New Disability Project Manager

In December last year, the Archbishops’ Council awarded £2.4m for a new, two-year, programme to boost the participation of deaf, disabled, and neurodivergent people in the life of the church.

Helen James, currently working in the Central Services team, has been appointed as Project Manager for this work. Helen will be based in the Faith and Public Life team and will begin her new role on 2nd April.

The Bishop of Bedford, The Rt Revd Richard Atkinson, who Chairs the Disability Task Group which designed the project, said: “I am delighted that this important new work will be led by Helen who has such a passion for the greater inclusion of disabled, deaf, and neurodivergent people in the life of God’s church. Much
work needs to be done, and we are hoping to combine some ‘quick wins’ with laying strong foundations for long term changes to attitudes and culture so that all people know that the church is for them and recognises the individual talents each brings.”

Helen James said: “I am so looking forward to joining the Faith and Public Life team in this new role of Disability Project Manager. The Disability Project is an ambitious and truly exciting programme, and I am certain it will bless our church communities and make a positive difference to people’s lives. It is a tremendous privilege to be called to manage delivery of this vital work.”

The Director of Faith and Public Life, Revd Dr Malcolm Brown, said: “This project demonstrates how work with disabled people can focus on achievable changes
which can make huge differences. Helen joins a strong team with a very wide policy remit across the church and we look forward to the contribution she and her work will make to our understanding and engagement with the issues that affect disabled, deaf, and neurodivergent people.”