An integral part of building relationship with those around us
From simple conversations to branding, design and video, we can use communication tools to describe the God that we know and the church life that we're part of. In this area, you'll find resources to equip you to become a better communicator, as well as a variety of tools to use in your own communications.
We're always interested to hear stories of what God is doing from across the diocese, so please do get in touch if you have anything to share.
What do we do?
Our roles are varied, but here are just some of the things we're working on at the moment. Why not take a look?
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Pathways
The magazine for the people of the diocese.
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eNews
A weekly mailing with useful information for churches and congregations.
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Stories from across the diocese
The latest news and features from the Diocese of Oxford.
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Data and insight
Building a picture of the diocese and helping churches use their data wisely.
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The Oxford Diocesan Learning Hub
A growing library of free online courses for all points on the faith journey.
- Proactively work with the press and broadcast media to tell good news stories about the life of the Church in the diocese;
- Respond to enquiries from the media for information and comment;
- Offer parishes and Church schools confidential and professional support in times of crisis and media interest;
- Share stories, good practice and thoughtful commentary from parishes through digital and printed publications;
- Facilitate the flow of information in both directions between parishes and bishops, archdeacons and diocesan officers;
- Manage the diocesan website, sub-sites and blogs;
- Develop and promote materials to support our common vision;
- Provide advice and support on digital and social media;
- Create and support imaginative campaigns to help promote the Gospel;
- Provide training on parish communications.
Meet the team
Jane Appleton
Director of Communications
Jane comes to the Diocese of Oxford with over forty years of experience of communications, engagement and marketing gained in the private, public and charitable sectors. Most recently she has had a 21 year career in NHS communications, working across both national head office of NHS England, a regional role during Covid, and many years at mental health Trusts. She was educated at the University of Birmingham, graduating with a degree in English and Philosophy. She is committed to communications which reach people of faith, other faiths and no faith at all, and making the Church of England accessible to all. Jane lives in South Oxfordshire and likes nothing more than being outdoors in nature.
01865 208 227
07350 359318
Rebekah Sharrock
Communications Officer - Media
Rebekah oversees our marcomms and PR approach; curating content to demonstrate the diversity of the diocese. Rebekah works with regional and faith journalists and supports churches in telling their story.
Email | 07880 716 761
Bev Botting
Data Analyst
Bev joined the team in 2022 to help parishes, area offices and Church House teams discern what’s happening across the diocese so they can plan how best to respond. She provides insights to help identify trends, issues and opportunities for the Church in the Thames Valley area.
Ruth Hamilton-Jones
Communications Officer - Publications
Ruth leads on all diocesan publications, including Pathways, eNews and bespoke literature to support church life. Previously, Ruth was an editorial manager for an international educational publisher.
Email | 01865 208 225
Rowan Lake
Communications Assistant
Rowan joined the team in 2023 to provide support to the work of the Communications team, from assisting with mailings and administration to event photography and video editing.
Emma Thompson
Communications Officer - Digital
Emma joined the diocese in 2020 and works across our social media platforms and website, providing support to churches on their own digital journey. Emma previously worked as a proofreader for a well-known media company and delivered digital comms at a parish level.
Steven Buckley
Communications Consultant
Media enquiries
Rebekah Sharrock
07880 716 761
Duty phone
01865 208 227 | 07880 716 761
In this section...
Dealing with the press
Advice and support for parishes and school.
Social media
Guiding principles for representing the Church online.
Filming in churches
Advice on livestreaming or recording services and special events.