The Diocese of Southwark announces new Diocesan Secretary - Nicola Thomas

Thewlis Graham Associates were delighted to work with the Diocese of Southwark to support them in this exclusive assignment to recruit a new Diocesan Secretary. We wish Nicola well in the new role.

New Diocesan Secretary - The Diocese of Southwark (anglican.org)

The Bishop of Southwark, The Rt Revd Christopher Chessun, in consultation with the Chair of the Diocesan Board of Finance, Sir David Beamish, has appointed Nicola Thomas as Diocesan Secretary. Nicola will succeed Ruth Martin, who announced her retirement earlier this year. This follows a process led and managed by our external recruitment and search consultants.

Southwark is one of the largest and most diverse Dioceses in the Church of England and the Diocesan Secretary leads and develops the executive function of the Diocese, working with colleagues to ensure excellence in all areas as we seek to resource and serve the parishes and people of south London and east Surrey. The Diocesan Secretary has overall responsibility for the effectiveness of our governance and management structures, strategic finance, capital planning and budget setting of the Diocese as well as income generation, including the successful partnerships with parishes for the Parish Support Fund. Nicola will take up her post on 1 September 2023, having left the Civil Service in December 2020 to become The Diocese of Southwark’s Head of Justice, Peace & Integrity of Creation (JPIC).

Speaking of the appointment Bishop Christopher said “I very much look forward to working with Nicola Thomas as she takes up this important post. Nicola will build on our core values to lead, enable and serve the people and parishes of this great Diocese. Her work in developing our commitment to Justice Peace and Integrity of Creation has been exemplary and I know she will give of her best to the task which lies ahead.”

Nicola said “I am delighted to be taking on this role in the Diocese of Southwark, building on the strong foundations created by my predecessor. Having lived in the Diocese for more than 20 years, I am looking forward to working with the strong Diocesan staff team, dedicated clergy and talented trustees and volunteers to support and enable the people and parishes in south London and east Surrey.”