Appointment of new Diocesan Secretary

Bishop Cherry and Peter Lea, our Chair of the Board of Finance, are delighted to announce that Isabel Thompson has been appointed Diocesan Secretary.

Peter explains, ‘When our previous Diocesan Secretary, Paul Glover, retired last autumn, Beth Davies and Izzy Thompson were asked to hold the fort. They have done this outstandingly well and the whole diocese owes them a huge debt of gratitude.

‘It was decided that no appointment of a new Diocesan Secretary would be made until Bishop Cherry had time to be involved in the process. This is because the relationship between Bishop and Diocesan Secretary is a vitally important one for any diocese.

‘Last week, a panel consisting of Bishop Cherry, Archdeacon Jonathan and myself interviewed Izzy for the post and were unanimous in wishing to offer her the position. She has accepted the offer and begins the job with immediate effect.’

Bishop Cherry adds, ‘I have been impressed with Izzy’s work from the first meeting that I had with her. She has a clear grasp of the issues that we face and has managed the Office Team superbly well. Everyone I have spoken to agrees that over the last eight months, Izzy has demonstrated that she has the qualities needed to be an essential part of the team that leads the diocese forward over the coming years.

‘We face many challenges as a diocese, not least financial ones, and I have every confidence that Izzy has the abilities and the temperament to face up to them. She will bring a great deal to the Bishop’s Staff Team and, as Diocesan Secretary, will be a real asset as we begin to move forward together as a Diocese.’

Please pray for Izzy and the Team as they continue to manage their day to day tasks in these extraordinary circumstances.

Downloadable copy of Diocesan Secretary Announcement (PDF)