Kirkby-in-Ashfield’s acting vicar, the Revd Kevin Charles, is being investigated for “misconduct”. The details of the allegation have not been made public, but a spokesperson for the Right Revd Paul Williams, the area’s bishop, told Ashfield Neighbour News that Charles, who also works as Chaplain to the East Midlands Ambulance Service (EMAS) “has been suspended from all ministerial roles and associated duties until further notice”.
The suspension is “pending the determination of an allegation of misconduct made under the Clergy Discipline Measure which is being considered in accordance with the appropriate statutory procedures”, Gary Pitt, the interim director of communications for the Diocese of Southwell and Nottingham said.
“The act of suspension is a neutral act and does not mean that any view has been formed about whether the allegation is true”, he added.
The priest, who lives in Sutton in Ashfield, was ordained Deacon in 2011 and priest in 2012 after studying at the East Midlands Ministry Training Course. From 2011 to 2015 he was a unpaid priest serving the parish of Annesley with Newstead at the church of Our Lady and All Saints.
In 2014 he became full time chaplain to the East Midlands Ambulance Service. He combined this role with volunteer duties at Saint Thomas’ and Saint Wilfred’s churches in Kirkby in Ashfield.
“We are aware of an ongoing investigation being carried out by the church, which involves a non-patient facing EMAS employee in a staff support role”, Tina Richardson, the deputy director of HR for East Midlands Ambulance Service, said. “This therefore remains a personal and private matter.
“As with any matter involving our staff, we would like to provide assurance that we have robust policies in place to ensure the protection and wellbeing of all those who work for EMAS.”
As a voluntary priest in Kirkby, Charles supported the full time vicar, the Revd Neil Popham. Popham was appointed vicar at Saint Thomas’ Church in 2009. At that time, Saint Wilfrid’s Church was served by the Revd Gwendoline Patchell.
When Patchell retired in 2014, Popham was given responsibility for Saint Wilfrid’s in addition to Saint Thomas’ Church. In 2019 Popham left to become a vicar in Stantonbury and Willen in Milton Keynes.
The two Church of England parishes in Kirkby have not had a full time priest since 2019. Charles has been acting as vicar alongside his full time duties as chaplain to EMAS.
“With regards to filling the current vacancy for the incumbent of the Benefices of St Wilfrid and St Thomas, Kirkby-in-Ashfield, the process for appointing a new leader is under discussion with the parish and the diocese”, Pitt said. The Revd Kevin Charles has been approached for comment.
