Diocesan Secretary

Dr Matthew Lavis

As Diocesan Secretary Matthew Lavis is responsible for all the diocesan finances. He says that his job is rather like being a Chief Executive or even the diocesan Chancellor of the Exchequer.

His work involves translating pastoral and theological concerns of the diocese into the financial balance sheets. He is a member of the Bishop’s Senior Staff, liaising with them about all policy issues. He is responsible for the Diocesan Synod, the Bishop’s Council and the Diocesan Board of Finance. He is supported by a small, but committed and loyal staff in the Diocesan Office.

The Diocesan Office is responsible for a range of activities among which are included; Diocesan finances; the deployment of clergy throughout the diocese; the provision and housing of parsonages; the management of diocesan glebeland and investments; the Diocesan Advisory Committee; Gift Aid and Trusts.

At the National level he is a member of the Diocesan Secretaries’ Liaison Group and the National Consultative Group (representing Diocesan Board of Finance Chairmen and Diocesan Secretaries); and the Ministry Division Finance Committee which deals with the funding for theological colleges and ordinands.

He is a graduate of St. John’s College, Durham on whose Council he now serves as a Governor.

His professional life has been in University administration – before coming to Ely he was Registrar of the University of Buckingham.

He was first appointed to serve on a Parochial Church Council in 1976 and continued to do so until his appointment to Ely 20 years later. He has served on various Deanery Synods and the Oxford Diocesan Synod and was Lay Chairman of the Deanery of Buckingham.

Matthew Lavis is married to Hilary and they have one daughter. They live at Stretham but worship at Ely Cathedral.

You can contact Matthew Lavis by

Email:

Telephone: 01353 652702

Post:
Dr Matthew Lavis
Diocesan Office
Bishop Woodford House
Barton Road
Ely
CB7 4DX