Geoff will work closely with our Diocesan Safeguarding Advisers as well as other external bodies to ensure safeguarding in the diocese is as effective as possible and subject to robust and independent scrutiny.
The Chair of the Safeguarding Advisory Panel acts as acritical friend to the diocesan safeguarding team. The Panel provides challengeto all those with responsibility for ensuring good safeguarding and protectionpractice in the diocese.The appointmentof an Independent Chair demonstrates the commitment of the Church to ensuringthat safeguarding is handled in a transparent and professional way.
Geoff is the Head of Children and Families for the YMCA inWorcestershire with responsibility for the strategic management and delivery ofchildren and family services for the charity. In this role he is the designatedsafeguarding lead. Previously, Geoff held senior posts in several localauthorities and most recently was anAssistant Director with Worcestershire County Councils Childrens Serviceswhere he played a key role in the development and management of services forchildren and families. He was formerly a teacher after graduating from universityand is a Foundation Director of St Nicholas Owen Multi-Academy Company, which comprisessix Catholic schools.
Geoff said: I look forward to working with colleagues tocontinue to improve the safeguarding and protection of children and vulnerable adultsin the Diocese of Worcester. The safeguarding practices of the Church and otherinstitutions are currently under intense national scrutiny. We must learn fromthe past and together ensure that we continue to make improvements for the goodof this and future generations of children and adults
On the appointment, Bishop John said: We are committed toensuring that our churches are a safe place for all and the Independent Chairof our Safeguarding panel plays a vital role in that. Geoff brings a wealth ofexperience which will be of real benefit to both our safeguarding team andthose in our parishes.
