Jenny Camm, stepping down as a partner to become a priest, with senior partner John Heeney.Jenny Camm will continue to work as a consultant at the firm while studying at The Lincoln School of Theology.
She will leave accountancy next summer and, subject to the Bishop of Lincoln's approval, be ordained as a deacon and then a priest in the Church of England.
Sinéad Catchpole (née Hill) who, like Jenny, was born in Scunthorpe has been appointed an associate partner.
She has worked as part of Jenny's team at RNS for the past 10 years, ensuring a smooth handover of clients.
Jenny, who joined RNS in 2001 after graduating from university and became a partner in 2010, was looking forward to the next stage in her life with “trepidation and excitement”.
“It has been a huge privilege to work with all my colleagues and clients over this time – half of my life - and I have thoroughly enjoyed it,” she said.
“I will miss helping clients, the banter in the office and the team spirit.”
Jenny's been actively involved in her local church, St Hugh's in Old Brumby, over the past six years.
“Over this time my faith has developed and I have gradually felt a deepening call to serve God.
“It has taken a while to discern what this call was and, with the help of others, I decided to pursue the calling to priesthood in the Church of England.
“Once I was accepted for training it was a difficult decision to inform my fellow partners that I wished to step down as a partner.
“I will continue to work as a consultant for RNS until the summer of 2021 and during this time I will be handing over my clients to the other partners.
“I have been studying Theology, Mission and Ministry on a part time basis at The Lincoln School of Theology and I will continue to do this while next summer.”
Jenny will gain experience with placements at different churches. Once ordained, she will spend a year as a deacon before becoming a priest.
“I will start a curacy for three years in a parish within the Diocese of Lincoln.
“The aim of the curacy is to receive the necessary training and experience from an experienced priest so that, God willing, I can then apply for a position to be responsible for a church or group of churches. This is a long way off at present!
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone I have worked with over the last 20 years, retired partners, current partners, all of the RNS team and clients who have made this time very enjoyable.
“I wish everybody every success and happiness in the future.”
Senior partner John Heeney congratulated both women.
“We're all delighted for Jenny and know her new challenge means a great deal to her,” he said.
“I'd like to thank Jenny for her considerable efforts and input as a partner.
“I'm pleased she is staying on as a consultant to help the transition to Sinéad and, on behalf of partners and the team, wish her well for the future.”