New chief executive for Relate Derby & Southern Derbyshire

Added by Love Business East Midlands | 7 April 2021

UPDATED: 7 April 2021

Rachel Morris, who has been a key figure in the development of Derby Cathedral, is the new Chief Executive of Relate Derby and Southern Derbyshire.

Rachel managed two major building projects at the cathedral and was one of the key figures in bringing attractions such as the Knife Angel and The Moon.

She was also Diocesan Secretary for the Church of England across Derbyshire covering 335 churches and a member of the Derby Diocesan Academy Trust which oversees 27 primary schools as well as the new Derby Cathedral Senior School.

She said: “It was a big change to leave my posts at the cathedral and the diocese but I am very excited about the new opportunity with Relate.

“For many years I have been inspired by working with organisations who help people and I have already been incredibly impressed by the dedication and breadth of knowledge of our counsellors.

“We also have a much wider range of services than most people realise.

“These include relationship and family counselling, children’s and young people’s services, sex therapy, education and learning courses and we help businesses with coaching around work and life and employee assistance programmes.

“I am also keen to help the organisation grow at a time when our services will be needed most.”

Rachel grew up in Derby and left the city to study occupational therapy and worked nationwide in the licensed trade.

She joined the charity sector 20 years ago when she set up a hostel for homeless people in Derby and later became a senior manager at YMCA Derbyshire before moving to Derby Cathedral in 2015.

Until January 2021 she was also the Chair of Trustees at DHA (Direct Help & Advice), Derby Law Centre – a charity which provides telephone advice and legal support to anyone in a housing crisis.

Dianne Prescott, chair of the Relate Derby and Southern Derbyshire’s board of trustees, said: “We are delighted that Rachel has agreed to join us. She is an experienced CEO with a proven track record of delivery.

“She brings with her some fantastic experience and knowledge which I am sure will be invaluable as we look to move forward from lockdown and continue to develop Relate's services.”

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