Gary Peverley appointed as Diocesan Secretary

Bishop Martin has appointed a new leader to a key role in the county supporting churches and their communities.

Gary Peverley, formerly Finance Director with the Diocese of St Edmundsbury and Ipswich, now takes up a senior role with one of Suffolk’s largest voluntary organisations, as the Diocesan Secretary.  He was acting Diocesan Secretary before being appointed. 

Bishop Martin said: “I am delighted to appoint Gary to this key role. Gary has a real passion for Suffolk and all that churches do to support their communities. He has a proven track record in providing excellent support to parishes and going forward, I know he will continue to make a strong and positive difference for the churches in the diocese.”

Gary, who grew up in Easton near Framlingham and lives with his family in Felixstowe, is tasked with providing support for clergy and parishes to ensure they work effectively in the communities they serve.

He has overall responsibility for the governance of the diocese and this includes helping the Bishop’s senior management team to lead on strategic planning, shaping policy as well as managing the Diocesan Office in Ipswich.

Gary said: “It’s a challenging and exciting time and I very much hope that I can contribute positively to the amazing work our teams, clergy and congregations carry out across the county. It’s a real privilege to be appointed as the Diocesan Secretary and I’m really looking forward to continuing to work with Bishop Martin, our Chair, Edward Creasy and all the teams who support and serve our parishes, schools and communities.”

Gary visited the Community Pantry at All Saints’ Church, Barrow, to meet volunteers who stock the pantry for villagers in need near Bury St Edmunds.  He said: ‘‘Volunteers are doing a tremendous job helping meet the needs of those of us who require help in the wake of the pandemic and the cost of living financial crisis, impacting so many families who despite their very best efforts need support. This is one of so many churches working hard in their communities to support others and make a real difference.’’

He also met the Revd Lynda Sebbage, Rector of the Barrow Benefice, and she said: ‘‘The Community Pantry is in its second year and is open when the church is open. People are coming in here, seeking it as a safe place, and the conversations we have with them are quite profound. It is quite amazing how many people need help, whether it is parents with children or people living alone.’’

The Church has a Hardship Fund – the proceeds of a Breakfast on the first Saturday of the month go towards the fund – which assists people with their financial bills. There is also a budget to help people with cooking ideas, menus and kitchen equipment.

The new Diocesan Secretary has worked for the diocese since February 2017 as the Finance Director and more recently as Acting Diocesan Secretary, supporting the Church of England’s presence in the 443 parishes and 478 churches across Suffolk.

As Finance Director he was responsible for managing the financial health of the Diocesan Board of Finance, a registered charity, by providing leadership on all financial matters for the Church of England in Suffolk.

Prior to this, he was the Head of Management Accounts at North Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust and Associate Director of Business and Finance for Enable East, the organisation’s project management arm.