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SUNDERLAND City Council has made a high profile appointment to its safeguarding board for adults.
Sir Paul Ennals has been appointed as the new Independent Chair and takes up the position on Tuesday 1 May. He is already the chair of the Sunderland Safeguarding Children Board.
The Sunderland Safeguarding Adults Board brings together partner agencies from across Sunderland to safeguard and promote the welfare of adults at risk of abuse or neglect. It encourages effective joint working between agencies, and holds all partners to account for their work in keeping adults safe.
Sir Paul brings a wealth of national experience and knowledge of the safeguarding agenda. This includes a previous appointment as Chief Executive of the National Children’s Bureau and Chair of the Children’s Workforce Development Council.
He is currently the Chair of the Safeguarding Boards for children and for adults in South Tyneside and in Gateshead. He also chairs the strategic group for Fulfilling Lives Newcastle/Gateshead – a multi-agency group committed to improving the lives of adults with multiple and complex needs, chairs the Voluntary Organisations Network North East (VONNE), and chairs Fareshare North East.
He has worked closely with previous governments on developing national policy for children and for vulnerable adults, advising the Department of Health, Department for Education and the Treasury.
He has worked extensively with disability organisations, promoting employment and independent living opportunities for adults with a range of disabilities. He was awarded a CBE for services to children with Special Educational Needs in January 2002 and was knighted for services to children in June 2009. He lives in Whitley Bay.
Sir Paul said: “Sunderland has a strong track record of partnership working. I am looking forward to working with city, regional and national representatives to ensure all our practices for people who are vulnerable and at risk are as robust and resilient as they can be. Safeguarding is everyone’s business, and I will seek to harness the abilities and skills of the whole community to keep people safe in Sunderland.”
Fiona Brown, Executive Director of People Services, at Sunderland City Council, said: “We are delighted that Sir Paul is joining us. He brings a wealth of experience and knowledge and has an excellent reputation nationally.”