The Diocese of Monmouth has appointed Dr Paul Glover to review how the diocese can best resource and support parishes adapting to new structures and patterns of leadership.

As part of the '2020 Vision' strategy in the Church in Wales, Monmouth Diocese is moving from the traditional parish structure to establishing Ministry Areas which cover a wider geographical area and are served by a team of ordained and lay ministers rather than a single priest. As part of this restructuring, the Bishop of Monmouth, Rt Rev Richard Pain, has called for a review of the central resources needed to support the Ministry Areas.

Bishop Richard says: "Exciting changes are underway in the Diocese of Monmouth. We're taking a fresh look at our structure and ministry to see how we can best serve the diocese in the 21st Century and make the most of our resources. As parishioners adapt to the new patterns of leadership, it's important that we look at how the team at the diocesan office can best provide the support that they need."

Announcing Dr Glover's appointment, Mr Sandy Blair, Chairman of the Diocesan Board of Finance said: "Paul has considerable experience of change management and an ideal range of skills to undertake this task; we are very fortunate that a person of his ability and sensibilities is available to assist the Diocese at this important time."

Dr Glover says: "I am very pleased to offer my services and utilise my business skills to support the Bishop and the diocesan staff as we embark on a new phase of our mission."

Dr Glover has had broad experience with multi-national companies and SME's, having been Operations Director at an ExxonMobil Chemicals plant in Newport, and Managing Director at Terram Limited in Pontypool. In 2011 he founded Credo Coaching which helps clients to understand and develop their business skills. He is an active member of the Church in Wales as a Licensed Lay Minister and a member of the Diocesan Development Network Action Group which helps parishes with development projects. He is Chair of Governors at St Woolos School and Clerk to the Governors at Archbishop Rowan Williams School in Portskewett.

Dr Glover will be working for the diocese for two days a week. He will be discussing the review with the diocesan staff and will also be contacting a number of clergy and laity to get their input. He will present a final report to Bishop Richard in early June. Action requiring decisions to be ratified by the Diocesan Board of Finance will be reported to the meeting on the 7th July. Following the review, the diocese will recruit someone to fill the vacant post of Diocesan Secretary.