New Independent Chair of Child and Adult Protection Committees

[11 March 2022]

South Ayrshire Health & Social Care Partnership are delighted to announce the appointment of former Police Scotland Detective Superintendent, Jim Kerr, to the role of Independent Chair of the Adult and Child Protection Committees.  

Jim retired from his role as Detective Superintendent following a 32-year career in policing. In a variety of roles Jim took a strategic lead for public protection, critical incidents and criminal investigations throughout the three Ayrshires' and Dumfries & Galloway. Since retiring from the Police Jim returned to the workforce in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, taking on a critical role within vaccination clinics as part of NHS Ayrshire & Arran's medical records team.

On 1^st April 2022 Jim will assume responsibility for this role from Paul Martin who has been Independent Chair for both committees over the last four years.

Tim Eltringham, Director of Health and Social Care said, "We would wish to thank Paul for his very significant contribution to Public Protection in South Ayrshire and wish him well in his retirement."

"We are excited to have Jim taking up this vital role, he brings with him a wealth of knowledge from various roles throughout our community. Jim is well known in South Ayrshire having represented Police Scotland at both the Adult and Child Protection Committees."

Jim has invaluable experience in similar roles having served a three-year term as Chair of the South West Scotland Multi Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) Strategic Overview Group. His direction in this role and commitment to Partnership working will bring great strength and focused direction to both committees' moving forward.

Jim said, "I offer over thirty years knowledge, experience, and training in leadership, relationship building, risk assessment and investigation management; strengthened through partnership working."

"I firmly believe not one organisation has all the solutions to public protection, and having faced and overcome challenges that impacted upon individuals and communities in the past I feel I will be able to bring all partners together to overcome the many challenges that are ahead."