New chairman for safeguarding in the Channel Islands

Mr Goosey believes there is a "real opportunity to do things differently"

A new chairman has been appointed to oversee the safeguarding of adults and children in the Channel Islands.

David Goosey is tasked with strengthening policies and systems to protect children and vulnerable adults in Jersey, Guernsey and Alderney.

He is currently the chairman and independent scrutineer of four safeguarding partnerships in England.

Deputy Mary Le Hegarat said Mr Goosey's "extensive" experience made him the "ideal candidate".

"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," she continued.

'A real opportunity'

Mr Goosey, the new Independent Chair of the Pan-Island Children and Adult Safeguarding Partnership, said he wanted to ensure safeguarding arrangements were "as effective as possible".

He said: "On both islands, where there is currently not a full set of laws or regulations, I think that provides us with a real opportunity to do things differently."

The Independent Chair is required to provide services for a minimum of 27 days per year in each of Jersey and Guernsey.

Guernsey's Chief Minister, Deputy Lyndon Trott, said the role was "an asset to both islands" and an 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."

Mr Goosey is currently the chairman of Berkshire West Safeguarding Children Partnership and Portsmouth Safeguarding Adults Board.

He is also an independent scrutineer for Lewisham Safeguarding Children Partnership and North and West Northamptonshire Safeguarding Children Partnership.