New Diocesan Secretary Announced

We are delighted to announce that Andrew Holmes has been appointed as the next Diocesan Secretary for the Diocese of Lincoln.

The Diocesan Secretary is recognised as the leader of the Lincoln Diocesan Trust and Board of Finance (LDTBF). Andrew will guide and encourage the LDTBF’s various staff departments as they work towards achieving the strategic vision of the Diocese. He will also have direct oversight of Diocesan financial affairs.

As a pivotal part of being Diocesan Secretary, Andrew will work closely with the Bishop of Lincoln, the suffragan bishops of Grimsby and Grantham, and other senior clergy members to support mission and ministry across Greater Lincolnshire.

Andrew currently works for the Diocese of Lincoln as Interim Director of Finance. He is a qualified accountant and has a background in healthcare both in the public and private sector. His last role was as the Chief Financial Officer of a charitable hospital in London running hospice services. 

He is married to Lisa, and they have five children.

Following the announcement, the Bishop of Lincoln, The Rt Revd Stephen Conway, said:

“I am looking forward to welcoming Andrew, who will bring his experience of robust leadership, wise counsel and strong business acumen to the role of Diocesan Secretary.

“As we move forward with our shared direction of travel in the Diocese, Time To Change Together, Andrew will bring fresh insight and renewed vigour to the journey as we set out to equip church communities so they can boldly proclaim the gospel, serve in closer unity and set hearts aflame with the love of Christ.

“I am praying for him and his family as he prepares to move into this new position.”

Canon Professor Muriel Robinson, Chair of the Lincoln Diocesan Trust and Board of Finance, said:

“I am delighted that Andrew is joining us in a permanent role as our next Diocesan Secretary.

“In the short time that he has been with us as Interim Director of Finance, he has quickly shown a strategic understanding of what we are trying to achieve.

“He has worked with staff and clergy colleagues to ensure that our financial strategy is in line with our ambitions to grow the church and to support the Bishop of Lincoln’s ambition to raise the spiritual temperature of the Diocese.

“Andrew has a wide and varied background in senior management which will enable him to build on the excellent foundations set out by our retiring Diocesan Secretary, The Revd Canon David Dadswell.

He has a calm presence which staff have already found both supportive and reassuring.”

Andrew Holmes said of his appointment:

“This is an exciting time to join the Diocese and shape the next stage of its strategy. I want us all to play a key role in its development and implementation.

“I am impressed by everybody I have been working with, and those who I’ve interacted with, across the Diocese. They are an important reason why I felt compelled to accept the position.

The warmth, dedication and talent I’ve personally witnessed will help us to further the mission of the Church.”

Andrew will begin his role as Diocesan Secretary on Wednesday 1 January 2025.

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