The person in charge of a major Cumbrian hospice has been appointed Carlisle Cathedral’s new Lay Safeguarding Lead.
Julie Clayton is the Chief Executive at Eden Valley Hospice and Jigsaw Cumbria’s Children’s Hospice. Born and brought up in Carlisle, she has also worked for the BBC and the NHS with a focus on community involvement.
The voluntary role of Cathedral Lay Safeguarding Lead acts as a point of contact on Safeguarding matters at the Cathedral and is independent from the Cathedral Chapter and the Church of England. The role was previously held by David Allen, who was recently elected as the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Cumbria.
Julie said: “I am really pleased to be supporting the team at the Cathedral to ensure the approach to safeguarding is effective. It is not only an important place of worship for Cumbria but is also an important part of our city life. I’m looking forward to working with the team to ensure its spaces are safe and welcoming for all.”
The Very Revd Jonathan Brewster, Dean of Carlisle, said “We would like to warmly welcome Julie to Carlisle Cathedral, in a role that supports our unwavering commitment to Safeguarding. In recent years we have worked hard, not least through our annual Safeguarding Season, to lament our past failings and to listen to those who have been affected by all forms of abuse. As we look to learn from the past, we are delighted to welcome Julie to this role as we seek to ensure the Cathedral is a safe, supportive and caring community for all. We would like to extend our gratitude to David Allen, who held this role for 5 years, for his care and commitment to all Safeguarding matters.”
As part of its major commitment to safeguarding Carlisle Cathedral recommitted to their safeguarding pledge during the annual Safeguarding Season, last October 2023. The pledge, adopted by Carlisle Cathedral Chapter, commits to:
- share responsibility for creating an environment that is safe for all.
- pray for our safeguarding leads and those working with children and adults.
- respect the boundaries that are in place to protect others.
- support those in our church who have been hurt or abused.
- provide on-going safeguarding training for all our workers.
- allow sufficient time and resources to make our recruitment of workers safer.
- maintaining an open culture where people are encouraged to share concerns.
- not take offence when challenged about our presence or behaviour.
More information about Safeguarding at Carlisle Cathedral can be found here.
