1 December 2015 | Comments
As announced on 23 October 2015, the Director of Safeguarding, Greg Hall, will depart St Helena in December this year in order to take up another role in Australia.
Until his departure in mid-December, Greg will continue to implement important safeguarding reforms and the Directorate has been busy rolling out further improvements to social services, including some recent staff additions to Adult Services. Local staff Patra Duncan and Anna Crowie (photo attached) are leading new programs focusing on education and support for residential clients with a disability.
Director of Safeguarding, Greg Hall said:
“Whilst there has been a very important focus on safeguarding children this year, it’s crucial that the Island also improves services for vulnerable adults, particularly those with a disability, those who are elderly and vulnerable, and those with mental health issues. We started a more structured approach to this earlier this year, and further positions and improvements are rolling out.”
Reflecting on a year of rapid and ongoing change, outgoing director Greg highlighted improvements in support around sexual and domestic abuse and professional counselling – and increased training, recognition and development for staff. He also stressed the creation of new opportunities for Saints:
“In December, we will be seeking a local manager to lead on supporting people impacted by domestic abuse. This is in addition to the current recruitment of local Heads of Care at the CCC to work with an internationally qualified nurse who arrives next week.”
Greg leaves the Island on 13 December 2015 to pursue a new role in Australia, and hopes that in the future he will see Saints visiting there to pursue study or work exposure visits. SHG is now in the process of recruiting his successor and while this takes place, the role will be temporarily filled by Assistant Chief Secretary Paul McGinnety when Greg leaves St Helena.
Paul added:
“Greg has worked tirelessly to improve Safeguarding on the Island, which has benefited from his expertise. The search for his successor has commenced and I would urge any Saints with the right qualifications and experience to apply for this exciting and challenging role through the recruitment process.
“I would like to place on record our thanks to Greg and we wish him and his family well as they embark on a new challenge.”
The appointment of a new Director of Safeguarding will take place early in 2016.
SHG
1 December 2015
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