The Diocesan Secretariat covers the basic administration of the diocese, dealing with general corporate matters, looking after our human resources, supporting the governance structures and acting as a hub to coordinate between the many people and groups that support and depend on the diocese.
In recent years we have worked hard to ensure our governance is of the highest standard. We want to make all of our committees accessible, democratic and transparent.
We have produced a comprehensive governance handbook here which explains in comprehensive detail our structure and modus operandi.
Administration and Governance are perhaps not the most exciting of topics!
Having said that, a Diocese that fails to exercise good governance will fundamentally undermine the whole process of what it means to be episcopally led and synodically governed.
Synodical Government was introduced by the Church of England in 1970 with a view to increasing lay participation in the decision-making processes of the Church. A "Synod" is "a council for debates or government". The word itself means "coming to a common mind". Government by Synod is government by common consent bishops, clergy and laity together - and should reflect the belief that the Spirit is given to all God's people.
The Secretariat team provides support to the Diocesan Secretary and CEO in administering the running of the numerous statutory committees and employment responsibilities of diocesan structures.
Julie Jones
|
Diocesan Secretary and CEO Born in Stafford and following a career in HR, Julie joined the diocese in 2009 and was made a Lay Canon of the cathedral in 2015. As well as overall responsibility for the day-to-day running of the diocesan staff and offices, supporting the Bishop's Staff team and oversight of governance processes, she is part of the national team working to modernise the way the Church of England carries out its mission. Office: 01543 306291 St Mary's House |
|
Revd Nick Smeeton
 |
Strategy Programme Director Nick is charged with enabling the formulation and implement of diocesan strategy with a key role in leading the Mission, Vocations & Training and Education teams. |
Jo Durber
|
Personal Assistant to the Diocesan Secretary; Phone: 01543 306067 Jo has the joy of administering many of the papers and agendas that our various synods and committees depend on, and is a key part of the team that looks after staff and clergy appointments and wellbeing. She is also one of the office's Mental Health First Aiders. |
Clare Beavon
|
Diocesan Pastoral Officer Clare supports the DMPC and AMPCs (Diocesan/Area Mission & Pastoral Committees) with technical and statutory processes. Office: 01543 306094 |
 |