Saturday, August 13, 2011

Irish Chaplaincy in Britain to get new director

The Irish Chaplaincy in Britain (ICB) is to get a new director after it was announced this week that its current head Dr Philomena Cullen, is to move on after nearly four years leading the organisation.

According to a statement from the ICB, “Dr Cullen is leaving to take up an academic position as Director of Pastoral Studies at the Margaret Beaufort Institute at Cambridge, but leaves the chaplaincy in great shape at the end of an eventful and productive term heading up the Camden based charity, which works with some of the most vulnerable Irish emigrants in Britain.” 

“During her time of leadership, the charity has had turnover hit record levels, there has been a steady increase in the number of vulnerable emigrants accessing the services of the charity, as well as greater volunteer involvement, and new service initiatives, like the Travellers in Prison project, have been launched.”

Speaking about her own time at the chaplaincy Dr Cullen said, “My time at the ICB has been a real privilege, and I've enjoyed every minute of working with, and for, my own community.  

The ICB is a real gem of an organisation, staffed by people and volunteers, who care about going the extra mile to make a positive difference in people's lives.” 

“We are now offering more support to more Irish people, which is what it's all about.  It's been a difficult decision to move on, but I know that the ICB is strong and ready for the next chapter of its development and I've no doubt that I'll watch it flourish and grow in the years to come.”

The appointment of a new director is expected to be made in mid-September.