The Rt Rev’d Dr Alastair Redfern is delighted to announce the appointment of a new Bishop’s Chaplain, the Rev’d Prebendary Alan Harper.

The Bishop’s Chaplain is a demanding, senior post and exists to support the Bishop of Derby in his work across the Diocese of Derby, which covers the county of Derbyshire. A Bishop’s Chaplain is required to work closely and creatively with the Bishop, helping to resource his ministry and often act as a point of reference and advice for many clergy and other contacts inside and outside the Church.

Alan, 56, comes to Derby from the Diocese of Lichfield, where he was an experienced parish priest in Codsall. He succeeds the former Bishop’s Chaplain, the Rev’d Canon Cedric Blakey, who left the post in 2005 to pursue a new vocation at Derbyshire County Council, but who remains a Canon at Derby Cathedral.

Before he was ordained, Alan’s background was in accounting and he was the Head of Group Audit with Birmingham-based Cadbury Schweppes plc reviewing operations and systems throughout the world. Following his ordination in 1988, he was Curate at Newport with Longford and Chetwynd until 1991 and then Priest-in-Charge at Wilnecote until 1994. He then became Vicar of the same parish until 1998 and was then appointed Vicar of Codsall.

As well as overseeing his duties in this busy, growing parish, Alan was also Deputy Chair of the Diocese of Lichfield’s Board of Finance and had several other key roles in the Diocese of Lichfield’s leadership and administrative bodies. He published many guidance papers and booklets during his time there. In 2002 he was made Prebendary (or a Canon) of Lichfield Cathedral.

Alan is no stranger to Derby as he sat on the Council of the University of Derby between 1998 and 2003, helping it bring the Multi-Faith Centre to fruition. Alan was also involved in The Buxton Project - the acquisition of the former Devonshire Hospital site in the centre of Buxton, and the creation of a new campus for the University of Derby in Buxton to replace the Harpur Hill site.

He said: "I think the role of Bishop’s Chaplain is an enormously challenging position, but one I hope I can fill with God’s help, and for which I have a number of relevant skills. I am looking forward to working with Bishop Alastair and his team in the offices at Duffield, hopefully being the best help I can to the vast array of people who the Bishop serves and works with."

The Rt Rev’d Dr Alastair Redfern, Bishop of Derby said: “Alan has a very impressive resume and a wealth of experience within and outside the church that will stand him in good stead for this post. As well as being efficient, he has a pleasant, easy-going manner and I’m sure he will be a great asset to the team.”

Alan will live with his wife, Ros, close to the Bishop’s house and offices in Duffield. Ros is a licensed Reader (a lay person who can assist clergy in church services with preaching and other duties) and will be able to support Alan and the church locally with her own experience and skills. The couple are keen gardeners and enjoy cooking and entertaining. They have two grown up children; Rachel, 28, and Philip, 27. They also own two chocolate-coloured Labradors who need lots of walking.

There will be a service at Derby Cathedral on Sunday, January 28th starting at 6pm, to licence Alan Harper for his new role. All are welcome.

ENDS