When will this all happen?
Setting the Timetable for Change
WHEN will this all happen?
We're committed to revitalising our Deaneries, but exactly how and when is still to be decided - that's what this consultation is for. Five phases are currently planned.
Phase 1: Consultation (now until 28 Sep 2026). Feedback gets collated and reported to Bishop Mark and his senior leadership team in October. If any suggestions or concerns can be addressed as we go, we move to Phase 2. If bigger challenges come up, we'll pause and reconsider the timing of everything that follows.
Phase 2: Preparation and signing of the Bishop's Pastoral Order. This is the legal document that formally creates the new Areas. Bishop Mark will meet current Rural Deans and Assistant Rural Deans to agree robust interim arrangements before signing it. We need to make sure we can continue to operate well in the early stages.
We're currently aiming for a signing date on or before 31 Oct 2026, with the new arrangements taking effect on 1 Nov 2026.
Phase 3: Interim arrangements. Each new Area gets an Interim Area Dean, Interim Assistant Area Dean and Interim Area Lay Chair, carrying on the existing roles but for the new Area boundaries - keeping things running while the permanent structure is built.
Phase 4: Transition. A small number of Areas will pilot the process first, working with a Transition Accompanier to define their leadership structure, agree Role Descriptions and appoint permanent roles. We expect three or four Areas to complete this in 2027.
Phase 5: Implementation. New Area Leadership Teams start operating under their new Role Descriptions. We'll learn from the pilot before rolling out to everyone else, with the remaining Areas completing the transition during 2028 and 2029.
We especially want to hear if your Area is keen to be part of the pilot, and your thoughts on how we phase and support this well.
See the full timeline and the Bishop's Pastoral Order →