THE person in charge of a major Cumbrian hospice has been appointed Carlisle Cathedral’s new lay safeguarding lead.

Julie Clayton is the chief executive at Eden Valley Hospice and Jigsaw, Cumbria's Children's Hospice. Born and brought up in Carlisle, she has also worked for the BBC and the NHS with a focus on community involvement.

The voluntary role of the Cathedral lay safeguarding lead acts as a point of contact on Safeguarding matters at the Cathedral and is independent of the Cathedral Chapter and the Church of England.

The role was previously held by David Allen, who was recently elected as the police, fire, and crime commissioner for Cumbria.

She said: "I am really pleased to be supporting the team at the Cathedral to ensure the approach to safeguarding is effective.

"It is not only an important place of worship for Cumbria but is also an important part of our city life. I’m looking forward to working with the team to ensure its spaces are safe and welcoming for all."

The very revd Jonathan Brewster, dean of Carlisle, added: “We would like to warmly welcome Julie to Carlisle Cathedral, in a role that supports our unwavering commitment to Safeguarding.