JANE Booth, who has more than 40 years of experience in social work, has been appointed as Chair of Bradford Safeguarding Children Board.

Jane, who was Chair of the Lancashire Safeguarding Children Board, takes over the role from David Niven. Jane, a qualified social worker, retired from the post of deputy chief executive of the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service in 2010.

Safeguarding Children Boards were set up in all local authorities following the inquiry into Victoria Climbie’s death. Bradford’s board is a partnership of agencies who work to safeguard children in Bradford, including partners from health, the police, education and the voluntary sector.

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Jane Booth said: “I am very pleased to be taking on the role of independent chair of Bradford Safeguarding Children Board. Bradford District has the youngest population in the UK and a broad diversity.

"This brings opportunities and challenges and I look forward to working with all the partner agencies and communities in the district so we can strengthen how we work together to keep children safe, in line with the new requirements set out by Government in “Working Together” 2018.”

Kersten England, Chief Executive of Bradford Council, said: “We’re delighted that Jane is taking up the role of Chair of our Safeguarding Children Board.

"She brings a wealth of experience, both as a social worker and as a Chair of other safeguarding boards, and she has a strong understanding of how we need to work in partnership to keep children safe.

"I want to thank David Niven for his service to the district as Chair of the Safeguarding Children Board over the last three and a half years.”