Dean

Following the appointment of Canon Dr Michael Leyden as Bishop of Penrith, the Trustees of Emmanuel Theological College invite applications - and prayers - as we seek to discern who God is calling to serve as our next Dean.

This is a remarkable and strategic moment. Emmanuel exists to raise up a new generation of Christ-centred, hope-filled and mission-orientated leaders for the Church in the North West and beyond. Rooted in the life of the local church and founded and owned by the six North West dioceses, the College is now the second largest TEI in the Church of England, forming women and men from diverse backgrounds for ministries that will proclaim the gospel afresh in our time.

We are seeking a leader with a deep love for Christ and his Church: someone rooted in prayer, nourished by Scripture, and able to speak authentically and compellingly of their own salvation. You will be at home across the breadth of the Church of England, while bringing clarity and confidence in your own theological convictions.

As Dean, you will help shape the spiritual formation, theological depth, and missional courage of those preparing for ordained and lay ministry. You will lead a vibrant and growing community, offering full-time contextual and part-time formational pathways for ordination, licensed lay ministry, and Children, Youth and Family Ministry. Since our registration with the Office for Students in May 2025, Emmanuel has also begun to welcome an increasing number of independent students, enriching the life of the College further.

You will be a servant-hearted and inspiring leader - able to draw out the gifts of a talented staff team, to nurture a flourishing community of formation, and to model the life of discipleship we seek to instil in others. You will carry the responsibilities of this office with wisdom, humility and courage, helping to lead Emmanuel into its next season.

Emmanuel is based at Daresbury Park, Warrington with teaching delivered across five centres in the North West. Residentials take place at The Hayes Conference Centre in Derbyshire. This is a role that calls for generosity of time and spirit, with regular travel and some evening and weekend work.

Above all, this is a calling to invest in people who will serve Christ’s Church for generations to come.

For more information, please contact Bishop Philip North, Chair of the Board of Trustees: bishop@bishopofblackburn.org.uk

Details on how to apply are found in the accompanying recruitment pack by clicking the 'apply for this job' button below.

Closing date for applications: Sunday 17th May 2026
Interview date: Thursday 11th June 2026 at Blackburn Cathedral

This post is subject to an enhanced DBS clearance