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ChaplaincyPlus offers Christian pastoral support and equipping opportunities to explore issues of work, faith and life.
For each of us to steward our work, faith and life well, we recognise the need for opportunities to support, encourage and equip one another throughout the working week to live life to the full. Our vision is to see Christians have spaces and places to come together and support each other to grow and live out their faith in the workplace.
Through our network of Christians in the workplaces of Birmingham and beyond, we provide opportunities to talk through issues of work, faith and life through our DrawBreath Listening conversations. We offer regular opportunities for connection and community through our range of Network Groups that meet regularly, either online or in person, and we gather together as a network periodically at our network-wide events.
ChaplaincyPlus values collaboration and teamwork, recognising that every one of us is equipped and called by God to work, in whatever capacity. Therefore, our strategy is one that enables ChaplaincyPlus to be responsive to the views and needs of Network members, ‘letting the Network lead in meeting the need’.
To provide a prayerful, pastoral support service to working individuals
To combat workplace isolation by building community
To encourage engagement with and understanding of the Christian faith
Jane Merson has managed the charity since September 2023. With 10+ years of experience in the third sector, Jane relishes the opportunity to invest her skills to further the work of ChaplaincyPlus. Alongside her work with ChaplaincyPlus, Jane is studying for a MA in Applied Theology.
Sarah Thorpe has been part of the ChaplaincyPlus team since 2014. She was part of the network for many years before that, when she worked in city centre law firms, in professional support and central management team roles. She valued deep listening, through ChaplaincyPlus and beyond, in navigating the opportunities and challenges of work, family, faith and life over the years – and is passionate about now offering this same space for others.
Reuben Williams is our Networks Groups Coordinator. He works with the volunteer leaders of the network groups to help them flourish. In addition to his work with ChaplaincyPlus, he is an itinerant Bible teacher and worship leader and considers it a great privilege to have the opportunity to visit and be involved in various church and parachurch settings. He is passionate about helping others live life to the full.
Alan Holdsworth works as an accountant and serves as Chair on the Board of trustees, as well as leading the CityDiscipleship network group. Alan has been involved with ChaplaincyPlus for over 12 years and has experienced firsthand the benefit of the charity, from support during redundancy and difficult workplace situations to long-lasting friendships and participation in fantastic events. He recognises, “no other organisation or church across the city offers what we can. We are ideally placed to meet the needs of working Christians across the West Midlands. This makes me excited for the future!”
Demo Andu has over 20 years of experience in the legal profession, currently working as a Legal Services Manager at a local NHS Foundation Trust. Demo leads the CityLegal network group and is passionate about the on-going work of ChaplaincyPlus in the city.
Kiki Alo is a regulatory lawyer specialised in financial services and ESG. She has been a member of the ChapliancyPlus network for over 10 years and co-leads the CityVibes network group. Kiki is passionate about building community.
Michelle Knight is a Legal Director, passionate about local communities and the benefits regeneration can bring to transform the lives of those that live in that community. She has benefited first-hand from the work of ChaplaincyPlus and now serves the network as a trustee. Michelle’s dream for ChaplaincyPlus is to establish a support framework which spans the entire working life of an individual, from first stepping into the workplace all the way to retirement, and everything in between!
Vicky Beddows is passionate about making a difference and helping others shine in whatever they do. With over 20 years of experience in customer services and administration in various sectors, she enjoys connecting people with resources and opportunities to grow.
Vicky currently works in local government and co-leads the CityVibes network group. She loves being part of ChaplaincyPlus, noting, “it’s more than a charity, it’s a family encouraging and equipping each other in our workplaces to be all we can be in life.”
Sue Iqbal is a leadership and life coach, currently involved in developing an accreditation route and network for Christian coaches and mentors.
A typical day for Sue includes meeting individuals for coaching, leadership development or spiritual direction, collaborating with others on projects, and making time to go for a swim. She invests in the charity because she, herself, benefitted from ChaplaincyPlus support earlier in her career and now has an opportunity to give back by supporting others
Ramin Akhyani is an Associate Director in a large consultancy organisation that operates within the infrastructure and construction sectors. He recognises the value that ChaplaincyPlus brings to individuals and communities across the city, benefiting himself from the work of ChaplaincyPlus as a young professional. Now he’s pleased to have the opportunity of likewise sowing into others.
In 2000, Anthony Collins, along with William Cardale and Canon David Lee, sought to fund and set up a chaplaincy service to resource, provide support, and encourage faith amongst the professional and business community of Birmingham.
Chris and Clair Dinsdale, both former Chartered Surveyors and leaders of ‘Midweek in Mayfair’ and Christians in Property, agreed to spearhead the new initiative, and the work of ChaplaincyPlus began in September 2003.
The ChaplaincyPlus network has grown steadily in the years since, first under the leadership of the Dinsdales, then latterly under Steve Bavington. Anthony Collins stepped down as Chair of Trustees in 2009 but served as a trustee for a further year and has remained as a patron of the charity ever since.