Introducing the leadership team behind Spurgeons Connect

Spurgeons Connect is a growing national initiative designed to help churches develop volunteer‑led Church Family Hubs that support children and families in meaningful, sustainable ways. At the centre of this work is our Head of Spurgeons Connect, Vicky, who leads the vision, strategy and partnerships that make this movement possible.

This “Meet the Team” feature gives you an inside look at the role, the mission, and the passion driving Spurgeons Connect forward.

What is your role at Spurgeons?

I’m Head of Spurgeons Connect at Spurgeons and lead a new national initiative that works alongside churches to help them develop volunteer‑led Church Family Hubs. My role is about equipping churches to support children and families well, in partnership with local services and communities.

If you could describe your typical workday using only three words, what would they be and why?

Relational. Strategic. Varied.

Relational, because my work is all about people - building trusted relationships with churches, partners, volunteers, and colleagues. Strategic, because we’re focused on long‑term, sustainable impact. And varied, because no two days ever look the same: I might be visiting a church, training volunteers, developing a Church Theory of Change, or creating new resources, toolkits, and templates to support churches.

Outside of the office, what’s a hobby or passion project that people might be surprised to learn you’re involved in?

I’m deeply involved in community leadership, including being a trustee with Action Hampshire, supporting voluntary and community organisations across the county. I’m passionate about strengthening communities and helping local organisations thrive.

I also spent 14 years with Spurgeons developing the Prison Family Hub at HMP Winchester, and as a result I now hold the Families specialist seat (in a voluntary capacity) for the Clinks Reducing Reoffending Third‑Sector group.

What’s your favourite part about your role?

Seeing churches grow in confidence. It’s incredibly rewarding to walk alongside churches as they move from feeling unsure about how they can support families effectively, to running safe, welcoming spaces that genuinely make a difference in their communities - and to see the positive impact that has on families’ lives.

5. What’s something about your role/Spurgeons Connect that you think would surprise people?

People are often surprised by how strategic and collaborative Spurgeons Connect is. While it’s rooted in local churches and volunteers, a big part of my role is working alongside local authorities, Family Hubs, dioceses, and other partners to ensure churches are complementing, not duplicating, existing services. It’s about quality, safeguarding, and long‑term change, not just activity.