Catherine Evans steps down from her post as Diocesan Finance Manager on the 10th November after eight years to take up the role of Financial Controller for the Dawnay Estates based at Wykeham near Scarborough.

Diocesan Secretary Canon Peter Warry said, “I am immensely sorry that we will be losing Catherine but want to congratulate her on her new and challenging appointment. She will be stepping into a newly-created post to head up the finances for the Estates and their subsidiary businesses.”

As Finance Manager Catherine has overseen a full range of financial services to the Diocese including responsibility for the day to day financial management, leading and developing the finance team, taking a key a role in developing financial strategies and also fulfilling the role of Company Secretary of the York Diocesan Board of Finance Limited.

Catherine said, “It’s been a real privilege to serve in the Diocese of York the last eight years. I’m looking forward to the challenge and opportunity of my new role, but will very much miss my colleagues and friends from across the Diocese.”

At Diocesan Synod on the 4th November Catherine made her final financial report before Synod debated the proposed 2018 budget. Chair of the York Diocesan Board of Finance Maureen Loffill paid tribute to Catherine, remarking on the blessing the Diocese has received from a Pricewaterhousecoopers-trained Oxford graduate who we have managed to keep for eight years, and who has routinely given much more than could have been asked in support of mission and ministry across the Diocese.

Pictured: Catherine (centre) is thanked at Diocesan Synod on the 4th November by Archbishop Sentamu and DBF Chair Maureen Loffill.


At the end of September Rod Ismay (pictured) arrived as Interim Diocesan Finance Manager and has worked with Catherine for a few weeks’ handover period.

Rod lives and worships in Sheffield, has held a number of senior Finance roles in the Post Office, and will cover the Finance Manager post while the longer term needs for the post are reviewed.

rod.ismay@yorkdiocese.org