PRISON SERVICE APPOINTS NEW CHAPLAIN GENERAL

27 Apr 2001 12:00 AM

The Reverend Canon William Noblett has been appointed as Prison Service Chaplain General. He will succeed the Venerable David Fleming, who retires in June.

The Rev Canon Noblett is currently Chaplain of HMP Full Sutton, having previously served in similar positions at HMP Norwich and HMP Wakefield. He was ordained deacon in 1978 and a priest in 1979. In February 2001, Rev Canon Noblett was appointed a Canon and Prebend of York Minster.

He has a Bachelor of Theology degree from Southampton University and Master of Theology (Applied) from Oxford University. The Rev Canon Noblett is the author of Prayers for People in Prison, which is widely used in as a source of theological reflection on prison life.

The Chaplain General is the most senior religious post in the Prison Service, and is responsible for providing leadership for the Chaplaincy on an ecumenical and multi-faith basis.

Director General of the Prison Service, Martin Narey said:

''I am delighted that the Rev Canon Noblett will be the next Chaplain General. He has been an outstanding Chaplain to Full Sutton, has played a significant role in cementing Christian ecumenism and has been a leading light in bringing the non-Christian faiths into Prison Chaplaincy. I want him to lead the Prison Service Chaplaincy in a direction in which it can meet more effectively the needs of all faiths. I have every confidence he will respond to that challenge.

''I should also like to pay a warm tribute to David Fleming for the distinguished service he has provided as Chaplain General over the last eight years and for the very warm and personal support he has extended to me as Director General.''

The Rev Canon William Noblett said:

''I am very pleased to be offered this post, particularly at this exciting time in the development of a multi-faith Chaplaincy. The solid foundation of ecumenism laid down by the main Christian traditions in recent years provides a base for the growth of chaplaincy serving all faith traditions. We can enhance the service offered to prisoners, staff and faith communities in a way that respects the tradition of each, but celebrates diversity.''

Notes for Editors

1. The Rev Canon Noblett will take up the post on 2 July 2001. He has been appointed for three years in the first instance.

2. The post was advertised publicly and within the Prison Service. The Rev Canon Noblett was appointed unanimously by a selection panel which comprised: Gareth Hadley, Director of Personnel, Prison Service; Ken Sutton, Director of Resettlement, Prison Service; Rt Rev Robert Hardy, Lord Bishop of Lincoln and Bishop for Prisons; Rt Rev Terence Brain, Roman Catholic Bishop of Salford; and Rev Garth Rogers, Free Church.