The Bishop of Newcastle is pleased to announce the appointment of the Reverend Allison Harding to the role of Director of Ordinands and Vocations in the Diocese of Newcastle.
This is a three-year role in which Allison will share responsibility for the oversight of the vocations process with the Reverend Stephen Tranter, reflecting the diocese's ongoing commitment to enabling more and different kinds of vocational discernment from a greater variety of contexts.
Stephen's work with candidates in discernment will continue, with a particular focus on the Elizabeth Pathway.
Those involved in Allison's recruitment over the summer of 2026 saw an opportunity to make more use of her considerable national experience as a Bishop's Advisor and explore how the diocese might amplify vocations from people and contexts still under-represented in the region.
The Bishop of Berwick, the Right Reverend Mark Wroe, who is also the Sponsoring Bishop, said: “I am delighted that Allison Harding is joining our vocations team to job share the Director of Ordinands and Vocation role with Stephen Tranter. Allison brings energy, experience and passion for vocation and mission as we continue to develop and strengthen our growing work in vocations in the diocese.”
Allison said: “I am looking forward to encouraging a wide range of people to explore the role they feel called to by God, whether lay or ordained, but particularly those from under-represented groups who may need some encouragement to believe that God has a ministry for them.
“I grew up in an environment where young people, particularly girls, did not have great hopes for themselves, and it was only when I came to faith that I began to feel valued. My work before ordination focused on people from similarly marginalised backgrounds - as a homelessness officer, an education welfare officer and a probation officer. Encouraging everyone to believe that they have a role was a key part of my ministry as curate in Benwell and vicar in Newburn. I am thrilled to now have the opportunity to encourage others to find the way that they can use their gifts to build God's kingdom.”
The Bishop of Newcastle, the Right Reverend Dr Helen-Ann Hartley said: “I am absolutely delighted Allison has been appointed to this role and know that she will bring considerable experience and wisdom to it. I am grateful for all that our now growing vocations team are doing to nurture lay and ordained vocations that reflect our vision for more and different people to experience life in all its fulness. Thanks be to God for calling each of us to participate in this transforming work.”
Allison will begin the role four days a week from Monday November 2nd. She can be reached via ddo@newcastle.anglican.org