Dear Friends,
We are pleased to announce that, subject to the usual checks, George Thomas Woods has been appointed as the new Diocesan Secretary and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Ely Diocesan Board of Finance (EDBF), commencing on 1 November 2025.
George brings over 30 years of senior leadership experience across healthcare, humanitarian, financial, and consulting sectors. Most recently, he has held strategic, commercial and operational roles within St John Ambulance, where he played a coordination and contribution role in working with the NHS and charity sector partners to ensure that Healthcare Volunteering is at the heart of the NHS 10-year plan. George is highly experienced in driving sustainable growth, building healthy organisational cultures and introducing innovative working practices and solutions.
George was made a Knight of St John in 2022 and made a Freeman of the City of London in 2023 through the Worshipful Company of Educators. He holds a doctorate focused on post-pandemic financial and sustainability recovery models for social enterprises and is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts. He is Chair of ‘Choir with No Name’ - a charity focussed on communities with lived experience of homelessness, and creating and enabling community through choirs across England and Wales. He is also a Local Preacher within the Methodist Church of Southern Africa and when time permits, he sings in St Albans Cathedral Parish Choir.
George joins the Diocese of Ely at an important time, as we continue to respond to the opportunities and challenges of a changing national Church and a growing Diocesan population. As Diocesan Secretary, George will lead the strategic and operational work of the EDBF, ensuring that our central services support the ministry and mission of our parishes and schools and the many Diocesan activities across the region. George will lead the development of the Diocesan staff team, ensuring our operational delivery is collaborative, efficient and consistent with best practice.
As the key lay leader within the Diocese of Ely, George will be accountable for the governance, finance, and strategic operations of EDBF so that it remains sustainable and responsive to future needs. He will oversee the budgeting, ministry share, and income generation and will help shape the Diocese’s long-term financial planning. The role will also connect the smooth co-operation of the many independent legal entities that make-up Ely Diocese. A key priority will be to model a diocesan culture rooted in service, transparency, trust and support, while working closely with colleagues and senior leaders to align our various structures with the Diocese’s priorities. George will also represent the Diocese in national and regional networks, helping us engage well with the wider Church institutions. Central to the role is the need to build strong relationships with our clergy, parishes, schools and external partners, including local authorities, as we continue to grow our presence in our diverse communities.
The Rt Revd Dr Dagmar Winter, Bishop of Huntingdon and Acting Bishop of Ely says: “We look forward to welcoming George to the Diocese of Ely as our new Diocesan Secretary. He brings a wealth of leadership experience at a time when the Church faces both challenge and opportunity. His strategic competence, operational expertise and commitment to collaborative working, all grounded in his lively faith in Jesus Christ, will be invaluable as we continue to support our parishes, grow our mission, and serve our communities with faith and purpose.”
George adds: “I am honoured to be appointed as Diocesan Secretary and excited to join a Diocese with such a strong sense of purpose and community. I look forward to helping shape a culture of trust and service, ensuring our governance and resources are aligned with our mission priorities, supporting growth across all parts of the Diocese. It will be a privilege to work alongside colleagues as we serve our communities, develop new opportunities for ministry and build a sustainable future rooted in faith.”
We look forward to welcoming George to the Diocese later this year. In his first few months, he will spend time getting to know the EDBF teams, Bishop’s Senior Staff and clergy and lay leaders from across the Diocese - listening, learning and starting to build strong working relationships. Further opportunities to meet and engage with him will be shared in due course.
In the meantime, awaiting George’s arrival, we continue to work together and we are deeply grateful to Jon Green for holding the fort as Acting Diocesan Secretary.
Please join us in praying for George as he prepares to take up this important role of leadership and service.
With every blessing.
+Dagmar