Who’s Who – Ministries
Details of who’s who in the ‘Ministries’ department at Church House
Nicola Furley-Smith
Deputy General Secretary for Ministries
Ministries
Nicola provides strategic leadership for the Church’s accredited, commissioned and ordained ministries, supporting the ministry of the whole people of God across the denomination. She promotes ministry in its widest sense, strengthens pathways for formation, training and lifelong learning, and helps ensure that Ministers of the Word and Sacraments, Church Related Community Workers, Elders, Assembly Accredited Lay Preachers and Lay Pioneers are equipped for faithful service.
Working closely with the Head of Ministries Learning and Development, she supports the Ministries Committee and its sub-committees, ensuring ministry is well resourced, responsive to the Church’s current and emerging needs. Alongside this, she works with the Safeguarding Committee to maintain robust safeguarding policy and practice across the Church.
Phil Wall
ÌýHead of Ministries Learning and Development
Ministries
The new Head of Ministries Learning and Development will lead the Church’s work in education and ongoing learning for Ministers of the Word and Sacraments, Church Related Community Workers, Elders, Assembly Accredited Lay Preachers and Lay Pioneers ensuring that appropriate learning pathways are in place to support. The position has particular responsibility for Chaplaincy and Pioneering as well as leading the Ministries and Learning Forum, coordinating the development and delivery of learning across the denomination so that learning remains accessible and responsive to the Church’s changing needs. Working closely with the DGS for Ministries, the position will contribute to the wider work of the Ministries Committee and its sub-committees, and will deputise for the Deputy General Secretary when required.
Farrah Carrer
ÌýPA to Deputy General Secretary for Ministries
Ministries
Farrah provides confidential personal assistance to the Deputy General Secretary for Ministries, manages committee arrangements and administration and ensures smooth running of the Ministries office; and works collaboratively within the PA team.
Ministries – Digital Worship
Andy Braunston
Minister for Digital Worship
Digital Worship
Andy creates and curates digital worship and discipleship resources, including Daily Devotions and liturgical materials, while supporting the Worship, Faith and Order Committee and the Ministries Committee in providing resources for 91º£½ÇÂÒÂ× local congregations.
Amy Boon
Digital Content Assistant
Digital Worship
Amy supports the 91º£½ÇÂÒÂ×’s discipleship and mission goals by assisting the Minister for Digital Worship and providing communications support within the Ministries department.
Ministries – Safeguarding
Sharon Barr
Head of Safeguarding
Safeguarding
Sharon develops the 91º£½ÇÂÒÂ×’s safeguarding strategy as well as overseeing the 91º£½ÇÂÒÂ×’s safeguarding policies in line with legal requirements, supporting Synod Safeguarding Officers, and collaboration across synods.
Kerry Baker
Safeguarding Development Policy Officer
Safeguarding
Kerry develops and promotes the United Reformed Church’s safeguarding policies in line with legal requirements, supporting Synod Safeguarding Officers in their implementation and communication.
Carrie Kaunda
Safeguarding Training Officer
Safeguarding
Carrie develops and coordinates the 91º£½ÇÂÒÂ× Safeguarding Training Framework, supporting synods, churches, and key leaders in delivering and maintaining good safeguarding practices and training across the denomination.
Emma Pearce
Safeguarding Coordinator
Safeguarding
Emma provides administrative and coordination support to the Safeguarding Office, including managing DBS applications, dealing with enquiries, and assisting the Head of Safeguarding and team members.
Matt Knowles
Safeguarding Casework Supervisor
Safeguarding
Matt provides case management support and advice to Synod Safeguarding Officers to ensure compliance and consistency across the denomination, while reporting issues to Synods and remaining outside the SSOs’ line management structure.