Our Independent Chair

Welcome to the new Independent Chair and Scrutineer for the Children's and the Children's and Adults Safeguarding Partnerships.  Lesley Smith.

Having led the safeguarding partnerships since 2019, David Ashcroft stepped down at the end of 2021. The Partnership Boards extend their thanks to David for his invaluable work over the last 3 years.

In April, Lesley Smith was appointed as the new Independent Chair and Scrutineer of the Adults and Children's Safeguarding Partnerships. Previously, Lesley was the Accountable Officer at NHS Sheffield CCG. Lesley also brings experience as the Accountable Officer at NHS Barnsley CCG and Deputy Lead for the South Yorkshire and Bassetlaw Integrated Care System.

Lesley has been chair of the South Yorkshire and Bassetlaw Cancer Alliance from 2014 through to 2022, working with statutory, voluntary and third sector partners. This experience will be invaluable to us in navigating the challenges and capturing the opportunities, from partnership working.

Statutory accountabilities for safeguarding lie with our core partners and as scrutineer Lesley’s role is to bring independent assurance and constructive challenge to the way we work together, focusing on maximising the potential of working together across the partnership to keep children and vulnerable adults in Sheffield safe.

To contact Lesley email: SASP@sheffield.gov.uk