Area Deans

The Area Dean is appointed by the Bishop on a fixed term licence (which may be extended) after consultation with members of the Deanery Chapter and the Lay Chair. Some deans may (as at present) take on responsibility in addition to a parochial or other post already held.

The Area Dean maintains regular contact with the Archdeacon and the Bishop, attending meetings arranged for them, often including Deanery Lay Chairs.

The Area Dean convenes regular meetings of the Deanery Chapter, consisting of licensed clergy, Self Supporting Ministers and chaplains of institutions. Licensed Lay Ministers (e.g. Church Army Evangelists, Readers-in-Charge) may be invited to be members of Chapter. Periodic Ministry Chapters involving all ministers contributing to the deanery are also arranged.

Together with the Archdeacon the Area Dean has a pastoral concern for the welfare of all clergy and their families in the deanery, keeping the Archdeacon & Bishop informed of situations where care and advice are needed.

The Area Dean advises the Archdeacon and Bishop on the specific needs of parishes and clergy.

The Area Dean takes action in any instance of neglect in pastoral care, or where the proper supervision of clerical/lay assistant ministers or lay officers is not being given. They ensure that only members of the clergy who are licensed (or who have permission to officiate) in the diocese are permitted to officiate in the deanery. They should, together with clergy colleagues, exercise the quality control of licensed and unlicensed lay ministries in the deanery, bearing in mind the public representative nature of the Church of England's ministry.

The Area Dean is ex officio Chair of the Deanery House of Clergy and acts as returning officer for the election of lay representatives to the Diocesan Synod.

The Area Dean is to be informed on all matters that are by law presentable under Canon G6. When necessary they help churchwardens frame such presentments, for example, the responses to the Archdeacons Articles of Enquiry.

Area Deans have a key role in the Diocesan Emergency Plan.

Vacancies: the Area Dean plays an important role in vacancies (interregnums) and together with the Lay Chair should prepare for, and be pastorally diligent during periods in deanery life when vacant parishes and their officers value support and advice.

• Together with the churchwardens take charge of the parish(es), arranging the services rota and pastoral cover for the occasional offices, establishing effective lines of communication.
• In partnership with the Archdeacon, churchwardens and PCCs discuss the mission and ministry plans for the future.
• Attend (with the Lay Chair) the Preliminary Meeting chaired by the Archdeacon for PCC’s in vacant parishes to explain the process to be followed in making a new appointment and in particular re-stating the Deanery Mission Plan.
• May join the PCC’s for their Section 11 Meeting when the Parish representatives are appointed and the Parish Profile is agreed to ensure that the deanery perspective is properly described.
• Attend the Vacancy (Section 12) Meeting (with the Lay Chair) chaired by the Archdeacon when the Parish Profile and ministry provision / recruitment process is discussed.
• Advise the Archdeacon on appropriate parsonage locations, acquisitions and disposals.
• Are involved in the advertising, short-listing and interviewing process together with Patrons, Parish Representatives and Archdeacon as appropriate.
• Arrange the order of service and rehearsal for inductions and institutions, licensing and installation services with the incumbent designate (or equivalent) and the churchwardens, liaising with the Archdeacon and the Bishop. The Area Dean has a liturgical role in the service and leads Church and community welcoming of the new minister.