Jo Pollard

Making church more accessible

On the other side of its Tudor brick gatehouse, Lambeth Palace presents a complex of picturesque medieval and neo-Gothic buildings and a parkland-style garden - practically all of which has been made accessible to the less able under the guidance of Support Services Coordinator Jo Pollard.

'I do what it says on the tin,' Jo says, pausing on an impromptu tour to be photographed in Lambeth's State Drawing Room. 'My job is to ensure that staff here can work safely and healthily in all situations, both in ordinary work and at times of crisis; I also work on disability facilities throughout the whole Church Institutions.'

Prior to her 14 years at Lambeth - the residence and London 'seat' of the Archbishop of Canterbury - Jo was PA to the Race Director of the Royal Ocean Racing Club in London, her aptitude for business continuity prompting an invitation for an advertised post at the Palace.

'Bearing in mind what was coming my way - my diagnosis with Secondary Progressive MS for instance - I really couldn't have been anywhere better,' she insists, asserting that MS by no means signals the end of a promising career. 'If anything having a disability has enriched my working life; I have an insight into a type of life that I just wouldn't have had before.'

By accessing the Access to Work scheme, Jo has taxis to work paid for and has an electric wheelchair for her exclusive use. Due to her exhaustive efforts Lambeth Palace has ramps and lifts galore, so she is easily able to attend meetings, non-obligatory services and socials, including communal afternoon tea with the Archbishop and his family.

'People not only work here, some live here,' she enthuses, 'so we have children, wonderful cats, dogs and in the past even snakes.'

When pressed to reveal her favourite spot, Jo instantly names the 13th Century Crypt Chapel - a well of peace of tranquility.

'It's where we have most of our services, and I have to say it's completely disabled accessible,' she explains, 'but it's more than that as it's a place to go when you just want to unwind and sit and think quietly.'

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