Hereford Diocese is pleased to announce the appointment of Allison Sollom as the new Independent Chair of the Hereford Diocese Safeguarding Advisory Panel. Ms. Sollom brings extensive experience in social care leadership and safeguarding practice to this role, which provides independent oversight and scrutiny of the Church of England in Herefordshire and South Shropshire’s safeguarding work.
"I am delighted to accept this role and look forward to working with the dedicated safeguarding team at Hereford Diocese," said Allison Sollom. "I have already witnessed a strong commitment to keeping worshippers safe across leadership and operational roles within the Diocese. I look forward to encouraging the team to consider how we can continue to strengthen our approach and ensure the highest standards of safeguarding practice across all our churches."
Ms. Sollom brings 20 years of experience in social care, having started her career as a frontline practitioner supporting children needing help and protection before progressing to senior leadership roles. For nearly 10 years, she has held leadership and management positions with strategic and operational responsibility for safeguarding and supporting looked-after children within Local Authorities.
Her career has included responsibility for leading change and driving practice improvement, including working with Local Authorities deemed inadequate through Ofsted inspections. She has extensive experience in large-scale transformation, having worked with colleagues during Local Government Reorganisation to merge a County Council and several District Councils into two Unitary Authorities while maintaining focus on meeting children's needs throughout the transition.
Ms. Sollom's expertise includes preparing services for Ofsted inspections, understanding what outstanding practice looks like, and leading services on their improvement journey. Her experience working in challenging environments where widespread change was needed will be invaluable in her new role.
Sam Pratley, Diocesan Secretary, commented: "I look forward to working with Allison as we continue to strengthen our safeguarding practices. Her wealth of experience in social care and proven track record in driving improvement will be invaluable as we work to ensure the highest safeguarding standards across our Diocese."
As Independent Chair, Allison will be responsible for chairing the quarterly Hereford Diocese Safeguarding Advisory Panel, where she will scrutinise areas of safeguarding practice, seek assurances on the progression of the Improvement Plan, and provide advice and guidance aligned with good practice, policies, procedures, and legislation.
"It's well documented in the media that people have suffered harm and abuse as a result of their relationship with the Church of England", Ms Sollom acknowledged. "I believe that my independent role will ensure effective scrutiny of practice and provide assurance to the community here in Herefordshire and South Shropshire that Churches across the Diocese are safe, instilling trust that any concerns or risks will be swiftly and effectively investigated and managed."
The appointment reinforces the diocese's commitment to maintaining the highest standards of safeguarding practice and ensuring accountability across all its churches and ministries.