New Director of Children's Safeguarding and Care appointed in Jersey

Jersey's government has appointed a new Director of Children’s Safeguarding and Care.

Mark Owers will focus on improving safeguarding for children in government services across the island.

Government services were criticised in the Independent Jersey Care Inquiry's two-year review, with some services still being described as sub-standard.

Mr Owers, who is originally from Jersey, began his career as a social worker in Children's Services on the island in 1991.

He then became a children and families social worker, qualifying six years later.

He has since worked in roles including strategy with the NSPCC and as a government adviser.

He says he is looking forward to returning home to work to develop children's services.