Staff and Officials
The officials and staff of the Diocese of Aberdeen and Orkney play vital roles in the Scottish Episcopal Church, under the leadership of the Bishop.
From overseeing clergy and governance to providing pastoral care and managing legal and administrative matters, each member contributes to the efficient operation and spiritual well-being of the diocese. This diverse team includes key figures such as the Bishop, Chancellor, Honorary Treasurer and Honorary Secretary, and various supporting roles, all working together to uphold the mission and values of the Church within the diocesan community.
If you need help to identify the correct person to contact, please get in touch with the Diocesan Office.
Diocese of Aberdeen and Orkney Officials
Meet the dedicated team of Officials supporting mission and ministry in the Diocese of Aberdeen and Orkney. The Acting Bishop, Bishop Ian Paton fulfills the Bishop’s duties in the Diocese in the absence of Rt. Rev’d Anne Dyer. Mr. Graham Robertson serves as Diocesan Chancellor, advising the Bishop on legal matters and managing diocesan funds and properties. Dr. Lizzie Finlayson acts as Honorary Diocesan Secretary, assisting with administrative tasks, while Dr. Lorraine Paisey serves as Honorary Diocesan Treasurer, advising on finances. Rev. Canon Vittoria Hancock serves as Synod Clerk, managing synod meetings. Mrs. Valerie Steele and Mr. Tom Ferguson act as Diocesan PVG Officers, providing support on safeguarding issues and organizing workshops and meetings regarding safeguarding procedures.
Bishop of Aberdeen and Orkney
Rt Rev’d Anne Dyer
The Bishop oversees the spiritual and practical concerns of all people in their Diocese (a geographical area). Bishops are charged with the work of leading, supervising and uniting the church. They represent Christ and his church and provide Christian vision and leadership for their Diocese.
Dean
Very Rev’d Dr Jenny Holden
The Dean is a member of the clergy who assists the Bishop in the life of the Diocese. The Dean supports the Bishop’s ministry, encourages the clergy, lay ministers and laity of the Diocese and fulfils other duties (mainly administrative) as specified in the Code of Canons.
Synod Clerk
Rev’d Canon Lynsay Braybrooke
The Synod Clerk is an ex-officio member of the Diocesan Standing Committee. They are also an elected Canon of the Diocese and act as Chapter Clerk to the Chapter meetings. They additionally have a role at Diocesan Synod, and represent the Diocese at Provincial Synod meetings.
Diocesan Chancellar
Vacant
Appointed by the Bishop under the Code of Canons, the Diocesan Chancellor, typically legally qualified, advises the Bishop on legal matters and serves as assessor at Diocesan Synods and Electoral Synods. The Chancellor also assists in the election of a new Bishop and acts as a Property Trustee, managing Diocesan funds and properties with the Diocesan Standing Committee. The Chancellor holds office at the Bishop’s pleasure, and continues during vacancy of the Bishop and until a new Bishop is installed.
Honorary Diocesan Treasurer
Mrs Margaret Hodder
The Honorary Diocesan Treasurer is an ex officio member of the Finance and Property Board and the Standing Committee and provides general financial advice to the Board, the Standing Committee and the Bishop and Diocesan officers as required. Supported by the Assistant Treasurer the Honorary Treasurer leads on preparation of the Diocesan budget and takes an advisory role in preparation of the annual accounts. The Honorary Treasurer will provide advice to treasurers of charges on specific issues when asked.
Honorary Diocesan Secretary
Dr Lizzie Finlayson
The Honorary Diocesan Secretary role involves assisting with administrative tasks, supporting the organisation of Diocesan events and meetings, and helping to maintain records and correspondence. The Honorary Diocesan Secretary generally contributes to the efficient operation of Diocesan affairs in a supportive capacity.
The Diocesan Registrar
Vacant
Diocesan PVG Officer
Mr Tom Ferguson
Our role is to provide support on Safeguarding issues the diocese. We are concerned with anyone at risk of harm in the church. We can also arrange safeguarding workshop presentations (both in-person and online) which are very useful, especially for people new to a role or anyone who wishes a refresher / update as procedures do evolve.
Diocesan PVG Officer
Mrs Valerie Steele
Our role is to provide support on Safeguarding issues to anyone in the diocese who requests it. We are concerned with anyone at risk of harm in the church. We can also act on requests to arrange safeguarding workshop presentations (both in-person and online) which are very useful especially for people new to the role as well as anyone who wishes a refresher / update as procedures do evolve.
Diocese of Aberdeen and Orkney Staff
Personal Assistant to the Bishop
The Personal Assistant to the Bishop is based in the Diocesan Office. Whilst the key responsibility of the role is to provide an effective, efficient and confidential secretarial serviceto the Bishop, the Personal Assistant to the Bishop also provides the day to day secretarial and receptionist services for the diocesan office. Whilst working closely with the Bishop therole also supports the Honorary Diocesan Secretary.
Assistant Diocesan Treasurer
The Assistant Diocesan Treasurer is based in the Diocesan Office. Responsible for the day today finance and accountancy work, including payroll, the Assistant Diocesan Treasurer also supports all the functions of the Finance and Property Board and therefore looks after the Diocesan Property Portfolio. The role works closely with the Diocesan Investment Committee overseeing and monitoring investment performance. Like all diocesan office staff, the post is responsible to the Bishop but has technical support and guidance from the Honorary Diocesan Treasurer.
Advisor for Christian Life
Very Rev’d Dr Jenny Holden
The Advisor for Christian Life works with and supports all churches in the Diocese in their engagement with what it means to live a Christian Life, seeking to allow all to live their Christian Life in all its abundant fullness. This involves providing general and specific resources, working with Individual congregations and groups of congregations. In addition, Canon Jenny also provides Locum Cover and Hospital Chaplaincy services in the diocese.