BCP AND Dorset Councils have collaborated with the newly appointed head of safeguarding across both council areas to highlight the importance of the role.

Following Safeguarding Week, which ran from June 21 to June 25, both local authorities are working with Siân Walker, Joint Independent Chair of the Dorset Safeguarding Adults Board and the Bournemouth Christchurch & Poole Safeguarding Adult Boards, to promote measures to protect the health, wellbeing and human rights.

Siân Walker said: “Safeguarding adults with care and support needs is fundamental to everything we do – it is everyone’s business.

“It is the most important role we have both in the public and the voluntary sector and having the opportunity to lead and oversee continuously improving practice in the two local authorities is a great opportunity.

“It is very important to me that we listen to the voices of those people who have experienced safeguarding interventions and find and improve ways to engage with them to deliver better services.”

An independent social care consultant and a registered social worker, Siân will be working across the council area for six days each month.

Having led and chaired the regional Southwest Safeguarding Adult Boards Chairs Network for three years and recently been appointed the co-chair of the National Safeguarding Adult Boards Chairs Network, Siân will look to bring five years’ experience to her new role.

She will also continue her position as Chair of Safeguarding and Community Safety at Bath and North East Somerset Council.

Cllr Karen Rampton, BCP Council Portfolio Holder for Adults said: “This safeguarding week, we would like to remind people that safeguarding is everyone’s business.

“Vulnerable adults such as those with disabilities, the elderly, and anyone who is unable to protect themselves against abuse or neglect require just as much safeguarding as children and young people.

“We welcome Siân to her new role as Chair of the Safeguarding Adults Board and we look forward to working together to continue to work to protect our local communities.”

Cllr Laura Miller, Dorset Council Portfolio Holder for Adult social care and health added: “We work extremely hard to make sure everyone in Dorset lives as safely and independently as possible. Abuse can take many forms and can happen to anyone, at any time.

“The Safeguarding Adults Boards are there to monitor and review safeguarding practices and develop ways of working, which will improve ability to support Dorset residents across the community to live a life free from abuse.

“Sian brings a wealth of experience to the role, and we’re excited to welcome her to her new role.”