Andy Earl has been named as the new Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor.

Andy will take up the post from April 1 following the departure of Sarah Acraman, who was the Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor for 13 years.

Simon Cade, Diocesan Secretary, said: “I am delighted that Andy will be working with us in this important role. He brings good knowledge of the diocese from his previous work in the team but also from his wider experience the ability to bring fresh challenge and encouragement. I know that Andy will be a great leader for safeguarding and a strong advocate for the core Christian work of loving our neighbour.

“SURVIVORS … AT THE HEART OF OUR DECISION MAKING”

“Sarah has been an outstanding safeguarding lead. In her 13 years with us she has helped to transform our approach to safeguarding in parishes and at diocesan level. One of Sarah’s most important contributions has been to ensure that survivors and the most vulnerable among us are at the heart of our decision making and policy, she has done this in a way that has gained their confidence and that of colleagues. We will miss her very much and wish her every blessing as she returns to ‘Up Country’.”

While Andy has large shoes to fill, he has benefitted from Sarah’s experience over the last two years having previously worked as the Assistant Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor.

Prior to his arrival in the diocese, Andy was a police officer for 33 years, starting in uniform before working his way up to Inspector. His experience extended across public order and the vice squad. Andy became Revd Inspector following ordination and served eight years in police chaplaincy alongside his inspector role.

On this ‘retirement’, Andy joined the Army and served 12 years undertaking tours of duty in Afghanistan, South Sudan, Cyprus and Kenya.

On relocating to Cornwall to take the job of Assistant Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor, Andy has kept his hand in with the military. He is a member of the Army Reserve and is Chaplain to the Port and Marine Unit in Plymouth.

Andy says he has a passion for the Church as a place where vulnerable people can turn and its role in working in communities where the vulnerable would otherwise be marginalised. “It is important that the Church is a safe place.”

SUPPORTING PARISHES AND DEANERIES

One of Andy’s first tasks in post will be to grow his team, first with recruiting his replacement as Assistant Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor and then looking at what governance support is required. He said: “It will be about working out how best our team can support the parishes and deaneries particularly as we take our next steps on the way as a diocese towards fruitfulness and sustainability.”

Andy says his key objective will be to make sure that people in parishes and deaneries see him and his team as approachable. “There are no daft questions! If you have a query or concern, we will do our best to assist you with it. We are here for you so do speak to us.”

THANK YOU

The diocese has an established network of parish safeguarding officers and Andy is keen to ensure they feel appreciated and supported. “I want those engaged in safeguarding at the parish level to know how much we appreciate them and what they do. It is often a difficult job and I am thankful for all they do.”