Eileen Shearer, 50, has been named as director of the Catholic Office for the Protection of Children and Vulnerable Adults (COPCA).

Ms Shearer, has never married, said she had been brought up an "active Anglican" but was no longer a practising Christian. She has a 16-year-old daughter.

Her duties will include directing the work of the unit in advising and promoting best practice in child protection within the Roman Catholic Church, including selection procedures and training standards for staff and volunteers.

The Most Reverend Vincent Nichols, COPCA's chairman, said Ms Shearer's appointment was a "demonstration" of the Church's commitment to taking a "serious" and "conscientious" approach to the children in its care.

Her salary, paid by the Church, will be equivalent to a director of social services.