The United Reformed Church (URC) has appointed its new Chief Operating Officer.
Victoria James, who recently served as the Diocesan Secretary in the Church of England’s Diocese of Portsmouth, will take up the post on 9 January.
As agreed at the 2022 General Assembly, the post replaces the Deputy General Secretary (Administration and Resources) role after the retirement of the Jane Baird in June.
The Revd John Bradbury, General Secretary of the URC, said: “I’m delighted to be welcoming Victoria as she becomes part of the General Secretariat. She brings a passion for the mission of the Church and a wealth of experience from her previous roles. The appointment group were very impressed with her quick grasp of issues, clarity of thought and care for those with whom she works.”
To ensure a smooth transition, Victoria will start the role on a part-time basis shadowing Jane, and will become full-time in April.
Prior to working with the Diocese of Portsmouth, Victoria practiced as a solicitor, specialising in family and matrimonial law, and civil litigation and employment law, for a number of years.
Speaking of her appointment, Victoria said: “I feel privileged to be joining the URC and I am excited about playing my part in supporting the mission of the wider church. I very much look forward to joining the team and getting to know everyone over the coming weeks.”