The training and development of Christian leaders, ordained and lay, receives a renewed focus this year with the appointment of Jules Smith to the post of Strategic Ministry Development Officer.
Jules will shape a programme of training and development opportunities for Christian leaders at a time of change. The programme will support chaplains, pioneers, school heads and lay officers alongside parish clergy.
The first year will include a period of consultation as Jules establishes the principles and priorities of the programme.
As previous Head of St Chad’s Primary School, Jules spent six years as leader of a Christian community, and is currently training for ordination.
Jules said, "I loved building a community on Christian values with a life of prayer and worship at its heart. I am delighted to be joining the diocese in this role which will build on the skills and passions I developed in education. I am excited about the diversity of ministry across the diocese and look forward to collaboratively working with many people to shape an offer of training that will help us in the diocese do ministry and mission in the coming years".
Jeanette Hartwell, Director of Ministry, said "Jules brings amazing energy and focus and is a great appointment to this role. I look forward to seeing a strong CMD offer developing for the wide range of ministry in this diocese."