The next volunteer chair of the Board of Finance for the Diocese of Worcester has been appointed.

Finance expert Wadham Downing was nominated by Bishop John and approved by synod members at the last diocesan meeting.

Downing is a former chief financial officer and member of the Cathedral congregation.

Downing spent his business career in commerce, overseeing financial aspects for large public limited companies and smaller, private equity-funded organisations covering all aspects of business planning, financial reporting and corporate finance.

But his involvement with the church's finances began 18 months ago when he joined the Diocesan Finance and Resources Committee, which included being a member of a sub-team advising on the board's investment strategy.

As part of the committee, he provided advice on the board’s investment strategy.

Bishop John said on the appointment: "I am delighted that Wadham has put himself forward to be the next Chair of our DBF.

"We are fortunate and blessed that someone of his experience and expertise is willing to take on this role and I commend him wholeheartedly to synod."

Downing expressed his commitment to bringing his finance experience to the diocese, saying: "When I retired from executive life, I always thought I would like to get involved in a charity that I felt some empathy for.

"Although my career has been in a completely different sector, I also find it very uplifting and get a great deal of satisfaction from thinking how to apply knowledge I have learnt in my professional life to help the diocese to deliver its strategy.

"As a committed Christian I also feel I have been given certain gifts and if I can use them for the benefit of the Church, in any capacity, then that is wonderful."

The chair of the board ensures that the diocese’s financial strategy supports its growth and transformation plans, which includes communication with parishes to understand shared financial interests.

Downing’s role will also see him developing and presenting the annual budget, and guiding the ongoing vision, values, policies and strategies of the Diocese.