15/02/2021
Jane Chevous, co-founder of Survivors Voices, a survivor-led organisation, has been appointed as a new member of the NSP. Jane is a qualified social worker, youth and community worker, lecturer and member of the Society of Education and Training. She has more than 40 years’ experience of working with vulnerable children, young people and adults in the education, social care and faith sectors. She is also a writer, educator and activist and passionate about using lived experience to improve responses to abuse and trauma.
She replaces Graham Wilmer, a survivor and founder of the Lantern Project, who has sat on the Panel since it was formed seven years ago.
The independent Panel, chaired by Meg Munn, scrutinises and challenges the Church on existing and proposed policies and practices around safeguarding. It consists of experts in safeguarding, representatives of organisations that support survivors of abuse within religious organisations and representatives of the Methodist and Catholic churches. It is also attended by the lead and deputy lead bishops for safeguarding and representatives of the Archbishops.
Welcoming the appointment, Meg Munn commented: "I am delighted to welcome Jane Chevous to the Panel. She brings a strong voice and extensive knowledge of the experience of survivors which is central to the Panel's work. I wish Graham Wilmer well and thank him for his dedicated work over many years."
Jane Chevous said: " I am excited to be joining the Panel at such a critical time for the church and safeguarding, as the IICSA recommendations are implemented. As a clergy abuse survivor, I know how much work there is to do and how vital survivors' voices are to achieving the necessary cultural and procedural change. I am grateful for the work of Graham and other survivors and look forward to working with the Church to build on all that has been achieved so far."
The Church of England’s lead safeguarding bishop, Jonathan Gibbs, said: “I welcome Jane’s appointment to the Panel bringing an important survivor advocate voice. Her presentation to General Synod last November was very powerful and I am sure she will play a key role in the Panel’s work.”