The Bishop of Chester has announced that Jane Pleace has accepted the role of Diocesan Secretary and Chief Executive Officer for Chester Diocesan Board of Finance.
Jane has held a variety of executive leadership and senior management roles in the charity sector. With a particular passion for international development, Jane spent 20 years working in senior fundraising and communication roles in NGOs including Tearfund, World Vision, Oxfam and Ripple Effect. She also spent five years working for United Bible Societies supporting Bible translation, distribution and Scripture engagement across the world.
Originally from the Northeast of England, Jane has family there and feels a deep sense of connection and commitment to the North of England. She is looking forward to moving to Cheshire and exploring more of the Northwest region. Jane originally came to faith in her teens. Her belief in Jesus Christ has played a hugely formative role in her life and career. She feels very privileged to have had the opportunity to travel globally. Working and worshipping with Christians from a very diverse range of cultures and different church traditions has proven to be a very enriching experience which has deepened and strengthened her own faith.
Jane has held several lay roles within the Church of England including Church Warden, Sidesman and Deanery Synod member. She is an experienced lay leader and regular guest speaker in Sunday services.
Jane also serves on the Boards of the charities Christians Against Poverty, Ugandan-focused Zena Launchpad and US-based Chalmers Center for Economic Development which equips churches to empower people living in poverty through asset-based community development and Biblical principles.
Bishop Mark said: “It is wonderful to be able to announce Jane’s appointment as our next Diocesan Secretary and CEO. Her appointment has been a process of prayer and discernment, and we believe that she is called to this vital role at an important time in the life of the Diocese. Her experience, faith, and character make her a great fit for the role and I very much look forward to working with her. Please hold her and the diocese in your prayers.”
Jane said: “I am excited to be joining the Diocese of Chester this May. I believe that the Church is God’s Plan A to redeem, restore and transform the world. Together, we have the privilege of sharing the Gospel of grace with our families, friends and neighbours across Cheshire and beyond. In my role as Diocesan Secretary and CEO, I will focus on leading our people and stewarding our resources well in order to strengthen, encourage and equip each church to reach its local community in the most effective way possible. I am looking forward to meeting you soon, hearing your hopes and dreams, and seeing what God is doing in the Diocese of Chester."
Canon David Hermitt, Chair of Chester Diocesan Board of Finance said: “We are delighted to welcome Jane Pleace to the Diocese of Chester as she comes to lead the work of Church House. Her years of serving God and leading in global organisations like World Vision, Oxfam and Tear Fund will help us serve God’s purposes in our region. She has a deep faith and a desire to take action to help others.”
Jane will be attending the Maundy Thursday service at Chester Cathedral on 17 April and officially takes up her role on 27th May.