A registered social worker – with more than 20 years’ experience in children’s services – has been appointed the new chair of the Diocesan Safeguarding Advisory Panel.

Carol Holt comes to the position having worked for Cumbria County Council for 16 years in children’s services, both as a manager and as a practitioner, undertaking direct work with children and families.

She brings to the diocesan role particular knowledge in multi-agency safeguarding processes, having worked extensively with other partners to both challenge practice and improve services.

Carol also worked alongside other practitioners on a Research in Practice project to develop tools to support analysis and critical thinking in assessment. She was the project lead for Cumbria and oversaw the training of practitioners and managers in both statutory and non-statutory agencies.

Over the last four years she has also worked as an independent social worker, latterly acting as an independent reviewer for the Diocese of Carlisle as part of the Church of England’s national Past Cases Review 2.

The PCR2 is a large-scale independent review of the Church’s handling of safeguarding cases over many years, involving a scrutiny of clergy and church officers’ files to identify persons presenting on-going risks to children, and adults at risk of harm and domestic abuse, whilst also identifying those cases which have not been acted upon appropriately. All dioceses have submitted findings and a national Church of England report shall be published in the first half of 2022.

Carol said: “My work as PCR2 Reviewer has given me insight into the aims, objectives and ethos of the Church of England. I am delighted to be joining the Diocese of Carlisle as the Independent Chair of the Diocesan Safeguarding Advisory Panel and I very much look forward to building on the current safeguarding protocols and practice and working collaboratively with partners to continue to embed sound and quality safeguarding standards.”

The DSAP meets quarterly, and its membership includes clergy, a local authority officer, police representation and diocesan officers. The Panel offers advice and challenge both to the Diocese and Carlisle Cathedral as a “critical friend”. Its functions include providing a source of independent advice and expertise on sound safeguarding policies, procedures and practices to the bishops and other senior clergy and officials and to have particular regard to the Church’s responses to survivors of abuse perpetrated by church officers, whilst also considering responses to others in church settings who are survivors of abuse.

Joanna Van Lachterop, the Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser, said: “Carol has tremendous safeguarding experience from her variety of roles in practice, training delivery, management, project development and independent assessor capacities.

“As an Independent Reviewer for the PCR2 process in the Diocese, Carol brings an insight into the strengths, and areas for development. She will help ensure we build upon good practice, challenge as required where improvements are needed, and support the safeguarding team to implement recommendations highlighted in the review process.I very much welcome her to the role and look forward to working together.”

The Ven Lee Townend, Archdeacon of Carlisle and the Archdeacons’ lead on safeguarding added: “As acting Chair of the DSAP I am delighted to welcome our new permanent Chair.

“Carol comes with a wealth of experience and will bring new energy, insight and skill to this most important role in the diocese. She is an outstanding appointment, and we are privileged to have her lead the panel at this time.”

ENDS

For further information contact Dave Roberts, Diocesan Communications Manager, on 07469 153658 or at communications@carlislediocese.org.uk.