Friday 30 August 2024: The Priory Council of the Priory of England and the Islands is announcing today that it is beginning the search for a new Prior and Chair of St John Ambulance to take effect during Q1 2025.

The Prior is the most senior volunteer of the Priory of England and the Islands, one of the eleven International Priories of The Order of St John - an Order of Chivalry of the British Crown. The Prior chairs the Priory Chapter, the Priory Council and the Board of Trustees of St John Ambulance. The Prior represents the Priory within the Order of St John, with a seat on the Grand Council, and acts as an ambassador for both the Priory and St John Ambulance.

Stuart Shilson was appointed Prior in February 2022 with a three-year mandate to rebalance the organisation following the pandemic. This involved substantial Board member engagement and activity which Stuart has led with commitment, determination and skill.

Stuart said: “It has been a huge privilege to serve St John over the last 25 years, and for the last several years as Prior of the Priory of England and the Islands. I am particularly proud of the way in which St John has responded to more recent challenges, and of the way we have stayed relentlessly focused on serving the sick and the poor. With a capable new CEO, Shona Dunn, joining in September, now is the time to begin the search for my successor, to ensure an orderly transition and to leave the organisation with renewed leadership to take the charity forward.”