New Head of Safeguarding for the Archdiocese of Birmingham
Claire Reay has joined the Archdiocese of Birmingham as the new permanent Head of Safeguarding.
She joined the Safeguarding Team, based at Cathedral House, Birmingham, in February 2023.
Claire is a qualified Social Worker, working in Adult Social Care for over 28 years. During that period she was a hospital Social Worker and a Palliative Care Social worker before becoming a manager in Community Adult Social Care in 2002. In the community role she worked with adults from the ages of 18 and above with a wide range of care and support needs. Claire’s particular interest has been in working with people with learning disabilities.
Throughout Claire’s career she has managed and investigated complex safeguarding work, working closely with the police and other agencies to protect the most vulnerable adults in our communities.
“I have come into the team at a time when much work has been done to build relationships, develop safeguarding practice and develop our service into the professional multi-disciplinary team it is now,” said Claire.
“I have a great foundation on which to build and develop our service further, so that everyone across the Archdiocese is confident and competent to maintain safeguarding practice to the very highest standard.
“The Archdiocese is now several years post-IICSA and I know that my predecessor, Alan Hassall, and the team worked tirelessly to address the issues raised, and to support everyone who was impacted by the inquiry.
“The team are now working closely with children’s charity Barnardo’s to further address the outcomes of its review into the actions of the Archdiocese (published in July 2022). Progress against the recommendations is reviewed regularly by our Safeguarding Trustee Sub-committee.
“This will continue to be a priority for the team, and we look forward to working collaboratively across the Archdiocese to achieve best practice.”
The team has also welcomed Lisa Anderson as Safeguarding Advisor to cover a period of maternity leave.
The Safeguarding Team is on hand to help. You can contact them on 0121 230 6240 or safeguarding@rcaob.org.uk