddard profile: judge ‘has key qualities’ to lead child abuse inquiry
Independent: Pioneering New Zealander leading the government CSA inquiry into child abuse