CHANGING FACES IN THE SAFEGUARDING TEAM

Two new members have joined the diocesan Safeguarding Team among several changes reflecting the progress it has made.

At Bishop’s Council in mid-October the Bishop made a farewell presentation to Charles Clark, OPB, QPM, who has chaired the Safeguarding Advisory Committee since 2013. A former Deputy Chief Constable of Essex Charles oversaw the expansion and development of safeguarding, against the background of the Church of England’s establishment of its own national safeguarding team. Charles was also thanked for his rigorous attention to detail and considerable input into preparing policies and paperwork as well as chairing meetings and Core Groups. He formally retires from the post at the end of this year.

Ian Carter has completed his contract as Safeguarding Manager for the Diocese in Europe. Bishop Robert and Interim Diocesan Secretary Mike Fegan have thanked Ian for his sterling work in re-shaping the Safeguarding team and leading it during the past two years, and for all that he has done during that time to improve safeguarding standards throughout the Diocese and in helping Chaplaincies to implement in practice the safeguarding requirements of the Church of England.

Plans for a new appointment of a Safeguarding Manager are in hand. In the meantime the Diocese's  safeguarding department will continue to operate fully and efficiently. All matters of an urgent or routine nature will receive our normal prompt attention.

All enquiries should be directed to Tola as Assistant Safeguarding Manager

The two new members of the team are Laura O’Brien (pictured) Safeguarding Administrator who is responsible for safeguarding checks.      

Bridget Fenton is joining as a Case Worker handling our initial; inquiry responses.