For many years Mr Roy Hipkiss has served the Diocese in different roles. For many years he has been the Diocesan Safeguarding Officer. With the agreement of the Bishop Mr Hipkiss, who is a Director of a Fostering Agency, relinquished his responsibilities as a Diocesan Officer and stepped down from the Council of Advice to focus on his secular work.

Paying tribute to Roy, the Bishop extended the deep grateful thanks for all his commitment and hard work.
In 2017 the Original Province recognised his service to the Church with the Col. Jack Lane Award. (Roy Hipkiss is pictured -middle- at the 2017 Provincial Synod receiving the award from Bishop Mead and the Archbishop).

In his place the Bishop appointed The Revd Gareth Parry as Diocesan Safeguarding Officer.