The Bishop of Southwark, The Rt Revd Christopher Chessun has announced the appointment of Janet Ayoola as the new independent Chair of the Southwark Diocesan Safeguarding Advisory Panel (DSAP). The Panel plays a crucial role in the Safeguarding work of the Diocese, overseeing policy, procedures, training and practice. Janet will succeed Chris Smart, a former Detective Chief Inspector in the Metropolitan Police, with many years’ experience of managing child abuse teams in London.
Janet has over 15 years’ worth of experience in social work, predominantly in children’s services. She is a qualified social worker, committed to safeguarding and with extensive experience in statutory services, independent consultancy and safeguarding advisory roles. Her expertise spans statutory child protection, independent social work and advisory roles in the third sector, where she has worked to empower charities and voluntary organisations to strengthen their safeguarding practices.
Speaking about the appointment, Bishop Christopher said: “I am delighted that Janet will be joining our Safeguarding Advisory Panel in this role. She brings with her a wealth of safeguarding experience and expertise from both the statutory and public sectors. Recent high profile Church of England safeguarding cases have highlighted just how much change and learning is still required of us – and I have no doubt that Janet’s guidance will serve us well in this next stage of our work. We owe a huge debt of gratitude, too, to Chris Smart, who has served us so wisely and well in this role.”
“I am delighted to be taking up this role with the Diocese of Southwark,” added Janet. “It is a privilege to support the Diocese’s commitment to safeguarding, especially during a time of unprecedented change in the Church of England. I value the opportunity to contribute to the development and strengthening of safeguarding practices that place the wellbeing of children, young people and adults at the heart of church life.”
