In a recent announcement, the Church of England has introduced Dilys Alam as the new National Public Policy Advisor, placing a particular emphasis on issues related to justice and social policy.
Dilys Alam is set to join the Archbishop’s Council’s Public Policy Team, stationed at the historic Lambeth Palace, where she will assume a pivotal role in supporting and advising the Church of England on various aspects of public policy and ethical considerations.
Prior to her appointment in this distinguished role, Dilys Alam served as the Director of Work and Health at the Department for Work and Pensions, where she played a significant role in shaping and implementing policies geared towards improving employment prospects for individuals facing long-term health conditions. Her expertise in policy design and analysis is expected to be a valuable asset as she transitions to her new role within the Church.
Additionally, her extensive career spans across senior positions within various governmental departments, including the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, the Cabinet Office, and the Department for Energy and Climate Change. Throughout her career, Dilys Alam has tackled a wide array of pressing issues, ranging from youth justice and social mobility to family support, demonstrating her commitment to addressing complex societal challenges.
The Revd Canon Dr. Malcolm Brown, Director of Faith and Public Life for the Church of England, expressed his delight at welcoming Dilys Alam to the department. Dr. Brown highlighted the multifaceted role of the team, emphasizing that it not only provides expert advice and policy analysis to the Church’s bishops and other stakeholders but also actively seeks opportunities to make a positive impact on the lives of people in parishes and communities across the country. He believes that Dilys’s extensive experience in the civil service will be an invaluable asset in fulfilling these responsibilities. Dr. Brown expressed his confidence in Dilys’s ability to contribute effectively to the collaborative and multidisciplinary approach embraced by the team.
In response to her appointment, Dilys Alam shared her excitement about joining the Faith and Public Life department within the Church of England. She emphasized the need for a more constructive and illuminating discourse in the arena of social policy debates, asserting that the Church plays a pivotal role in achieving this goal.
Dilys expressed her eagerness to learn from her new colleagues and gain a deeper understanding of the vital work conducted by parishes in supporting communities in need. Her commitment to fostering constructive dialogue and leveraging her experience for the betterment of society aligns seamlessly with the Church’s mission.
Dilys Alam is slated to commence her role as National Public Policy Advisor at the beginning of October. Her appointment brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the Church of England, strengthening its capacity to address pressing social and ethical issues.
As she takes on this significant role, the Church looks forward to her contributions and the positive impact she will undoubtedly have on the lives of people throughout the country.
