A new chair for the National Independent Safeguarding Board

I am honoured to take up the role of Chair of the National Independent Safeguarding Board at an important moment for safeguarding in Wales.

I would like to begin by recognising the significant contribution of my predecessor, Tony Young, who has provided strong, committed leadership during his time as Chair. Tony’s work has helped strengthen the Board’s independence, visibility and focus on learning and improvement, and I am grateful for the solid foundations he leaves behind.

Safeguarding is fundamentally about people– and about ensuring that systems work together effectively to prevent harm and respond when things go wrong. The role of the National Independent Safeguarding Board is to provide assurance, challenge and support improvement across safeguarding arrangements in Wales, always with the lived experience of people at the centre of our work.

As I step into this role, my focus will be on:

Strengthening independent oversight, ensuring that safeguarding arrangements are robust, transparent and subject to appropriate challenge.

Supporting learning and improvement, using evidence, insight and national learning to help safeguarding boards and partners strengthen practice.

Promoting collaboration, recognising that effective safeguarding depends on strong partnership working across agencies, sectors and communities.

Maintaining independence and clarity of purpose, so that the Board continues to provide confident and constructive advice within the wider safeguarding system.

The coming period presents both challenges and opportunities. Pressures on services, workforce capacity and increasing complexity in safeguarding concerns mean that strong leadership and collaboration are more important than ever. At the same time, there is real potential to build on existing good practice, shared learning and the commitment of professionals across Wales.

I look forward to working closely with Board members, safeguarding partners, Welsh Government colleagues and stakeholders across the system. I am particularly keen to ensure that the voices of people with lived experience inform our work and influence how safeguarding arrangements continue to develop. The National Independent Safeguarding Board has a vital role in supporting safer outcomes for people in Wales. I am committed to leading the Board with integrity, openness and a clear focus on improvement, and I look forward to the work ahead.