Gloucestershire-based housing association Two Rivers Housing has appointed Debbie Innes-Turnill as a Non-executive Director as part of its plans to strengthen its Board.

Debbie is a safeguarding expert with a background in education. She is the Director of Debbie Innes Safeguarding Ltd a private consultancy firm that provides specialist services to schools, charities, religious and sporting organisations – providing training, support and independent advice on safeguarding practices. She also lectures part time at the University of Birmingham.

She is the Governor for EDI and Safeguarding at The King’s School, Gloucester and holds the position of Chair of the Education and Compliance Committee. She was appointed Chair of Governors in 2023.

Prior to this Debbie lectured at Gloucestershire College and was Deputy Head of Widden Primary School until October 2024. She’s also worked as a consultant for Gloucestershire and Wiltshire Local Authorities where she provided expert support in succession planning, training and improving outcomes for pupils.

Her appointment is part of a wider move by Two Rivers Housing to strengthen its Board and support the delivery of its new corporate strategy – Delivering #Twogether 2024-2027.

As part of that strategy, the housing association is committed to creating neighbourhoods where people love to live and communities can thrive. It sees safeguarding as a key part of this and is keen to ensure that it continues to implement best practice in this area and help tenants get the right support when they need it.

Speaking about the appointment, Ted Pearce, Chair of the Two Rivers Housing Board said:

“I’m so pleased that Debbie has decided to join our Board. Making sure that our tenants are safe and well in their homes and communities is an important part of our new corporate strategy and her expertise will help us strengthen the work we are doing in this area.

“As a social housing provider, our team may be among the first people to spot a safeguarding issue and it’s so important that we equip them with the right information and processes to raise any concerns they have. Debbie’s knowledge and expertise will be so valuable as we review our safeguarding practices to ensure we continue to support our tenants in the best possible way.”

Commenting on her appointment, Debbie added:

“As a safeguarding expert, I have seen firsthand the difference identifying and acting on safeguarding concerns can make. It’s great to see that Two Rivers Housing is looking to strengthen its practices in this area and help make sure that tenants get the support they need.

“I’m really looking forward to sharing my experience with the team and helping them improve their current practices as we work together to make sure we keep those living in our homes safe.”