OUR bishop has announced who will lead the central Diocese of Portsmouth team as Diocesan Secretary (effectively chief operating officer).

Victoria James will take on the new role this autumn after four years working for our diocese as stewardship adviser. She previously trained and worked as a solicitor.

Her new role will see her leading the team that supports the work of 139 Church of England parishes in south-east Hampshire and the Isle of Wight from the diocesan office, based in Peninsular House, near the cross-channel ferry port.

Bishop Christopher said: “I am pleased to announce that Victoria James will be the new Diocesan Secretary, with a brief to lead our small team of central diocesan staff, to manage our budget, and to contribute with senior colleagues to the strategic leadership of the diocese.

“She brings with her several years of experience in working alongside our parishes to help them consider the generous Christian stewardship of their resources. Her ability to talk sensitively about how our Christian faith should inform our attitude towards our money and assets, and her desire to work collaboratively with volunteers in our parishes, will be invaluable in this new role.

“I very much look forward to continuing to work closely with her, alongside all who contribute to the mission of the gospel across the whole of the diocese."

Victoria, who is married and has one son, is a member of the PCC at her church St John’s, Hedge End, in the Diocese of Winchester. She is part of the team that runs children’s work there.

She said: "I am very much looking forward to this new role and leading the team of gifted individuals based at Peninsular House as together we seek to serve, support and resource the churches in our diocese."

Bishop Christopher had previously announced that James Allport would be the new Diocesan Secretary, but he is now unable to take on this role.

The last Diocesan Secretary for the Diocese of Portsmouth, the Rev Wendy Kennedy, retired in January after 11 years in the post.