The Church of England has confirmed that the chief executive of its pensions board Bernadette Kenny died earlier this week.

Kenny, who joined the pensions board as chief executive in 2011, saw through significant changes to the pensions board and the National Church Institutions (NCIs).

The Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu, said: “Bernadette was a joyful Christian professional, winsome and always graciously magnanimous. I give thanks to God for working with her. She will be sorely missed.”

Church of England Pensions Board chair Jonathan Spencer added that they are “deeply saddened” as they have lost a “force for good” as well as a “brilliant colleague”.

“Bernadette was always committed to improving the service we offered to the Board’s customers – retired clergy and lay church members. She was never one to duck a challenge. The issuance of £100m housing bond, changes to the retirement housing scheme, and innovative funding arrangements to de-risk the pension schemes are just a few examples of the legacy she leaves behind.

“Bernadette believed that things could always be improved for the people she worked for and with. She played a lead role in the culture change programme at the NCIs and was a champion of greater diversity and inclusion in the workplace, most recently helping to launch a network for BAME colleagues. She also led a much more open and consultative relationship with the dioceses.

“On behalf of the Pensions Board and the National Church Institutions, we send our heartfelt condolences to her family and friends.”

Kenny collapsed unexpectedly at home earlier this week. She leaves behind her husband and their three children.

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