The Railway Mission has appointed Frances Roscoe as its new Chaplain for the Northeast of England.

Frances joins the Railway Mission with a rich and varied background spanning education, pastoral care and community support. A dedicated mother of two, she relocated to the Northeast in 2023 and brings with her a deep commitment to encouraging others and helping them recognise their own potential.

Frances began her professional career as a Primary Teacher and went on to work in a wide range of educational and support roles, including Tutor, EFL Teacher, Parent Support Advisor, Teaching Assistant and A Level Psychology Teacher. Throughout these roles, supporting and uplifting others has remained central to her vocation.

Her calling to chaplaincy emerged in 2018 when she became a University Chaplain in Falmouth, Cornwall. Working as part of a Multifaith Chaplaincy team, Frances supported students and staff through a wide range of personal and professional challenges, offering a welcoming presence, confidential listening and gentle guidance. She is experienced in walking alongside people facing relationship breakdowns, bereavement, mental health concerns and work-related pressures, and is known for creating safe, inclusive spaces for people of all backgrounds.

Following her move to the Northeast, Frances worked as a Learning Support Assistant, supporting vulnerable pupils and encouraging teachers in their demanding roles. She now feels called once again to serve the wider community through chaplaincy and is looking forward to offering friendship, compassion and encouragement to railway staff and passengers across the region.

Frances takes over the Northeast chaplaincy role from Andrew Mitchell, who is moving into an exciting new position leading the Railway Mission’s new training programme, Paideia Coaching.

Liam Johnston, Executive Director of the Railway Mission, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Frances to the Railway Mission team. Her warmth, sensitivity and depth of experience in both education and chaplaincy make her an excellent fit for the Northeast. Frances has a real heart for people, and I am confident she will make a meaningful difference to those she meets on the railways.

“We are also deeply grateful to Andrew Mitchell for his faithful service in the region and excited to see him take forward our new Paideia Coaching training programme, which will equip and support chaplains and leaders into the future.”