The Retreat Association and the Society of Retreat Conductors have announced the appointment of a Growth and Development Officer to support and develop creative and contemporary ways of encouraging and promoting retreat.

Penny Searley took up her new role on 1 April.

The Retreat Association and The Society of Retreat Conductors have both been promoting and supporting the value of retreat for over 80 years.

They share a passionate belief in making retreats available to everyone and have worked together to create this new role.

Alison MacTier, Director of the Retreat Association, comments, "This is an exciting new development for both organisations and a real step forward for all those wanting to explore and promote Christian spirituality in contemporary and challenging ways. It is our response to the growing search for spirituality that we see all around us.

Howard Such, Superior of the Society of Retreat Conductors added: "We are delighted to welcome Penny to the role and very much look forward to the new ideas and creative energy that she will undoubtedly bring."

Ms Searley's experience includes working as a producer and researcher for the BBC and managing her own training business in teaching English.

She said: "Time spent in retreat and on pilgrimage has formed an important part of my own spiritual growth.

"More than ever these days, people both inside and outside the church need time, space and peace to find wholeness in their lives and to discover and deepen a personal relationship with God.

"I look forward to introducing a wider public to the prayerful hospitality, range of interests and beautiful surroundings that our retreat houses offer to anyone who steps inside.”

Ms Searley will be working with those from inside and outside the Church, together with other organisations and individuals with an interest in retreats and spirituality.

Her first task will be to carry out research among retreat house wardens to find out some of their current needs and how these might be supported in the future.