The Church of England announces new Head of Social Impact Investment

26/11/2020

The Church of England has today announced the appointment of Vanessa Morphet into the newly created position of Head of Social Impact Investment within the Mission and Public Affairs unit at Church House, Westminster.
Vanessa Morphet

In her new role Vanessa will aim to establish the Church of England as a successful social impact investor, helping to shape the Church’s strategy and build relationships with key players. Vanessa’s appointment comes at a time when the Church of England is making £16 million available for a social investment portfolio, which will seek investments targeting deep positive impact primarily in the themes of financial inclusion, affordable and safe housing, and the environment. This portfolio is intended to complement the work of the Archbishops’ Council, a charity set up to co-ordinate and further the work and mission of the Church of England.

Vanessa studied at Wadham College Oxford and went on to work in the financial services sector at Goldman Sachs, Arma Partners and Wellington Management. Vanessa then worked with venture philanthropy organisation, Impetus, before joining the UK Government within the Inclusive Economy Unit. She will take up the new role in early January 2021.

The Director of Mission and Public Affairs, Revd Canon Dr Malcolm Brown, said: “I am delighted that Vanessa Morphet is to be our first Head of Social Impact Investment. Vanessa comes to us with an impressive track record in this field and will work with us to launch this new, and radical, venture for the Church of England. Her work will both draw upon, and contribute hugely to, the MPA team’s expertise in supporting the church’s contribution to addressing issues in housing, the environment and sustainable finance. Social Impact Investment is about making our capital work for the common good in new ways, and we are looking forward to Vanessa’s unique contribution to making this happen.”

Vanessa commented: “The Church of England has a leading reputation in ethical and responsible investment. This is an exciting opportunity to build a new social investment strategy and portfolio which can support innovative and impactful organisations to tackle social challenges aligned to the Church’s mission. I am looking forward to working within the Church and with the social investment sector to put this valuable impact capital to most effective use.”