TOM Learning Process
May 2025
In 2025, our Senior Episcopal Visitor to the TOM Community, the Rt Revd Bishop Ric Thorpe, initiated a learning process with the full support of the TOM Leadership Team. This process is being led on behalf of the Church of England by Amanda McPhee, Regional Safeguarding Lead, and Sarah Price, Diocesan Safeguarding Officer, as part of a review of leadership and culture within the TOM Community.
The review is being undertaken with a desire to learn from past experience and to take a proactive approach to ensuring that TOM continues to develop as a safe, caring community where all are valued and supported by healthy and accountable leadership
Update - September 2026
Amanda and Sarah have expressed their gratitude to everyone who has contributed to the process and have advised that the listening phase has now concluded. The next stage will be to bring the findings together and undertake further consultation with the National Safeguarding Team before any recommendations are identified.
The TOM Leadership Team would also like to extend its sincere thanks to all those who have taken part, for their courage and commitment to help inform the process.
If you have any further questions about this Learning Process, please direct them to the TOM Secretary Gareth Irvine secretary@missionorder.org in the first instance.
If you have a safeguarding question or concern, you can contact us here.
Transition of Senior Visitor Role
(updated July 2025)
As recently announced in mainstream news, the Senior Visitor to The Order of Mission, the Rt Rev Ric Thorpe has been appointed as Bishop of Melbourne. As such, a process of transition of the role and duties of the Senior Visitor to The Order of Mission is underway. Bishop Ric is working with our Senior Guardian and Leadership to ensure a considered and timely transition over the coming months, including the transfer of oversight of the current Learning Process.
Process & Timeline for the Appointment
June-July ‘25 : Existing Visitor to canvass existing Bishops who may fit the person and role specification, and discuss with Senior Guardian possible candidates to meet.
July-August ‘25 : Likely candidate(s) meet with Senior Guardian to explore the role.
August-September ‘25 : Senior Guardian confirms Senior Visitor appointment by letter, after consulting with the Global Leadership Team.
September ‘25 : Announcement of appointment at the Annual Chapter meeting followed up by email to TOM members.
September-October ‘25 : Handover of responsibilities from departing Senior Visitor to incoming Senior Visitor.