Safeguarding Adults Board Independent Chair
Welcome from the Independent Chair
Hello, I’m Christina Leath, the Independent Chair of the Telford & Wrekin Safeguarding Adults Board. I’m delighted to have recently taken on this role.
I have spent many years working in safeguarding across the NHS, local authorities and multi‑agency partnerships. My work focuses on helping organisations build strong, transparent and accountable safeguarding practices that truly protect adults who may need care or support.
What Do We Mean by "Safeguarding"?
Safeguarding means protecting an adult’s right to live in safety, free from abuse or neglect. It’s about supporting people to make their own choices, keeping them safe from harm and treating them with dignity and respect. Safeguarding can include:
helping someone who may be experiencing abuse or neglect
supporting adults who might be unable to keep themselves safe
listening to people’s concerns and taking them seriously
working together to make sure the right help is given at the right time
Adults may need safeguarding support for many different reasons, including age, illness, disability, mental health needs or because of their circumstances.
Putting Local People at the Heart of Safeguarding
Telford & Wrekin already has a strong history of organisations working together to keep adults safe. But effective safeguarding isn’t just about services — it’s about people and their lived experiences. Your views, experiences and ideas are central to everything the Safeguarding Adults Board does. We want to understand what safety means to you, what concerns you may have, and what could be improved. Your feedback helps shape our priorities and ensures that our work truly reflects local needs.
As Independent Chair, I am committed to:
listening to communities
learning from your experiences
working together to strengthen safeguarding across Telford & Wrekin
Who Are Our “Partners”?
Safeguarding adults is a shared responsibility. When we talk about partners, we mean all the organisations — and people — working together to keep adults safe. This partnership includes:
Police - They protect adults from harm, investigate concerns and work closely with others to support anyone who may be at risk of abuse, neglect or exploitation.
Health Services - GPs, hospitals, mental health services, community nurses and other NHS teams play a vital role in spotting when someone may not be safe and making sure they get the right help.
Social Care - Adult Social Care teams respond to safeguarding concerns, arrange support and work directly with adults, families and other agencies to reduce risk and support wellbeing.
Community Organisations — and Local Residents - Most importantly, our partners include you — the people who live, work and volunteer in Telford & Wrekin.
This includes:
voluntary and community groups
charities
faith organisations
carers and families
neighbours and friends
anyone who wants to help create a safer community
Working Together for a Safer Community
My role is to provide independent oversight and constructive challenge so that partners continue to learn, evolve and improve. But real progress happens when professionals and communities work side by side.
Your voice is essential. It ensures adults remain at the centre of every decision the Board makes. Together, we can make sure adults in Telford & Wrekin are supported to live safe, independent and fulfilling lives.
Share Your Views
We would love to hear from you.
If you would like to share your experiences, ideas or thoughts about safeguarding in Telford & Wrekin, please get in touch:
📧 Email us at: [email protected]
Your insight genuinely helps shape our work and strengthen safeguarding across our communities.