A Christian presence in every community

Meet the Team

The Staff of the Education Division and the National Society

Jan Ainsworth: Chief Education Officer and General Secretary, National Society

As the Church's Chief Education Officer, Jan has responsibility for the development of the Church's policy on lifelong, statutory and voluntary education, and promoting the highest quality of educational practice throughout the Church. Jan is also the General Secretary of the National Society for the Promotion of Religious Education.

Jan Ainsworth 020 7898 1500 Business Manager Cheryl Payne 020 7898 1501

Nigel Genders: Head of School Policy and Deputy General Secretary, National Society

Nigel started work with the team at the beginning of June 2012. His post involves engaging with dioceses around the country and with the Department for Education on all matters to do with Church of England schools in the changing education environment. He also works closely with the Church School of the Future Programme as it implements the recommendations of the Chadwick Report.

Nigel Genders 020 7898 1789 Executive Assistant Daniela Longhin 020 7898 1491

Nicola Sylvester: Head of School Effectiveness and Deputy General Secretary, National Society.

Nicola is currently on maternity leave. For details of cover arrangements, click here. Her post involves promoting the distinctiveness, effectiveness and performance of Church of England schools and academies. The key areas of focus are: Christian character and values, curriculum, school improvement, leadership and responsibility for the Section 48 (SIAMS) inspection system.

Executive Assistant Daniela Longhin 020 7898 1491

Cheryl Payne: Business Manager

Cheryl has responsibility for the financial management of the National Society and the Education Division, including the administration of the Statutory Inspection of Anglican Schools (SIAS). She manages the Business and Support team for the NS and Schools teams and other support staff in the Division, and supervises all recruitment HR matters. She provides personal assistant support for the CEO/General Secretary of the National Society.

Cheryl Payne 020 7898 1501

Stephen Heap: National Adviser for Higher Education

Stephen is the source of advice within the Church on HE issues, seeking to influence the development of HE, supporting the HE Chaplains network, maintaining a links with Higher Education Institutions with a Church of England Foundation.

Stephen Heap 020 7898 1513 Executive Assistant Gabriella di Salvo 020 7898 1505

Garry Neave: National Adviser in Further Education

Garry's role involves dialogue with FE improvement bodies and related agencies and charities, to raise the profile of values, beliefs and faith in the sector by contributing to FE policy at the highest levels, including Government departments. Growing and sustaining a network of colleges, chaplaincies and chaplains.

Garry Neave 020 7898 1517 Executive Assistant Daniela Longhin 020 7898 1491

Mary Hawes: National Going for Growth (Children and Youth) Adviser

Mary is advocate for the Church's ministry with, for and by children up to the age of 11 and young people, including implementing 'Going4Growth', the Education Division's strategy document. Resourcing and advising the Church at National and Diocesan level in its ministry with children and young people. The work involves developing creative partnerships with Christian, Government and secular agencies.

Mary Hawes 020 7898 1504 Executive Assistant Julia Eden 020 7898 1512

Joanna Cox: National Adviser Lay Discipleship and Shared Ministry

Working in Adult Education, Jo promotes good educational practice, and develops standards of training. The work includes consultancy on training and best practice, Education for Discipleship and other aspects of developing the whole people of God in their roles and calling. The work on Shared Ministry includes establishing appropriate guidelines for good practice for the training and development of a variety of volunteer and lay ministry roles in parishes.

Joanna Cox 020 7898 1511 Executive Assistant Gabriella di Salvo 020 7898 1505

Jane Chipperton: RE Development Officer

Jane is responsible for Networking through regular mailings to the RE Network on news, updates, resources and consultations; for CPD - organising a professional seminar for advisors delivered in 3 locations during April and May 2013; and for organising a second Conference for Secondary Heads of RE July 2013

Jane Chipperton Contact: Daniela Longhin 020 7898 1491