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Church Urban Fund welcomes four new members to its Board of Trustees, including a new Chair

Written by: Laura Morton on Oct 11, 2023. Category: News

We are delighted to announce the appointment of Katherine McPherson as the new chair of trustees.

Katherine McPherson is Chief Strategy Officer at Fieldfisher, a former board member of the Church of England Strategic Investment Board, and member of the deanery leadership team of her local church’s PCC. A lifelong Christian, Katherine envisions local churches as beacons of light, their rays reaching out into communities of all faiths and none. She believes in the pooling of resources to achieve this vision, and CUF’s collaboration with partners on a national and local level as key to tackling the big issues of the day. She takes a hands on approach to faith, inspired to go out and speak to everyone, making sure her neighbours know the church cares and is ready to support them. An energetic and passionate strategy development and execution professional, Katherine brings renewed drive and direction to the CUF team and mission.

Katherine will replace Andrew Barnett OBE who is standing down after five years in the role. CUF thanks Andrew for his years of dedicated service.

Alongside Katherine, three trustees are also joining the board this week.

  • Jacqueline Broughton is a serving senior executive within Local Government and has spent her entire working life in the wider public sector. Throughout her career Jac has specialised in HR, Organisation Development and Communications and Engagement but also has experience leading large Health and Safety, Risk Management and Legal functions. Jac is passionate about relationships, community and belonging, whether that is within family, church, organisations, or wider societal groups. Jac is a trustee of Salisbury Vineyard Church where she and her husband are also part of the church family.
  • Chandru Dissanayeke is a Director in the UK Government where he is responsible for regulatory reform of safety in buildings, construction products, and building professions. During his career he has held a variety of policy roles across several departments. He lives in London where he is involved in his local community and is a trustee at his local church.
  • Matthew Girt is Diocesan Secretary for the Diocese of Rochester. Matthew has a background in government, town planning and major regeneration projects, and previous to his roles in Rochester was part of the Senior Management Team at the Diocese of London leading on the churches response to new housing areas, this included the building of its first new church in a new place for over 40 years. Matthew has also during his career founded and run a company dealing with data analysis for the property sector and government, been an elected Councillor, and a visiting lecturer in politics to the MBA programme at University of Nevada, USA.

CUF’s CEO, Bishop Rob Wickham said: “We are excited to welcome four inspiring additions to our Board of Trustees. The members each bring a huge wealth of knowledge and expertise that complements existing talents and skills, and will help ensure that CUF is responding to the changing world around us, and ensure that the charity is fit for the future. Kath brings with her a passion for social justice and a formidable ability to strategise. She reflects CUF’s core values motivated by a vision of the world as God intends it to be. We look forward to working with Kath to fulfil this mission.”

New Chair Katherine McPherson said: “It is an honour to take the Chair at CUF. With so many complex challenges facing people today, CUF has a critical role in equipping and supporting churches in their vital response. I look forward to supporting, encouraging and motivating the Board and team to help make sure the material and spiritual needs of people across the country are met, and that everyone feels connected, valued, and loved.”

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Meet the whole team