The Diocese of Newcastle has appointed a new director of safeguarding.
Sharon Devlin started her role on April 28, following recommendations from the recent independent INEQE safeguarding audit.
She joins the diocese after several years in senior leadership positions, most recently heading up the children's safeguarding team within County Durham and Darlington NHS Trust.
The team will work alongside Maggi Creese, lead officer, chaplaincy to survivors.
Reverend Dr Helen-Ann Hartley, the Bishop of Newcastle, said: "I am delighted to welcome Sharon, Jill, John and Matthew to the diocese as our new team for safeguarding.
"Following our INEQE safeguarding audit we have moved swiftly to implement its recommendations, and I am pleased that the Diocesan Board of Finance (DBF) have sought to enable this so efficiently and enthusiastically."
The audit by INEQE, being carried out in every diocese, was commissioned by the Archbishops’ Council and overseen by the Church of England’s National Safeguarding Team (NST).
One of the recommendations was to appoint a director of safeguarding to "strengthen the strategic lens on safeguarding at a local level, as well as ensuring greater regional and national engagement."
Ms Devlin said: "I am proud to have worked in the NHS for 37 years and have most recently been leading the children's safeguarding team in County Durham and Darlington NHS Trust.
"I am delighted to have been appointed to lead the safeguarding team in the diocese and I look forward to working with my skilled colleagues to create a service that is visible and helpful to all."
Chris Elder, diocesan secretary for the Diocese of Newcastle, said: "The establishment of our new safeguarding team enhances our capability to properly serve the diocese and help ensure our parishes feel valued and supported in the important safeguarding work that they do.
"I am delighted that Sharon has agreed to join us, bringing valued leadership as we continue to build a strong culture of safeguarding across the whole diocese."
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