Jan began her professional life as a teacher and teacher trainer, before going into management, training as a leadership development coach with Newcastle business school and later as a coach supervisor. Although not currently practicing, Jan also holds and counselling qualification. Training as a counsellor and coach has developed her listening and questioning skills, as well as attention to how things are said or not expressed and to explore issues. She hopes that her devotion to God’s word and prayer has also developed gifts of discernment.

Jan’s work involves regular consultation with senior leadership teams often facing significant challenges within various sectors but mainly higher education and the health service.

In church life, Jan has served alongside her husband Rod in parish ministry for 35 years. Their shared ministry focused on hospitality, developing discipleship through small groups and marriage preparation. Jan has also been involved in several specific aspects of church life, including: leading youth and children’s ministry. This has been the case in largish, city and suburban settings as well as in small, rural, multi-parish benefices.

Several opportunities to visit and work with the church overseas, especially in Palestine, South Africa and Lesotho, has enriched, challenged and informed my discipleship and deepened Jan’s experience and appreciation of the work of the Holy Spirit.