The Diocese of Hereford is pleased to announce the appointment of Mark Simmons to the new role of Parish Giving Adviser (Ministry Development). Mark joins the team, working alongside current Parish Giving Adviser Richard Jones. This appointment is the first of a bigger project which will see the parish giving team expand to three advisers.
The project is funded by a generous grant from the national Church of England ‘Giving Adviser Fund’ which aims to establish fundraising and giving as a key role in every diocese. The team will work with lay and clergy leaders in Deaneries and Parishes across our Diocese to support giving as part of our mission and ministry.
Mark joins the team bringing a wealth of experience from his many voluntary and paid roles including his role as Chair of the UK & Ireland board of the Community of the Cross of Nails. He is an experienced mediator and negotiator, he has worked mostly in peace building, international development, human rights, and educational leadership, notably in youth leadership programmes in North Africa, the Middle East and Europe. He presently serves on a number of diocesan committees and boards. He and his family worship at St George's Church, Orleton, where he is church warden.
Sam Pratley, Diocesan Secretary said “Giving is a priority for this Diocese supporting our mission to make a difference to the lives of people in our Diocese. We are delighted that Mark is joining the team. He brings a passion for wider engagement and inclusion of people in church life. We are looking forward to working with him in raising the profile of generous giving to fund the future of mission and ministry in our Diocese.”
In his spare time, Mark is a keen organist and pianist. He enjoys exploring the local countryside and wider world with his four children from their home in Orleton, Herefordshire. He has spent the last two years training for Reader ministry. He is excited about getting to know the people and parishes of our Diocese.
Mark takes up his role on Monday 2 November 2020.