Children's charity NCH has appointed a new advisor to help promote high standards in its children's homes.

Predencia Gabbidon has been appointed National Residential Advisor and joins a team of nine advisors providing a consultation service for the charity on a wide range of child care policy and practice issues.

NCH runs a diverse range of projects for vulnerable children, young people and their families, including residential homes and schools, independent visitors schemes and family centres.

Predencia's work will focus on promoting high standards of practice in residential care.

She joins NCH from the National Children's Bureau where she worked for more than five years as a senior development officer when was involved in drafting National Standards for Children's Residential Homes for the Department of Health.