Natalie Cowland has been appointed as the new independent chair of the Cambridgeshire Safeguarding Adults Board, taking a leading role in overseeing the protection of vulnerable adults across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough. Her appointment follows a distinguished career spanning three decades, including significant experience with the Metropolitan Police Service and leadership roles at the Nursing and Midwifery Council.
At the Nursing and Midwifery Council, Natalie served as Head of Organisational Learning, Quality and Improvement, focusing on governance and the development of safeguarding standards. Her career in policing provided her with extensive experience in multi-agency collaboration and strategic safeguarding, equipping her with the expertise to lead complex safeguarding initiatives across the county.
Expressing her enthusiasm for the role, Natalie said: “I am absolutely delighted to be appointed to the position of Independent Chair and am looking forward to working with partners to continue the Board’s work, so that adults across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough receive necessary support and protection, and that the county is a safe place to live.”
Councillor Luis Navarro, vice-chair of the Adults and Health Committee at Cambridgeshire County Council, welcomed the appointment, highlighting the value of Natalie’s experience and commitment to safeguarding vulnerable adults. He stated, “Her experience, alongside her commitment to protecting and promoting the welfare of vulnerable adults, will be invaluable in helping to strengthen safeguarding in Cambridgeshire. I look forward to working together to further build on the strong foundations already in place.”
As independent chair, Natalie Cowland will provide leadership, independent scrutiny, and strategic vision to both the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Safeguarding Adults Boards. Her responsibilities include developing a Safeguarding Adults Strategy and producing annual delivery plans, outlining both short- and long-term priorities for the Boards. She will also deliver an annual report assessing the effectiveness of local safeguarding arrangements and highlighting challenges for the coming year.
The Boards themselves are partnerships made up of statutory and non-statutory organisations. Key statutory partners include Cambridgeshire County Council, Cambridgeshire Constabulary, and the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Integrated Care Board. Other partners, such as Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service, District and City Councils, and NHS providers, also play a crucial role. Together, they work to ensure that adults at risk of harm, neglect, or exploitation receive the protection and support they need.
The work of the Safeguarding Adults Boards focuses on four main areas: preventing abuse and neglect, promoting the wellbeing and safety of vulnerable adults, responding quickly and effectively to reports of abuse, and holding partner organisations accountable for fulfilling their safeguarding responsibilities. Through this collaborative approach, the Boards aim to maintain high standards of safeguarding across the county while continually reviewing and improving practices.
Natalie Cowland’s appointment is expected to strengthen the Boards’ leadership and provide renewed focus on safeguarding adults in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough. Her extensive experience in policing and organisational oversight is set to enhance multi-agency coordination, ensuring that vulnerable adults are better protected and that local safeguarding arrangements continue to improve.
By bringing together public sector partners, emergency services, healthcare providers, and other stakeholders, Natalie will work to foster a safer environment where adults at risk are supported, and their wellbeing is prioritised. Her leadership represents a significant step forward for safeguarding in the region, combining rigorous oversight with a commitment to community safety and protection.
