Karen Higgins Appointed as New Diocesan Secretary and CEO of The Diocesan Board of Finance
Karen Higgins will take on the role of Diocesan Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the Diocesan Board of Finance. Karen brings over twenty years of senior leadership experience from across the NHS, having worked at board and operational level to lead transformation in large, complex organisations.
In September we announced that Helen Platts, our Chief Operating Officer and Diocesan Secretary, will retire at the end of March. We remain deeply grateful for her exceptional leadership and service over the past seven years. We are now pleased to confirm the appointment of Helen’s successor.
Karen Higgins will take on the role of Diocesan Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the Diocesan Board of Finance. Karen brings over twenty years of senior leadership experience from across the NHS, having worked at board and operational level to lead transformation in large, complex organisations. Alongside her public sector leadership, Karen has extensive experience as both a trustee and chair within the voluntary and charitable sector, including Christian organisations supporting people experiencing homelessness and vulnerability.
Sharing her hopes for this new chapter, Karen said:
“This role brings together so much of what has shaped my life and leadership – public service, voluntary action, faith, and community. My earliest memories are of growing up with the church quite literally at the bottom of our garden. It was the first thing I saw every morning and the last thing I saw at night, and it gave me a strong sense of stability, belonging, and purpose from childhood onwards. That lifelong connection to the Church, reaffirmed through many years at St Chad’s in Shrewsbury, continues to shape who I am and the values I bring to my work.
“I have seen first-hand the power of partnership and local mission to transform lives, whether through the NHS, charities supporting those most vulnerable, or Christian organisations dedicated to serving their communities. It is that same commitment that draws me to the Diocese of Manchester.
“I have many connections to the North West. I began my working life in Blackpool (as a Bluecoat!) and have spent the past 18 months working with GPs across Greater Manchester, including in Bolton and Tameside. With family living in Manchester, and a long-standing affection for the city and its communities, Manchester is a place that feels both familiar and energising, diverse and resilient.
“I am excited and humbled to join a diocese with such a strong sense of purpose, history, and hope for the future. I look forward to spending time across our parishes, chaplaincies and schools, getting to know clergy, staff, congregations, and communities, and supporting our shared work of nurturing faith, stewarding resources wisely, and enabling the Church’s mission to flourish.”
Welcoming the appointment, Bishop David added:
“I am delighted to welcome Karen Higgins to our diocese. She brings a rich breadth of leadership experience, shaped by deep compassion, strong faith, and a long commitment to public and community service. Her understanding of partnership, place, and mission will be invaluable as we continue to grow and serve our diverse communities. I look forward to working closely with Karen as she settles into her new role.“
Canon John Walsh OBE, Chair of the Diocesan Board of Finance, said:
“Karen joins us at an important moment for the diocese, and I am very pleased to welcome her into this key leadership role. Karen has demonstrated a strong record of strategic thinking, sound judgement, and organisational insight, all underpinned by a clear commitment to service and collaboration. I look forward to working with her as she builds on the strong foundations already in place and helps steer our mission and resources towards a future marked by hope, sustainability, and growth.”
Karen will start her new role on Wednesday, 1st April 2026.