New Safeguarding Manager

Bishop Robert writes:

“I am delighted to announce the appointment of Andrea Watkins as our new Diocesan Safeguarding Manager with effect from 5^th July. Andrea will be working with us three days per week: Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. Andrea continues (on Mondays and Tuesdays) with duties for the UK National Safeguarding Team. Andrea takes overall responsibility for our safeguarding work and staff members. I am very grateful to Tola Hummel for her willingness to hold this management responsibility for an interim period after Ian Carter left us.

Since June 2017, Andrea has led and co-ordinated the Church of England’s national safeguarding learning and development framework, delivering training modules to senior clergy, parishes and dioceses across England. She previously worked for the British Council, where she managed and provided case direction and supervision to child protection leads in the Middle East and Sub-Saharan Africa. She has also held safeguarding roles in two London boroughs.

Andrea will bring a properly international perspective to our safeguarding work. Our own senior staff can testify to her excellence as a trainer. Many of us will have heard her inspiring presentation at Diocesan Synod 2018. Please join me in welcoming her into this key role in our diocese.”

+Robert