The Diocese of Carlisle – the Church of England in Cumbria – has appointed a new person to lead on safeguarding issues over the coming years.

Joanna Van Lachterop will take up the role of Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor from the present DSA, Charles Proctor, who is set to retire.

The 46-year-old comes to the post from her current position as Senior Probation Officer for the National Probation Service which she joined in 2001, qualifying in 2003. She later worked for 10 years as a Children’s Services Practitioner with the NSPCC.

She re-joined the Probation Service in 2016 in her current role, which sees her lead a team of offender managers.Jo has also been the National Probation Service lead for Sexual Abuse, Adult Safeguarding and Domestic Abuse in Cumbria and is a member of the National Organisation for the Treatment of Abusers (NOTA).

Jo, who lives near Carlisle, said: “I am delighted to be joining the Diocese of Carlisle as its new Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor. I very much look forward to getting out and about meeting as many people as possible who hold safeguarding duties, liaising closely with senior leaders, clergy and Parish Safeguarding Officers.

“Safeguarding is of vital importance - no matter the arena in which you are working – and I look forward to reinforcing that message as part of my job with the Diocese, building on the robust protocols which are already in place.”

Within her role – which is now a full time diocesan post - Jo will work with the Church of England Safeguarding Team, clergy, laity - including Parish Safeguarding Officers - and other voluntary organisations and statutory agencies.

Alongside a primary focus on casework, the role will also increase capacity to provide support, advice, guidance and training and ensure safeguarding procedures are carried out effectively and in a timely manner. An important part of this will be implementing national and diocesan policies and practice guidance.

The role will also see her working alongside Carlisle Cathedral.

The Bishop of Penrith, the Rt Rev Dr Emma Ineson, who is Vice-chair of the Diocesan Safeguarding Panel, said: “We are delighted to be able to welcome someone of Jo’s experience to this hugely important and influential role.

“More than ever, we need as a church to put the welcome and safety of all at the centre of all our church life together. As a diocese we are committed to making sure we have clear and robust safeguarding processes at the heart of all we do.

“I know that Jo will look to build further on the close working relationships we already have with the Church of England’s National Safeguarding Team in respect of policy, protocols and training. I’d also like to take this opportunity to thank outgoing DSA, Charles Proctor for the huge commitment, care and professionalism he has brought to the role.”

Jo will start in post from Monday 14 June, 2021.

ENDS

For further information please contact Dave Roberts, Head of Communications, on 07469 153658, 01768 807764 or at communications@carlislediocese.org.uk.