Archdeacon of the East Riding

Introduction

The Archbishop of York, in collaboration with the Bishop of Hull, invites applications for the role of Archdeacon of the East Riding, following the appointment of the Venerable Andy Broom (Archdeacon 2014 - 2026) to lead a parish revitalisation in a partnership between the Dioceses of York and Sheffield which will begin in the autumn.

A Ministry of Leadership and Service

Our Archdeacons play a vital role in the life of the Diocese, offering priestly, pastoral, and teaching leadership. Working closely with the bishops and the York Diocesan Leadership Team (YDLT), they help shape the culture and direction of the Diocese, enabling and resourcing the Church’s structures to serve God’s mission. 

Through membership of the Diocesan Leadership Team (YDLT) and Archbishop’s Council (which in York serves as the board of trustees of the DBF), the Archdeacons share in the formation of strategy for leadership and oversight across the diocese, with particular statutory responsibility for certain matters related to church buildings, ministerial discipline and capability, and the ordering of parish life.

We are seeking a spiritually grounded, resilient, and self-motivated priest with a deep sense of calling to the role of Archdeacon and to the Diocese of York who can demonstrate:

• Experience of supporting and enabling the ministry of others;
• Strong communication and listening skills;
• The ability to engage empathetically across diverse contexts and cultures;
• A commitment to personal spiritual growth in a role that is not rooted in a single worshipping community.

The Diocese of York

Spanning from the Humber to the Tees and from the A1 to the Yorkshire coast, the Diocese of York is the Church of England’s largest by area. It encompasses a rich variety of communities, from urban centres like Hull, Middlesbrough, and York to deeply rural parishes. The Diocese is marked by economic and cultural diversity, with areas of both affluence and significant deprivation.

Our diocesan vision, Living Christ’s Story, calls us to be a Christ-centred Church that is Simpler, Humbler, and Bolder, shaped by the Five Marks of Mission. This vision underpins our strategic plan, which seeks to revitalise parishes, chaplaincies, and new worshipping communities, ensuring a flourishing Christian presence in every community.

The Archdeaconry of the East Riding

The Archdeaconry of the East Riding is the largest in the diocese, encompassing 41% of the diocesan population across a richly varied landscape. It stretches from the City of Hull through vibrant market towns, extensive rural areas and a striking coastline with distinctive seaside communities. Alongside areas of significant affluence are deep pockets of deprivation, particularly in coastal communities and on Hull’s outer estates, making this a place of both challenge and opportunity.

Hull itself is a priority area for national funding and renewal, marked by strong community spirit and growing regeneration, while rural parishes steward an exceptional heritage of historic church buildings and village life that calls for innovative and sustainable approaches to mission. Across the archdeaconry, the eight deaneries are well‑led, collaborative and mission‑focused, with initiatives such as Heart4Hull and Mustard Seed nurturing new worshipping communities and lay leadership.

This is a predominantly Evangelical and Central archdeaconry, shaped by strong relationships with the Bishop of Hull and a clear commitment to revitalising parishes, supporting clergy and lay leaders, and proclaiming Christ in diverse and demanding contexts.

This is a role of spiritual leadership, pastoral care, and administrative oversight. The Archdeacon acts as a bridge-builder, encourager, and enabler—supporting clergy and lay leaders, and helping to discern and implement God’s mission across the Archdeaconry.

Personal Qualities

In accordance with the Canons of the Church of England, applicants must have been in holy orders for at least six years and be in priest’s orders at the time of appointment. The successful candidate will be an experienced priest with a deep understanding of the Church of England, a proven commitment to church growth, and a track record of collaborative leadership.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults. It is a requirement for an appointment to an ecclesiastical office in the Diocese of York that you must have undertaken the prescribed safeguarding training, and any offer made will be subject to a satisfactory enhanced DBS disclosure.

We are committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion and welcome applications from disabled candidates and those from UKME heritage as these groups are under-represented in our staff.  

Only fully completed applications through Pathways will be accepted; applicants must have the right to work in the UK.

Closing date for applications 28 May 2026 (midnight) 

Shortlisting 8 June 2026

Preliminary interview date 2 July 2026 in Beverley 

Final interview with the Archbishop 6 July 2026 in Bishopthorpe