New chairman for child protection

A new chairman for Bristol City Council's safeguarding children's board has been appointed.

Dr Ray Jones is a professor of social work at Kingston University and St Georges, University of London.

The board brings together organisations and services in the city that have a role in keeping children safe.

Dr Jones is also a registered social worker and was director of social services at Wiltshire County Council between 1992 and 2006.

He said the appointment allows him to use and contribute more than 40 years of experience of protecting children from harm and danger.

"As well as supporting and, when necessary, challenging local services, I will also have the privilege of working alongside those who day after day work to protect and safeguard children, sometimes confronted themselves with threat and intimidation," Dr Jones said.

"It is hard to think of anything more important than their work and commitment."