Bishop Christopher announced in December that Ruth Martin, the Diocesan Secretary, will be retiring in the summer. Ruth is also a Licensed Reader in the Richmond Team Ministry and a Lay Canon at Southwark Cathedral.
Working closely with the Diocesan Bishop, the responsibilities of the Diocesan Secretary include being the Chief Executive of the Diocesan Board of Finance, Secretary to the governance of the Diocese through Diocesan Synod and also the Chief Operating Officer of the Diocese.
Ruth, having been in post for more than eight years, will retire from her post after the 2022 Annual Report and Accounts are presented to Diocesan Synod in July. Bishop Christopher expressed thanks to Ruth for her exemplary service as Diocesan Secretary and for working closely with him as well as Archdeacons, other colleagues, and parishes across the Diocese though some very challenging years. He has asked Ruth to stay on part time for two years as Bishop’s Lead for Strategic Development including Property Strategy, which will give continuity as the Diocese continues to emerge from the pandemic and recover.