Dean of Emmanuel Theological College

Introduction

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-shaped 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’s, 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.

In accordance with the Equality Act 2010, the Members and Trustees have determined that it is a genuine occupational requirement that the post holder is a practising Christian.

The recruitment pack can be viewed here https://emmanueltheologicalcollege.ac.uk/join-the-team/

Application Details - please do not apply on Pathways. Please send a letter of no more than two pages of A4 explaining why you feel called to this role, along with your CV to The Rt Revd Philip North, Chair of the Board of Trustees by Sunday 17 May 2026 (bishop@bishopofblackburn.org.uk) 

Please also provide the names of three referees who can comment on your suitability for the post. Clergy who hold a licence or PTO should also provide the name of their Diocesan Bishop in order than a CCSL might be obtained. Lay candidates should include one employee based referee, from their current or most recent employer.

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

Interviews will be held on Thursday 11 June in Blackburn Cathedral