Churches appoint new safeguarding adviser

Elizabeth Hall has been appointed to the post of Safeguarding Adviser for the Church of England and the Methodist Church in Britain.

Hall replaces the Rev Pearl Luxon, who will be leaving the role in September to become an independent safeguarding consultant.

She brings to the role 25 years’ professional experience in the social work field as both a practitioner and as a manager within the Probation, Family Court Welfare and Guardian ad litem Services. She has also worked as a youth worker and foster carer.

Most recently, Hall has worked for Cafcass, the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service, since April 2001, initially as Regional Director for the North East Region and later as Head of Safeguarding.

The Rev Dr Martyn Atkins, General Secretary of the Methodist Church, said: “Our churches take the safety and wellbeing of children and vulnerable adults very seriously, and we have a responsibility to offer the highest standards in safeguarding. This role is central to that work and we are pleased to welcome Elizabeth to our team.”

The Rt Rev Anthony Priddis, Chair of the Church of England’s Central Safeguarding Liaison Group, adds: “Elizabeth’s range of experience in the statutory sector will be of great benefit in helping churches across both denominations keep up to date with the latest good practice in this area, and in offering professional support to our network of diocesan safeguarding advisers.”

Hall said, “I am excited about taking on this role. I look forward to the opportunity to use my safeguarding and child protection expertise within the church communities.”

She worships at a joint Anglican/Methodist church in central London and is a Methodist local preacher, but also preaches from time to time at the Anglican churches in the parish.