14th May 2025
It is with great sadness that we must share news of the death of Dr Catherine Powell, health visitor, academic and child protection expert who will be known to many iHV members. Cathy died peacefully in the Isle of Wight hospice on 26 April, surrounded by her close family, including her much loved first granddaughter.
Catherine did her original nurse training at UCL, and then completed her RSCN and health visitor training. Subsequently, she won a sponsorship to complete a PhD at Southampton University where she also lectured. She took on many external commitments – including as chair of BASPCAN (the British Association for Child Abuse and Neglect) from 2009 to 2012. Cathy also worked for the Department of Health. Her last substantive post was as Safeguarding and Child Protection Lead in Portsmouth from where she was recruited as the iHV’s first external expert for child protection.
Dr Catherine Powell receiving her iHV Fellowship in 2015
Catherine published widely and will also be known to many health visitors as the author of her acclaimed book, Safeguarding Children and Young People, which went to a second edition.
Catherine wrote and then led the delivery of the Institute’s first child protection and safeguarding training back in 2015. This training, which was health visitor focused, gave health visitors the confidence to practise authoritatively with their families at the time. As it was a cascade training, very many health visitors may have had their practice influenced by her.
Catherine threw herself into everything, so when iHV staff members decided to do a fundraiser for the Institute, cycling from Morecambe to Bridlington across England, Catherine quickly signed up and completed the course as one of the leaders.
Retirement brought Cathy much enjoyed long distance travel with her husband Rod, but she also continued to fit in work as a safeguarding expert, particularly advising on various serious case reviews.
Catherine will be warmly remembered as a bundle of energy, for being a very positive force for good, for her sense of fun, and for her kindness and warmth for all.
Catherine is survived by her husband Rod, by her sons Jonathan and Edward and by her little granddaughter Audrey.
Catherine’s family are raising money in Catherine’s memory for the Charities: Myeloma and the NSPCC: https://catherine-powell-2025.muchloved.com/
Catherine Powell 1958–2025
Dr Catherine Powell, FiHV
