CAPTION: Dave Cross spent two decades serving with Devon and Cornwall Police
Exeter’s New Assistant Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor Looks Forward to Supporting Churches
The Diocese of Exeter’s new Assistant Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor (ADSA) has started work.
Dave brings a wealth of experience, having spent the past five years as a District Safeguarding Advisor with the Methodist Church (Southwest Peninsula District) where he led safeguarding initiatives, supported victims, conducted risk assessments and worked closely with key agencies such as the police and children’s services.
Prior to this, Dave had an extensive career in law enforcement serving as a detective with Devon and Cornwall Police. Much of his police work focused on child and adult protection, managing safeguarding investigations, liaising with agencies and contributing to serious case reviews.
Dave’s appointment follows a recommendation in the Diocese of Exeter’s recent INEQE Independent Safeguarding Audit which highlighted the need to increase capacity within the diocesan safeguarding team.
Dave said: “I am really looking forward to meeting people from across the diocese and supporting churches with their safeguarding.”
In his new role, Dave will be responsible managing cases, providing advice to parishes and delivering training with a particular focus on Plymouth and Totnes Archdeaconry areas.
Costa Nassaris, the Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor, commented: “We are thrilled to have Dave on board. His extensive experience in safeguarding and law enforcement will be invaluable as we continue to strengthen our safeguarding efforts across the diocese.”
Dave starts his new role at a time when the safeguarding team and colleagues across the diocese are working to implement recommendations from the INEQE audit. This comes as the diocese deals with an increase in the number of safeguarding concerns being reported, particularly regarding individuals in the community being referred by parish safeguarding representatives.
Additionally, the Church of England’s General Synod recently voted to move towards greater safeguarding independence, although regional safeguarding teams, like Exeter’s, will continue to be based within each diocese.
Anthea Carter-Savigear, Director of People Services and Safeguarding, said: “Dave’s appointment reinforces our commitment to safeguarding across the Diocese of Exeter. We look forward to his support in implementing the key recommendations from the recent audit and to seeing the valuable contribution he will make to our safeguarding work.”
