Supporting parishes, the clergy and those we work with to communicate clearly
We help parishes, clergy and diocesan teams to use communication tools to describe the God that we know and the church life that we're part of. In this area, you'll find resources to equip you to become a better communicator, as well as a variety of tools to use in your own communications.
We're always interested to hear stories of what God is doing from across the diocese, so please do get in touch if you have anything to share.
What do we do?
Our roles are varied, but here are just some of the things we're working on at the moment. Why not take a look?
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Pathways
The magazine for the people of the diocese. -
eNews
A weekly mailing with useful information for churches and congregations. -
Stories from across the diocese
The latest news and features from the Diocese of Oxford. -
Data and insight
Building a picture of the diocese and helping churches use their data wisely. -
The Oxford Diocesan Learning Hub
A growing library of free online courses for all points on the faith journey.
- Proactively work with the press and broadcast media to tell good news stories about the life of the Church in the diocese;
- Respond to enquiries from the media for information and comment;
- Offer parishes and Church schools confidential and professional support in times of crisis and media interest;
- Share stories, good practice and thoughtful commentary from parishes through digital and printed publications;
- Facilitate the flow of information in both directions between parishes and bishops, archdeacons and diocesan officers;
- Manage the diocesan website, sub-sites and blogs;
- Develop and promote materials to support our common vision;
- Manage our digital and social media, and provide advice to parishes on getting the best from their social media;
- Create and support imaginative campaigns to help promote the Gospel;
- Provide training on parish communications.
Meet the team
Jane Appleton
Director of Communications
Jane comes to the diocese with over 40 years of experience of communications, engagement and marketing gained in the private, public and charitable sectors, most recently in NHS communications. She is committed to communications which reach people of Christian faith, other faiths and no faith at all.
Email | 07350 359318
Beka Sharrock
Senior Communications Officer - Media
Beka oversees our marcomms and PR approach; curating content to demonstrate the diversity of the diocese. Beka is on leave and will return in 2027.
Email | 07880 716 761
Amy Bedrock
Interim Senior Communications Officer – Media and Content
Email | 07880 716 761 | 01865 208 227
Bev Botting
Data Analyst
Bev helps parishes and diocesan teams discern what’s happening across the diocese so they can plan how best to respond.
Rowan Lake
Communications Assistant
Rowan supports the work of the Communications team, from event photography and managing our social media channels to email campaigns and administrative support.
Emma Thompson
Senior Communications Officer - Digital
Emma works across our digital platforms, including the diocesan website, social media and Learning Hub, supporting the diocese and parishes in communicating effectively online.
Richard Tilley
Communications Officer - Publications and Design
Richard joined the team in October 2025, bringing with him a wealth of publishing and editing experience. Richard produces diocesan resources like Pathways and the weekly eNews bulletin.
Media enquiries
07880 716 761
In this section...
Dealing with the press
Advice and support for parishes and school.
Social media
Guiding principles for representing the Church online.
Filming in churches
Advice on livestreaming or recording services and special events.