Archbishops' Advisers for Appointments and Vocations

The Archbishops’ Advisers for Appointments and Vocations team is a key team within the Office of the Archbishops of Canterbury and York, supporting and advising the Archbishops and the wider Church on the appointments process for senior clergy. The team supports the work of the Crown Nominations Commission in identifying new Diocesan Bishops, those involved in appointing Suffragan Bishops, and the selection panels who nominate new cathedral Deans. The team supports senior clergy in their vocation and discernment, working closely with the Ministry Development team and others to develop a diverse pipeline of candidates for senior roles. The team also helps to ensure that senior clergy are equipped for the Church of England’s missional challenges and for the vital role it plays in the life of the nation. 

Diocesan Bishops

The nomination and appointment of a Diocesan Bishop is through the Crown Nominations Commission (CNC) which meets at least twice to consider each appointment, or 'vacancy in see'.  The work of the CNC is governed by General Synod Standing Orders 136 - 141.

The process for choosing a Diocesan Bishop begins in the diocese with a comprehensive consultation process, running in parallel with the discernment of the diocese's Vacancy in See Committee.  However, because of the variety of the roles which diocesan bishops have - not only within the Church of England but also locally and nationally - the choice is not made by representatives of the diocese alone.

Diocesan representatives work alongside representatives of the Church of England, elected from the General Synod.  Details of the national 'Central Members' of the Crown Nominations Committee can be found here.  The Archbishop of Canterbury is Chair of the Crown Nominations Committee and presides at meetings of the Commission when an appointment in the Province of Canterbury is being considered.  The Archbishop of York is Vice-Chair of the Commission and presides at meetings of the Commission when an appointment in the Province of York is being considered.  The Sovereign (advised by the Prime Minister) makes the final appointment to the vacant see.

Forthcoming Vacant Sees

Ely
Coventry
Truro
Durham
Carlisle
St Edmundsbury & Ipswich
Worcester

Suffragan Bishops

The nomination and appointment of Suffragan Bishops is made through the Diocesan Bishop, supported by an Advisory Group.

Forthcoming vacant sees include Europe, Reading, Buckingham, Aston, and Warwick.

Deans

The nomination of a Dean to either a Crown or Parish Church Cathedral is made by a panel convened for this purpose. The panel is led by a Chair, nominated by the Archbishop of the Province.

Forthcoming vacant sees include Guildford and Southwell & Nottingham.