CARLISLE - DIOCESE - Key Persons


Andrea Armstrong

Co-opted Member and Headteacher of Kirkbampton CE School

Anna Newlove

Anna is responsible for supporting the work of the archdeaconry Mission and Pastoral Committees, for associated actions under the Mission and Pastoral Measure, and managing the process for closure and disposal of redundant churches. Anna also supports, coordinates and monitors progress of the diocese, reflecting our ‘Tread Gently' work stream, towards the Church of England's Net Zero commitment.

Canon Peter Ballard

Job Titles:
  • Synod Clergy Representative

David Mills

Job Titles:
  • Synod Lay Representative

Joan Oliver

Job Titles:
  • Property Assistant
Joan provides administrative support to Property Manager in all areas of diocesan residential properties, predominately the clergy housing, rented and vacant properties.

John Thompson

Job Titles:
  • Stewardship Officer
John works with Sophie in supporting churches looking at Stewardship and Giving, and also helps with contactless giving in the initial setting up and ongoing engagement.

Neal Andrews

Job Titles:
  • Diocesan Surveyor
Neal has responsibility for housing policy, management of glebe and closed school properties via external agents, technical advice on property issues, disposals/acquisitions (including closed churches), advising on trust properties, undertaking Quinquennial surveys on clergy housing and producing a Carbon Neutral property strategy.

Nick Paxman

Job Titles:
  • Property Manager
Nick manages all diocesan residential property, predominately the clergy housing. He also is responsible for any rental properties and vacant houses.

Rev Andrew Towner - Chairman

Job Titles:
  • Chairman
  • Chairman of the DBE
Andrew became DBE Chair in March 2017. He has been in the diocese since 2014 and is the Vicar of St John's Houghton with St Peter's Kingmoor, to the north of Carlisle. Prior to ordination Andrew taught maths at schools in Kent and Essex.

Richard Cox

Job Titles:
  • Synod Lay Representative

Sophie Hodge

Sophie is here to get alongside churches as they explore the area of Stewardship and giving. She can help by providing training to Mission Communities and PCCs; help PCCs run Stewardship audits and set an action plan; support churches in putting together Stewardship Campaigns and offer informal advice or support on specific questions or training needs.

Steve Herbert

Co-opted Member and Headteacher of St Georges School

The Rt Rev Rob Saner-Haigh

Job Titles:
  • Bishop of Penrith

The Ven Vernon Ross

Job Titles:
  • Synod Clergy Representative

Yvette Ladds

Job Titles:
  • Synod Lay Representative