Frequently Asked Questions

Why are deaneries being reviewed?

Deaneries have served the Diocese of Chester well for many years, but patterns of ministry, community life and mission have changed. This review seeks to ensure deaneries are equipped to support churches effectively in the future, with a stronger focus on collaboration, leadership development and local mission.

What is the main aim of the proposals?

At its heart, revitalisation means giving our Deaneries:

·         Renewed Focus and Purpose

·         Renewed Design and Leadership

And it means building on, supporting and better resourcing the collaborative mission and ministry that is already happening across our Deaneries.

How does this connect with the diocesan vision?

The proposals support the Diocese of Chester's vision of Together in Christ, Sharing Hope, and are designed specifically to deliver our three strategic priorities: New Christian Communities (fresh ways to engage each community in witness and worship), New Collaborative Partnerships (working together at a deanery level to bless the 1.5 million), and New Leadership Development (identifying and releasing lay and ordained leaders we need for the future). Revitalised deaneries give us the local structures needed to focus resources where they'll have the most impact.

Is this about saving money?

No. While reducing the number of deaneries will streamline some administration, this is not a cost-cutting exercise. The primary aim is to give deaneries a clearer purpose and focus, and to build a coherent strategy that positions the diocese to make a stronger case to the national church for future funding and investment.

What are we being consulted on?

·         Why – Understanding Deanery Revitalisation

·         What – Leadership in Revitalised Areas

·         Where – Proposed New Areas and Proposed New Area Names

·         Who – Impact of Parish Allocation and Representation at Deanery Synod

·         When – Implementation and Transition

Have any decisions already been made?

Yes. We are committed to Deanery Revitalisation.  However, the exactly how and when that happens is still to be determined.  This consultation process is designed to enable us to get the best possible solution. Feedback from clergy, lay leaders, congregations and other stakeholders will help shape the final recommendations before any further decisions are made.

Will parishes lose their identity or independence?

No. Parishes will continue to be at the heart of the Church's mission and ministry. The proposals are intended to strengthen collaboration between parishes, not diminish their local identity, traditions or decision-making responsibilities.

Will deanery boundaries change?

Yes. The consultation includes consideration of whether some deanery boundaries and structures should be adapted to better reflect current patterns of ministry, geography, transport links and community relationships.

How many deaneries will there be, and what will they be called?

We are proposing to reduce the number of deaneries from 18 to 13. The proposed new area names are largely based on parts of Cheshire (West / Central / East etc), with additional names that incorporate the major “non-Cheshire” Local Authority names. This approach provides is the clearest and most recognisable option for local people.

Are the proposed area names final?

No. Codenames (animals/fruits) are used throughout the consultation materials to help guide conversation on the proposed boundaries and groupings, as well as on names — keeping the focus on whether an area's shape and grouping make sense, rather than on what it will eventually be called. The actual naming convention being proposed is set out above and comment on this is invited as part of the consultation.

How were the proposed new area boundaries decided?

Options were assessed against comparable parish, benefice and population sizes, a full spread of socio-economic situations, closeness to Local Authority boundaries, retention of existing Archdeaconry boundaries, and ensuring every existing deanery was touched or changed in some way. The final recommendation was chosen using pastoral judgement to reflect existing relationships and shared missional context.

How will I know which new area my parish is in?

The consultation pack includes a full list of all parishes in an Searchable Online Table which shows their current Deanery and Proposed New Area, and provides a summary for each Deanery/Area group showing which parishes stay, join or leave.  There is also an Online Mapping Tool where you can look up your own parish.

Will my Deanery Synod representative change?

No. Your existing representatives continue to represent you, they will simply meet as part of a new grouping under the Proposed New Areas.

Will there be support for deaneries during any transition?

Yes. Each transitioning Area will have access to a dedicated Deanery Transition Accompanier to support leadership design, team building and training, along with increased Archdeacon support. There is also £10,000 per year of DBF funding for each Area transitioning, plus the potential for access to additional project funding for collaborative missional projects.

When will any changes take effect?

Any decisions about future changes will be made after the consultation has concluded and the feedback has been carefully considered. If the feedback we receive can be addressed during the next phases of the project then we will proceed to Phase 2.  ON that timeline the Bishop’s Pastoral Order will come into effect on 1 November 2026. The final allocation of parishes to new Areas will be formalised at this point.

If the feedback indicates that there are more challenges still to resolve before we continue, then we will pause and re-consider the timing of the remaining phases.

When does the consultation close, and how do I get my questions asked at Diocesan Synod?

The consultation runs from 21 August to 28 September 2026. Diocesan Synod meets on 26 September 2026 to discuss these proposals; the deadline for questions is 18 September 2026.  We suggest that you submit questions to one of your Deanery representatives, who can then ensure questions are collated at a Deanery level, and a Diocesan representative can then raise the issue through the normal submission process.

Why is the consultation only five weeks - is there enough time to respond properly?

We recognise five weeks is a tight window, particularly for those wanting to organise group discussions or gather views from a PCC or Deanery Synod. The timeline reflects the need to reach a decision within a realistic timeframe, while still allowing genuine opportunity for feedback to shape the final proposals. If you need more time to submit a considered response, please get in touch with the Strategy Team directly using strategy@chester.anglican.org 

How can I take part in the consultation?

Everyone is encouraged to participate. Contributions to the consultation can be made as follows:

·         Online: using this Deanery Revitalisation Consultation Form

·         By Email/Post: using this Deanery Revitalisation Downloadable Survey

o   Either: complete electronically and email to strategy@chester.anglican.org

o   Or: print out, fill in, and send to:

Strategy Team – Deanery Revitalisation Consultation

Church House, 5500 Daresbury Park, Warrington, WA4 4GE.

Many Deaneries and PCCs are planning to meet in September to discuss the proposals.   Materials to explain the proposals and support your discussion are coming soon.

Who can contribute to the consultation?

The consultation is open to anyone with an interest in the life and mission of the Diocese.  You can provide a response as an individual, or on behalf of a PCC, School, Chaplaincy, Chapter, or Deanery Synod.

What will happen to the feedback received?

All responses will be reviewed and analysed. Themes, concerns and suggestions raised through the consultation will inform the development of the final proposals and any subsequent implementation plans.

Where can I read the full proposal?

The full Deaneries: Revitalised for Mission materials are available through the Diocese of Chester website. These provide further detail on the vision, proposed structures and opportunities for engagement.