The Bishop of Manchester, the Right Reverend Professor David Walker, is delighted to announce that following an open recruitment process, Canon Dr John Walsh has been nominated by the Bishop as the new Chair of the Diocesan Board of Finance. Bishop David will present Canon Walsh’s nomination to the October meeting of the Diocesan Synod.
The Chair of the DBF is a key figure in the governance of the Diocese, providing leadership in developing the diocese’s financial strategy for the Bishop’s Council and Diocesan Synod to consider, in support of the diocese’s overall vision. This involves close cooperation with the Diocesan Bishop and the COO/Diocesan Secretary. The DBF Chair also has an important part to play in shaping the ongoing strategies and policies of the diocese in partnership with clergy and lay colleagues.
Bishop David would like to express his considerable thanks to the current DBF Chair, Canon Phillip Blinkhorn, for his outstanding contribution and dedication to the life of Manchester Diocese and for the long years of service he has given to the DBF.
Announcing the appointment, Bishop David said:
“I am delighted that Canon John Walsh has, after a robust recruitment process, agreed to accept my nomination inviting Manchester Diocesan Synod to elect him as the next chair of the Diocesan Board of Finance. John has served our diocese in a variety of roles and with great distinction for many years; he will be a worthy successor to Canon Phillip Blinkhorn.”
Accepting the role, John said:
“I consider it a great honour to be invited by the Bishop of Manchester to become Chairman of the Board of Finance. I am delighted to have this opportunity to work with others, laity and clergy together, at this important time in our history. The recent structural changes to the organisation of the Diocese, the ongoing review of our investment strategy and property portfolio, and plans for mission and growth are all linked in the newly prepared 10 Year Financial Strategy which creates the platform for the Diocese as we go forward. Every challenge presents an opportunity. I want to ensure that together we rise to the challenges and identify the opportunities.
“I want to pay tribute to Philip Blinkhorn for the role he has played in delivering the changes so far. For my part, I want to build on that work to ensure that as a Diocese we are financially stable so that we can be focused on being mission-led, not finance-driven. As a Churchwarden I know only too well the challenges faced by our parishes. I want every parish, every church, every member of our diverse congregations to understand the important role they have, each as an integral part of our Diocese. I am always open to listening to the ideas of others and want everyone to feel they are able to contact me.
“My one regret in taking up this role is that I must step down as Chairman of the Diocesan Advisory Committee for the Care of Churches, a role I greatly enjoy, but I could not resist this opportunity to help take the Diocese forward.”