Bishop Debbie appointed as new Churchworks Chair

The ChurchWorks Commission has named Bishop Debbie as its new chair.

The ChurchWorks Commission is run by the Good Faith Partnership, to promote action between churches and with government on pressing social issues in our local communities, supporting the most vulnerable. 

Before her ordination, Bishop Debbie worked in NHS management, and as a Children and Families Worker developing a deep understanding of the challenges faced by individuals, families and communities. As Bishop of Peterborough, Debbie is committed to helping every church play its part in sharing God’s love, serving its community and enabling people of all ages to grow in faith. She is especially passionate about children, young people, families and schools, and about ensuring that those whose voices are not always heard are valued and supported.

Alongside leading the Diocese of Peterborough, Bishop Debbie serves in the House of Lords, where she speaks on issues including health, education, children and families.

Good Faith Senior Director Jack Palmer-White, who leads the ChurchWorks Commission’s secretariat, said: “I’m delighted that Bishop Debbie is taking on the role of Chair at an exciting time for ChurchWorks. Her passion for the local church and experience working in the NHS and with children and families in the church will be invaluable.  I would also like to thank Bishop Philip for his years chairing the ChurchWorks Commission and for contributing to the Commission’s work, which focuses on supporting people’s health wellbeing, supporting vulnerable children and families, and tackling poverty.”

Bishop Debbie said: ‘I am delighted to be taking on the role of Chair of ChurchWorks. Across the country, our churches are rooted in their local communities, each with its own story, calling and faithful witness walking alongside people through both the joys and challenges of life. Through ChurchWorks, we have an opportunity to bring churches, charities, public services and government together to address some of the issues that matter most to local communities’.

The ChurchWorks Commission was formed in October 2021, building on the work of a  project called Your Neighbour. Since 2020, ChurchWorks has focussed its work on policy areas including social prescribing, Family Hubs and child poverty.

ChurchWorks regularly hosts online and in person events supporting more collaboration and partnerships between churches and government, including a Summit of local churches and politicians and policy makers.

On 30 September, ChurchWorks is hosting a webinar designed to help church leaders better understand the government’s Pride in Place programme.

The next regular meeting of the ChurchWorks Commissioners will be on 30 November, when Bishop Debbie will lead the group in taking forward the commission’s plan of work for 2027.

Also on 30 November, ChurchWorks is hosting a Parliamentary reception to share insights and stories from its impact report and bring representatives from churches around the country together with politicians.

Earlier this month, Prime Minister Andy Burnham wrote to the ChurchWorks Commission, saying: ‘I was interested to learn more about the work of the ChurchWorks Commission and its efforts to strengthen collaboration between churches, the Government and public services… Churches and faith communities are vital partners in building stronger communities and improving lives… I welcome the Commission’s … contribution to communities across the UK.’

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The ChurchWorks Commission brings together mainline church denominations, umbrella organisations and Christian charities to collaborate with government and equip local congregations to transform the lives of the most vulnerable in our country and communities. It has a particular focus on tackling the mental health and wellbeing crisis, supporting vulnerable children and families to flourish and the cost-of-living crisis. 

The ChurchWorks Commission led to the creation of the Warm Welcome Campaign, a movement that exists to turn poverty and isolation into warmth and connection through the power of local Warm Welcome Spaces made by and for the community. 

You can find a full list of Commissioning Organisations and Partners on the ChurchWorks website: https://www.churchworks.org.uk/ 

The Commission is supported by a Secretariat that is provided by the Good Faith Partnership, a social consultancy that exists to build a better world, through the power of unlikely relationships (www.goodfaith.org.uk)