Hi Nikki, tell us about yourself
My name is Nikki Wilson and I am one of the two new lay members on the Essex Safeguarding Children Board. Formally I am qualified as an accountant and I have worked in a variety of finance and broader roles in the not for profit sector for a number of years now. I currently work for Chelmsford Women’s Aid and Kids’ City – a London based charity providing childcare and out of school activities to children in Lambeth, Merton and Wandsworth. Both are due to end fairly soon so I’m also currently busy applying for jobs!
Safeguarding is something that I think should be important to everybody. It is especially important to me because I want to do as much as possible to help vulnerable people who often don’t have a voice and this applies particularly to children The more work that I have done with charities, the more I have realised the pervasive nature of child abuse; it is something that goes on in all of our communities and has a terrible impact on children’s lives, yet I don’t think the size of the issue is recognised as widely as it should be.
What do you hope to achieve with ESCB?
One thing that I want to achieve is to raise the profile of safeguarding. I want to strengthen people’s understanding that safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility and is needed everywhere. I want to build upon existing connections with community organisations and improve the Board’s engagement with children and young people. A lot of the work that I have done previously has been in London, so the chance to have an impact on my own community is something that I am looking forward to.
In general though I want to add to many areas of ESCB’s work. The role of the lay member is an evolving one and I would like to embrace the opportunity to shape it as an integral role at ESCB.
I am contracted until the end of August this year as the Interim Finance Director at Kids’ City.
Until the first week in July this year I am on a placement at Chelmsford Women’s Aid sponsored as part of the ‘World of Difference Programme’ run by Vodafone. As part of the programme I have my own blog which can be accessed here. I’ve really enjoyed my placement there and will be very sorry to for it to end. I’ve been involved in a huge variety of work from supporting the Director to helping out in the children’s play sessions.
We're very keen to get more 'likes' on the Chelmsford Women's Aid Facebook page. We're also on Twitter @ChelmsfordWomen'sAid.
What is your favourite part of your work?
Certainly at Women’s Aid my favourite part of the job is being part of a team that is fully committed; everyone believes in what they do and being part of that setup is a pleasure.
What can we expect you to be doing when you aren’t at work?
When I’m not at work I enjoy going to classes at the gym, and socialising with friends and family and walking our dog. I’m also very keen on reading and watching films. A couple of films I’ve enjoyed this year are The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo and The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel.
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