Derek Hurton Takes On New Net Zero Church Role in Cumbria After 20 Years
Derek Hurton is preparing to leave his long-standing leadership position at the Diocese of Carlisle to help churches and schools across Cumbria reduce their carbon emissions and improve energy efficiency.
Hurton will step down as diocesan secretary in December after more than 20 years in the role. He has been appointed Net Zero Carbon Officer, a position that will focus on helping Church of England communities across the county develop and deliver practical environmental projects. His appointment will allow him to continue working with local churches while concentrating on sustainability and the transition towards net zero carbon emissions.
He joined the Diocese of Carlisle in 2004 after holding a senior civil service position with Jobcentre Plus. Based at Church House in Penrith, he has overseen the organisation’s daily administration, financial management, budgets and central staff. His responsibilities have also included supporting bishops and local parishes, maintaining governance standards and ensuring the diocese’s administrative operations run effectively. His departure marks a significant change for an organisation he has helped lead for more than two decades.
During his time in the post, Hurton supported the diocese through the Covid pandemic and helped secure multi-million-pound Church of England grants for church revitalisation and the development of new worshipping communities. He also contributed to the establishment of the Network Youth Church across the diocese’s deaneries. In 2025, the initiative had more than 1,900 young people involved through its core and wider membership, with 61 young people taking on leadership roles. The programme has formed part of the diocese’s wider work with younger generations.
Environmental improvements have also featured prominently in his work. Hurton helped develop two hydro-electric schemes and oversaw an eight-year programme, with £250,000 allocated annually, to improve the energy efficiency of clergy homes and reduce their carbon emissions. Properties in Natland, Grasmere, Wigton, Plumpton, Maryport and Clifton have benefited from the programme, which has also aimed to lower energy bills for the clergy living in those homes. His new appointment will build on this experience by supporting further decarbonisation and building improvement projects.
In his new role, Hurton will work with clergy, parochial church councils, school leaders, governors, volunteers and professional advisers to identify and deliver practical measures to help meet net zero carbon targets. He said he was looking forward to the new challenge and highlighted his longstanding commitment to protecting the environment. The Bishop of Carlisle, the Rt Rev Rob Saner-Haigh, thanked him for his dedicated service, adding that local churches would continue to benefit from his experience. Mark Hurley, chair of the Diocesan Board of Finance, also praised his leadership in financial planning and governance.
The diocese will begin the process of recruiting a successor to Hurton as diocesan secretary. In the meantime, Ric Jaques, the deputy diocesan secretary and head of finance, will serve as interim diocesan secretary while arrangements for the permanent appointment progress.
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