This is a text-only version of an article first published on Thursday, 12 March 2015. Information shown on this page may no longer be current.
THE DIOCESE of Oxford is in search of a new home for its diocesan offices.
This will be discussed at Diocesan Synod at its meeting on 21 March. A number of factors have made this necessary: the squeeze on accommodation at DCH, due to an expansion of staff in certain areas, such as the vital field of Education, which is taking on a new role a result of the changing political climate.
There is also significant pressure on meeting room space, meaning that requests for meetings space for diocesan groups, committees and staff are frequently turned away.
The other issue is that DCH is in need of significant refurbishment. At its meeting in February Bishop's Council voted overwhelmingly in favour of moving to a new modern office block, having explored other options such as building on to the current office. "Bishop's Council recognised the need for some radical thinking about the needs of the diocese for the next 25 years," said Rosemary Pearce, Diocesan Secretary. "Nothing has been finalised yet but we are exploring a number of options that would provide us with the working space we need. "Other dioceses that have moved to modern, open planned offices have reported great benefits from improved integrated working.
I believe this will benefit the diocese as a whole and, I hope that the new
accommodation will offer greater opportunities for diocesan training and parish events.
This is clearly a once in a generation decision, which we can't afford to get wrong," she added.
A report from diocesan synod on this and other items on the agenda will be online afterwards.