Published on: 09/09/2026
We are pleased to announce that, subject to the usual checks, the Revd James Norris has been appointed as Chaplain to Bishop Pete.
James will join at the end of October and will work with a new Personal Assistant to Bishop Pete. This is a time of significant change at Bishopscroft. Former Bishop’s Chaplain, the Revd Canon Harry Steele, has been appointed as the new Director of Mission and Discipleship in Coventry Diocese, whilst Mrs Wendy Whitfield is retiring as Bishop’s PA. During this time of transition Wendy will be working as Executive Assistant until the end of the year, inducting her successor into the role of Bishop’s PA. Meanwhile, the Revd Nicholas Cooper is providing support as interim Chaplain.
After completing a degree in mathematics at The University of Sheffield, James worked at St Thomas, Crookes for five years, where he felt the call to ordained ministry. After training at Trinity College Bristol, he returned to Sheffield for his curacy at St Chad, Woodseats. For the last five years James has lived in Leicester, first ministering as Associate Vicar at Holy Trinity Church in the city centre for four years, and then in the suburban and rural spanning benefice of Oadby and Great Glen.
James is married to Charlotte, who is a mathematics teacher and content creator, and they have three young children. He enjoys playing tennis, board games and going on adventures with his family.
Bishop Pete says:
‘I am delighted that James has accepted my invitation to take up the role as Chaplain and am confident this is not just a good appointment but the call of God. It is especially good news that he is someone who knows and loves the Diocese of Sheffield. Please do pray for him, for Charlotte and the children as they prepare to move’.
James says:
‘I am excited about moving back to Sheffield Diocese and working to support its vision and strategy, and growing into a role which is both varied and challenging, but ultimately one that comes down to supporting God’s people to make Christ known.’
