Many of you had the pleasure of meeting Sisi Fountain, the Diocesan Property Manager, at our training days recently so we thought it would be good to share a little bit more about her and what she does. 

Tell us a bit about your role
I have a background in building design and architecture, and I’m primarily concerned with how we can be good stewards of our properties and resources. When I look at a property or a building, I think of space within the walls. I look at how it is serving the kingdom and how it is outworking Jesus’ mission in community. 

How did you end up working at the Anglican Centre?
I was attracted to the culture of the Anglican Centre and the vision the Bishops have for the diocese. I love how mission drives the work and not the other way around. The role comes with a lot of responsibility and seemed like an impossible task – and I love impossible tasks so couldn’t pass up the opportunity. 

What are you currently working on?
I am currently working with engineers to revisit our earthquake prone buildings to get a handle on how we progress with them. Some have deadlines for strengthening or replacing and some of our buildings present a huge challenge to bring them up to code. 

I also look after the property insurance for the diocese. Our insurance may seem expensive, but we are able to negotiate much better rates as a diocese that any individual parish could. 

When should parishes call you?
Parishes should get in touch when: 

• their building has been damaged by things like leaks, fire, earthquakes etc. 

• they are looking at doing any renovations. 

• they need guidance about council, or construction processes or help with governance processes. 

• they are thinking of buying or selling a property. 

Is there anything else we should know?
All projects that exceed $20,000 must go through an AGM or SGM and approved by the Diocesan Council and Board of Trustees. Projects under $20,000 don’t require governance approval. 

I work closely with Andrew Black, the Diocesan Safety Officer, when there are any health and safety implications in a building project, for example a renovation will require a site safety plan, or when a health and safety incident requires building work to reduce the risk of it occurring again. 

I’ve also been working on a checklist for property and building guidelines which will be available soon.

Get in touch with Sisi: sisi@anglicanmovement.nz

Sisi lives in Porirua, is married to Ben and they have two kids, Nina aged 10 and Grace aged 11.