This is a text-only version of an article first published on Tuesday, 10 November 2020. Information shown on this page may no longer be current.
10 November 2020 The Diocese of Oxford is today delighted to announce the appointment of John Orridge as the new Director of Finance.
John joins the Senior Management Group at Church House from the Diocese of Leicester, where, for the last decade, he has held the position of Director of Finance and Support Services, a role which saw him take ownership of the effective management of the Diocese of Leicester's financial assets.
Prior to joining the Diocese of Leicester, John worked as an auditor for some of the world's most well-known accountancy firms, including Grant Thornton, Deloitte and Macintyre Hudson. Whilst John says that he has been a man of faith for many years, it was when he decided to set up his own accountancy consultancy that he realised his true path lay with the Church.
"I am a firm believer in the fact that God has a plan for us all and it was his guidance that led me to take on a contract with the Diocese of Leicester, which then blossomed into a full time, permanent role.John says he is hugely excited about joining the Diocese of Oxford and a team that has been expertly led by the much loved, outgoing Director of Finance, Alison Jestico, who retires at the end of December. "My time with the Diocese of Leicester and wider career has equipped me with a skill set unique to this role. I am looking forward to taking up the mantle so wonderfully nurtured by Alison, applying my knowledge and experience from my time at Leicester, to the larger Diocese of Oxford. "I am very much an outward facing, mission led Finance Director and am passionate about sharing the Gospel of Christ. The constantly evolving common vision of a more Christ-like Church really spoke to me; I love the idea of a compassionate, courageous and contemplative Church and whilst the COVID-19 Pandemic has undoubtedly caused a huge amount of pain and suffering, it has allowed us to think more boldly about how we can engage and empathise with people, both committed and new Christians, and given us new opportunities to hear about Jesus, connecting with people in more ways than we have ever done before.God has been a constant throughout my career and helped to guide my way, opening doors at exactly the right moment. "
I am thrilled to be joining a Diocese that allows for these bold, spirited discussions to take place, allowing us to be a more Christ-like Church for the sake of God's world. "As husband to a rural Vicar, Harriet, I see her commitment to this vision daily, through her work at the coal face of rural parish life; we are looking forward to taking this journey in our faith, together"Whilst keen to begin his work with the Diocese of Oxford, he is all too aware of the team he leaves behind; one which he credits with helping him grow in faith and compassion,"The team at the Diocese of Leicester have been a huge part of my life for the last decade, not only professionally but also spiritually and I leave, knowing I have friends for life.
Their dedication, commitment and friendship have been invaluable, and I shall miss them all hugely. "John and Harriet will be moving 'South' early in the New Year, to begin this new chapter in their lives.
They will be joined by two of their children, Rachel and Jeffrey, who are both currently studying at university, whilst their eldest daughter, Georgina remains in Lincolnshire. Speaking of John's appointment, Diocesan Secretary, Canon Mark Humphriss said,"We are thrilled to welcome John to the Senior Management Group and were very impressed, not only with his skills and experience, which will be vital in serving the 2. 4 million people of our Diocese, but also with his compassion and faith.
Through his knowledge of diocesan and parish finance at the Diocese of Leicester and as a Trustee of Fare Share Midlands, he has had to work with agility and dynamism in response to the COVID-19 Pandemic and in support of the wider community.
These skills will be vital in this busy and fulfilling role in supporting and enabling the mission of the Church across the Diocese in the years ahead.
I look forward to working with him and I know that parishes and Church House staff alike will make him feel very welcome. "John will take up his new post in January 2021.