Head of Clergy Development

Introduction

Head of Clergy Development

Full time (35 hours)

Manchester Diocese has an inspiring vision for 2030, with a strong focus on developing missional leaders who can inspire and equip the Church for the future. We are now seeking a Head of Clergy Development to lead and shape this vital area of ministry. As a key member of the Mission and Ministry team, the post-holder will contribute to well-established, fruitful clergy training programmes, while having the opportunity to develop new initiatives in a season of new vision.

The Head of Clergy Development has primary responsibility for training and equipping of clergy across the Diocese of Manchester. Much of this focus is on those in their early post-ordination years, especially those in training posts (IME Phase 2). Alongside this is the development and delivery of Continuing Ministerial Development (CMD), programmes of Lifelong Learning and Sabbaticals, and the challenge to ensure a strongly missional DNA across all the threads of our clergy training and development.

We are seeking a pastoral and visionary leader who can nurture and support clergy in their formation and ongoing growth. The ideal candidate will bring deep knowledge, creativity, and enthusiasm to shape an innovative and inspiring programme of training and development. Working collaboratively with colleagues across the diocese, the post-holder will play a key role in delivering high-quality training, events, and conferences that equip clergy for effective and missional ministry.

Candidates should be mature in faith and spirituality with a prayerful approach to life and have experience of teaching courses and / or leading training. They should have knowledge of safeguarding best practice and an advocate for developing a strong and embedded culture of safeguarding throughout the diocese.

It is important to us that the new Head of Clergy Development is committed to diversity, inclusion and racial justice. We are also looking for someone who is generous in working with a breadth of traditions and spirituality in the Church of England. In particular, we welcome female candidates and candidates of global majority heritage to help ensure the diversity of our senior team. 

There is an occupational requirement for the post holder to be a practising Christian and member of the Anglican Church, in accordance with Schedule 9 to the Equality Act 2010.

The package includes 22 days annual leave per year, rising to 25 days after 12 months’ service, in addition to Bank Holidays and three church days.

For applicants ordained within Anglican orders (and ready for a position of first responsibility) there is a possibility that alternative terms and conditions be offered with employment on the basis of stipend rate for posts of incumbent status plus housing. 

An enhanced DBS check is required for the successful candidate.

Closing date: Monday, 7 July 2025 at 5:00pm 

Interview date: Tuesday, 22 July 2025