A new Chair for the pan-island Children and Adult Safeguarding Partnership has been appointed.
David Goosey has been appointed to continue the joint safeguarding arrangements between the Government of Jersey and the States of Guernsey. Mr Goosey takes over the role from the previous post-holder, Sarah Elliott.
The role of the pan-island Chair is to operate across Jersey, Guernsey and Alderney. Working across the islands, the post-holder will seek to strengthen safeguarding policies and procedures to help protect children and vulnerable adults from harm.
The initial contract for service will be for a two-year period and will be subject to a formal review after six months.
Mr Goosey was appointed to the role following an appointments process, overseen by the Jersey Appointments Commission which included a panel of Executive Officers from both Jersey and Guernsey. They concluded that David’s extensive experience offered both islands, the key knowledge and skills needed to develop modern safeguarding practice for children and adults across the jurisdictions.
In his role, which commenced in late January, Mr Goosey will dedicate at least 27 days per year to working in each island.
David is currently the chair of Berkshire West Safeguarding Children Partnership, Portsmouth Safeguarding Adults Board and an Independent Scrutineer for Lewisham Safeguarding Children Partnership and North and West Northamptonshire Safeguarding Children Partnership.
Speaking about his appointment, David said: “I am delighted to have been appointed as the Pan-Island Independent Chair for Children and Adults Safeguarding Boards. Protecting children and adults at risk from harm is a fundamental requirement for states in the 21st century and I’m looking forward to working across the Channel Islands to ensure safeguarding arrangements are as effective as possible.”
Speaking about the new appointment, Minister for Justice and Home Affairs, Deputy Mary Le Hegarat, said: “On behalf of the Council Of Ministers, I am pleased to welcome someone of David’s calibre and experience to continue this work. Safeguarding both children and adults is of the greatest importance and it is essential this is reflected at the highest levels across the islands.
“Such a position requires a person with exceptional skills in this area and David’s extensive experience makes him the ideal candidate ensure this work has the focus it needs. There must be a continued commitment to ensuring the interests and voices of children, young people and adults who are potentially at risk are represented at the highest levels is essential.”
Deputy Lyndon Trott, Guernsey’s Chief Minister, said: “We are delighted to welcome David to the role of Pan-Island Independent Chair. The Pan-Island Independent Chair is an asset to both islands and is another excellent example of how Guernsey and Jersey come together to ensure appropriate challenge and scrutiny is in place, to support the safety and wellbeing of islanders.”