Leeds Safeguarding Children Partnership (LSCP) has appointed Jasvinder Sanghera CBE as its new independent chair.
A spokesman for LSCP said Ms Sanghera, who was born and brought up in Derby, will replace Dr Mark Peel as chair and give the partnership arrangements for children’s safeguarding in Leeds a new profile, through her own ideas and perspective.
A survivor of a forced marriage, she is the founder of Karma Nirvana, a national award-winning charity that supports both men and women affected by honour-based abuse and forced marriages.
Ms Sanghera is a highly acclaimed international speaker and an expert advisor to the courts in matters of child, civil and criminal proceedings and was instrumental in ensuring that honour-based abuse and forced marriage form part of the police’s inspections conducted by Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary.
She is the author of two best-selling novels, including her memoir Shame, and was awarded Commander of the British Empire in 2013 in recognition of her outstanding contribution for the victims of forced marriage and honour-based abuse
Ms Sanghera said she is passionate about contributing to safeguarding in Leeds. She said:
“I am delighted to be appointed as the Independent Chair for the Leeds Safeguarding Children Partnership.
‘I have worked in Leeds for the past 25 years within the third sector, I know the city and the ‘can do’ attitude of our partners.
‘I have a background of working with children and young people and am passionate about making a real contribution to safeguarding in Leeds.’
Three key agencies collectively hold statutory responsibilities for safeguarding in Leeds, the Local Authority (through Children and Families), Health (through NHS Leeds CCG Partnership) and West Yorkshire Police.
The LSCP is an independent intermediary body that works with all agencies to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and young people in Leeds.
Photo Credit – GSR Photographic