31/08/2025
Before we reach the end of August, I just wanted to make sure that everyone knew I was leaving, so that I could thank you all for the amazing support given to me over the past five years. This is the email that I sent to everyone on our mailing list.
Following what I believe was the success of our Tour de Hallam and five years as Director of St Wilfrid’s Centre (and after a lot of time thinking about this recently) it now seems the right time for me to be leaving. It has been a very difficult decision.
Father Kilgannon’s vision to create St Wilfrid’s Centre (and continue to support it so effectively throughout the years) will always mean he remains a hero in my eyes. I have tried to follow that example and feel it has been an honour to lead here. I am proud of what we have achieved in the five years and the support we have given to hundreds of clients but I now need to recognise that someone else is needed to take the Centre forward for the next 30 years.
Clients have always been at the heart of any decision I have made and the focus of my work. Getting through the challenges of Covid, keeping everyone safe and the Centre open was an initial focus. Since then, policies and systems have been put in place, staff changes have been effective, clients’ experiences and support have been improved and every effort has been made to promote the work and place the Centre firmly at the heart of the Diocese and community. Most important are always going to be the clients and if I have given them a voice and a place in society then I have achieved something worthwhile.
We are at a point now with the late submission of the Diocesan accounts over several years (not Centre’s accounts) having a negative impact on our fundraising and grant application work. This, together with what all charities are finding, with fewer donations and significantly increased costs, requires someone with even more energy and drive (and your ongoing support) to get it through a difficult stage. Systems and practices are now embedded which will mean a new Director can focus on financial stability and the exciting new project developing the adjacent land. Difficult though it is, I feel it is right, therefore, for the Centre that I should now hand the role over to someone else.
On a personal note, meeting Jeff five years ago has made a huge difference in my life. With having first cared for Mum and then Dad until he died last year and the demands of work we have not spent as much time together as we would like. I suppose I feel, a bit selfishly, that after working hard for the past 37 years in schools and then here that I deserve a bit of me time or, more importantly, us time. I am not retiring but having some time to decide what, if anything, I want to do next but the painting and the gardening and all the other things will at least be given more time while I do so.
I had hoped by now, given my notice was given nearly three months ago, that I would be able to introduce my replacement. Sadly, the decision of the Centre’s Steering group to advertise the post quickly has been challenged by the Diocese, without, it is felt, a clear understanding of the significant impact this will have on the Centre. Continuity and handover are more difficult for me now but Louise Finnigan, Deputy Director, has agreed to step in for a short period with the understanding that the post will be advertised shortly.
The last five years will always remain an important part of my life and I wish St Wilfrid’s Centre every possible success for the future. I also want to pass on a huge thank you to all the supporters and friends of the centre who have enabled and will enable us to provide the support we do. Please continue to do so in whatever way you are able to so that St Wilfrid’s Centre remains a special community and a safe place for vulnerable adults for many years to come.
