I am delighted to share the news that on Monday, following a rigorous interview process against a strong field of candidates, we offered the post of Head of Operations to Chris Whitwell. Chris has accepted the offer and will start his new job at SMR in early January.

As many of you will know, Chris is currently our Volunteer Co-ordinator and will make great use of the connections and relationships he has built with our volunteer team over the last two years. What you may not know, is that Chris has a background in leading large and complex churches and, before coming to us, had already served on a church Senior Leadership Team. Personally, I am thrilled to have Chris in that role. I feel confident that he will take all that James has done, nurture it and allow it to thrive.

Chris writes:

Hello! Some of you reading this will know me already and some of you won't. My name is Chris and for the last couple of years, I have been working at St Mary Redcliffe (SMR) as part time Volunteer Coordinator and have now been appointed as Head of Operations.

I am experiencing many different feelings and emotions having gone through a very rigorous process for the role. I feel grateful and daunted and also incredibly excited about this opportunity. It is also a real privilege to be able to remain a part of what is an extraordinary team of people who are committed to some absolutely extraordinary work and from whom I have learnt a significant amount in the last two years.

I am so passionate about the work of local church and its potential to impact the world around it. More specifically, I am inspired and captivated by the work of this church to both sing the song of faith and the song of justice and am excited to play my part in the interweaving of these things.

SMR has played an important role in my own faith journey, as a chorister MANY years ago and more recently over the last couple of years. I am looking forward to getting to know more of you as I officially start my role on Monday 13th January.