Canon Julie Jones has announced today that she will retire at the end of 2024.
She has been Diocesan Secretary of Lichfield Diocese since 2009. Being offered the job then represented to her a new call on her life from God and she described it as honouring the call she had felt to service, possibly ministry, as a young woman. 
Julie was born in Stafford and her early career was in HR. She was made a Lay Canon of the cathedral in 2015.
As well as having 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 has been part of the national team working to modernise the way the Church of England carries out its mission.
Speaking on the announcement of her forthcoming retirement, Canon Julie spoke openly about her decision:
“This is a massive decision for me to have made. It is an emotional time right now as I contemplate a different life!
It has been a genuine honour to serve my home Diocese. I feel the role has enabled me to work out, in very practical ways, my own sense of vocation.
After over 15 years, with a bit less energy and after a cancer scare that has made me reflect not just on my own wider priorities but also on what is right for the Diocese, I have concluded that this is the right time to go. I will continue to live for the moment in the diocese with my husband Stewart, who is ordained, and to be available for whatever God’s next call is!”
The Bishop of Lichfield, the Rt Revd Dr Michael Ipgrave, said:
“Julie has brought vision, rigour, commitment and energy to her vocation as Diocesan Secretary. She is also a warm personality, with a lively sense of humour and an open character. These have been great assets in someone who has managed diocesan staff colleagues. They and I will miss her for this combination of professionalism and warmth. She leaves the organisation in good shape and good heart and we will need to find a successor who honours this legacy.”
Image below: Canon Julie, robed, in a celebratory mood outside Lichfield Cathedral